Savanna Hoffman
Hosting an international student is a rewarding experience for both the student and the host family. It allows students to learn about life in a new country and gain independence, while host families get to experience a new culture and make connections that can last a lifetime. Host families are needed in many parts of the world, with organisations like International Student Exchange (ISE) and AFS-USA offering exchange programs in the US and Educatius offering programs worldwide. These organisations provide support and resources to help host families prepare for the exchange, and ensure that students are carefully selected and insured. To become a host family, you must meet certain requirements, such as providing a separate bed and desk for the student, and commit to speaking English with them. Background and home checks are also required to ensure the safety of the students. Once accepted, host families can choose a student that fits well with their family dynamics and interests, and begin building a relationship with them before their arrival.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Host family requirements | Host families are required to provide a bedroom, bed, and storage for the student, as well as access to common areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, and living room. |
| Host families should also provide three meals per day, although students may choose to buy lunch at school. | |
| Host families are expected to treat the exchange student as part of the family, providing the same privileges and obligations as their own children. | |
| Hosts must also exercise supervisory and parental responsibility to ensure the student's well-being, including helping them navigate cultural differences. | |
| Application process | Host families must submit an application, including general information about family members, the home, and the community. |
| A criminal background check is required for all adults in the household, and home visits may also be conducted by the organization. | |
| Student selection | Host families can choose a student based on interests, hobbies, culture, or country of origin. |
| Organizations may provide student profiles and introductory letters to assist in the selection process. | |
| Orientation and support | Host families receive orientation and ongoing support from local coordinators or liaisons, who can help navigate cultural differences and address any challenges. |
| Organizations may also facilitate community-building activities, events, and contests to engage host families and students. | |
| Program duration | Programs can vary in length, ranging from short-term cultural exchanges to semester-long or year-long academic programs. |
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What You'll Learn
Application and screening process
The application and screening process for becoming a host family for international students typically involves several steps, including:
Application Submission:
- Families interested in hosting international students can reach out to organizations like ICES USA, ISE, AFS-USA, or EF. These organizations facilitate the hosting process and provide support to both host families and students.
- The application process usually involves submitting an online or hard copy application form. The application will request general information about your family, home, and community to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for hosting.
Background Checks and Screening:
- As part of the screening process, organizations may conduct background checks on all adults (aged 18 and older) living in the host family's home. This step helps ensure the safety and security of the students.
- ICES USA, for example, requires a criminal background check for all adults in the household, which can be submitted through a secure online portal or an authorization form.
Home Visit and Orientation:
- A representative from the organization, often a Local Coordinator, will typically schedule a home visit to meet the family members and explain the program in detail. They will tour the home, including the common areas, student's bedroom, and bathroom, to ensure it meets the requirements for hosting.
- Before the student arrives, the Local Coordinator will also conduct a host family orientation. This orientation will cover topics such as cultural differences, program rules, and solutions to common challenges, providing an opportunity for host families to ask questions and gain a better understanding of their role.
Student Selection and Matching:
- After the application and screening process, the Local Coordinator will assist in finding the right student for your family. They will consider factors such as family composition, personality type, and needs to suggest potential students.
- Host families are typically provided with student profiles, including information about the student and an introductory letter. This helps families make an informed decision about the student they wish to host.
Pre-Arrival Communication:
Once the placement is finalized, host families are encouraged to start building a relationship with their student before their arrival. This can be done through email, social media, video calls, or international messaging apps. It helps both parties get to know each other and facilitates a smoother transition when the student joins the family.
The application and screening process ensures that host families are well-prepared, eligible, and suitable for welcoming international students into their homes, fostering a positive and rewarding experience for all involved.
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Selecting a student
Understanding Your Preferences and Expectations
Before selecting a student, it is essential to reflect on your preferences and expectations for the homestay experience. Consider factors such as the student's age, cultural background, language skills, and any specific interests or needs they may have. Be open-minded and flexible, as embracing diversity will enrich your hosting experience.
Connecting with Organisations
Reach out to reputable organisations that facilitate international student homestay programs. These organisations, such as ICES, ISE, and StudentRoomStay, can assist in matching host families with students based on compatibility. They may provide student profiles, introductory letters, and other relevant information to aid in your selection process.
Completing a Questionnaire
As part of the application process, you will likely be asked to complete a detailed questionnaire. This helps organisations understand your family dynamics, lifestyle, interests, and expectations. Be honest and thorough in your responses to ensure accurate matching with prospective students.
Communicating Your Preferences
Clearly communicate your preferences to the organisation's representatives, such as relationship managers or local coordinators. They are there to support you and ensure a successful match. Discuss any specific criteria you are looking for in a student, such as shared interests, academic goals, or cultural exchange opportunities.
Receiving Student Information
Once your background checks are cleared and you are confirmed as eligible to host, you will receive more detailed information about prospective students. This may include student photos, letters from their natural parents, and other relevant details. This information will help you make an informed decision about which student to host.
Seeking Advice and Support
Don't hesitate to ask for advice from your local coordinator or relationship manager. They are experienced in making suitable matches and can provide valuable insights or suggestions based on your preferences and the students' profiles. They are there to ensure a positive experience for both your family and the student.
