Complaint Review: Ayusa International

We hosted 2 children at the same time with this organization, one finished her 6 month stay and we had no problems, the other was removed from our house a week later (mid Feb 2009) for no reason known or given to us. This child who was removed had unpaid bills and contracts made which was to last through her whole term (June 2009).

We had a contract signed with the one student, Yola Seeger which we had no problems with.

The second student, Merel Leemans, the one in question was removed for no reason, prematurely, prior to completing her term, and prior to being able to pay all her obligations, so we had to pay her unpaid bills. These were for a cell phone contract, stolen cell phone, cleaning bill, 24 hour fitness bill.

Ayusa told us to send in the bill and we would get paid back right away. We did this over a week ago mailed certified mail, we have called to follow up, and emailed, we get no reply at all, no call back, nothing. Bills totalled $515.28

We complained to them and to BBB, and Ayusa claimed we signed a contract, and they were not obligated to pay her bills.

There was never a legally signed contract for Merel Leemans, signed by neither my wife or I, and the other contract was allowed to be signed by their representative without me being there, forging my name.

As you know, the U.S. does not allow host families to get paid for hosting exchange students, and host families are not supposed to have to pay for these kids bills, other than room and board, and food.

We have sent copies of all bills, and Ayusa says us, a host family, who gave our time has to pay for their student's bills.

They took this child out of our house, for no reason given, and all we want to end this matter is the money we are out for the bills incurred.

Mike
Simi Valley, California
U.S.A.