Remember, selecting a student is a mutual process, and organisations will work to find the best fit for both parties. Taking the time to consider your preferences and expectations, as well as staying open-minded, will help create a rewarding homestay experience for everyone involved.
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Preparing for the student's arrival
Get to Know the Student
Before the student's arrival, it is beneficial to start building a connection with them. Use email, social media, international messaging apps, or video calls to communicate and get to know each other. Discuss your daily routines, favourite foods, family dynamics, and anything else that will help you understand each other better. This will help the student feel more comfortable and facilitate a smoother transition when they arrive.
Host Family Orientation
Participate in a host family orientation conducted by your Local Coordinator or Area Representative. This orientation will cover important topics such as cultural differences, program rules, solutions to common challenges, and any questions you may have. It will also provide an opportunity to meet other host families in your area, which can be a great source of support and community.
Prepare Your Home
Ensure your home is ready to accommodate the student's needs. This includes providing a comfortable bedroom, access to common areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, and living room, and explaining how to find and use various items in the house. Establish clear household rules and expectations, and communicate them to the student in advance.
Gather Important Contacts and Information
Make sure you have all the necessary contact information for your Local Coordinator or Area Representative, the student's insurance details, and any other important numbers. This will ensure that you have quick access to support and resources when needed.
Treat the Student as Family
Remember that exchange students are not guests but temporary members of your family. Encourage them to participate in family meals, activities, and chores. Include them in your daily routines and involve them in your community. This will help them feel welcomed and integrated into your family life.
By following these steps and staying in close communication with your Local Coordinator or Area Representative, you can effectively prepare for the student's arrival and create a warm and welcoming environment for them.
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The student's stay
The students stay
The length of a student's stay can vary depending on the program and the student's preferences. Some students may stay for a full year or semester, while others may only stay for a few weeks or months. For example, the AFS-USA program offers year and semester options, with year students staying for 10 months and semester students staying for 5 months. There is also the option to become a "welcome family" and host a student for 6-12 weeks while they wait for a permanent placement.
Once a student is placed with a host family, the family is expected to provide a comfortable and welcoming home environment. This includes offering a bedroom, bed, and access to common areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, and living room. The student should also have the same privileges and obligations as the host family's children, including providing three meals per day (although the student is responsible for the cost if they choose to buy lunch at school).
It is important for host families to exercise supervisory and parental responsibility to ensure the student's well-being. This includes providing a quiet place for the student to study and ensuring they know how to contact support networks. Host families are also expected to adhere to the regulations, guidelines, and policies of the exchange program, which may include regular progress reports and home visits.
To facilitate a smooth transition and adjustment for the student, it is recommended that host families start getting to know their student before they arrive. This can be done through email, video chat, social media, or phone calls. It is also a good idea to set up a dialogue and learn about each other's cultures to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Overall, hosting an international student is a rewarding experience that allows host families to create lasting memories and connections. It is a chance to learn about different cultures, traditions, and perspectives, and to build meaningful relationships that can last a lifetime.
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The benefits of hosting an international student
Benefits of Hosting an International Student
Hosting an international student comes with numerous advantages for both the host family and the student. Here are some reasons why you should consider becoming a host family:
Cultural Exchange and Expanded Worldview
Inviting an international student into your home offers a unique opportunity for cultural exchange. You will gain insight into their traditions, customs, and way of life, and they will do the same with yours. This exchange will enrich your family and community, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures. It will remind you that there is a whole world to explore beyond your daily routine.
Personal Growth and New Perspectives
Hosting an international student challenges you to step outside your comfort zone and enhances your communication skills. You will learn to build relationships and connect with someone from a different background, which can lead to personal growth and wisdom. You will gain new perspectives, try new foods, and see your own community in a fresh light.
Lifelong Relationships and a Global Network
By hosting an international student, you open yourself up to the possibility of creating lifelong relationships and expanding your global network. These connections can bear fruit in unexpected ways long after the student has returned home. You may find yourself with a friendly contact in a foreign country, or you may be able to help a friend relocating to the student's home city.
Financial Benefits
Hosting an international student can also provide financial benefits. You will receive a stipend or compensation to help cover the costs of food, transportation, and other expenses associated with supporting the student. This can be especially beneficial if you already have school-age children, as the costs of meals and transportation may already be part of your routine.
Nurturing and Encouragement
As a host family, you get to play a crucial role in supporting and guiding a student through a potentially challenging time in their life. You can encourage them in their studies, help them step out of their comfort zone, and watch them thrive as they adjust to their new environment. This can be a rewarding experience, seeing the student blossom and achieve their goals.
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Frequently asked questions
The requirements vary depending on the organisation and the type of program. However, some common requirements include providing a comfortable living space, offering three meals a day, and ensuring student safety. Host families are also expected to treat the student as part of their family and provide a supportive environment for cultural exchange.
You can apply by contacting an organisation that facilitates student exchange programs, such as ICES, EF, ISE, Educatius, or AFS. They will provide you with an application form and guide you through the process. The application will typically include general information about your family, home, and community. A home visit by an experienced staff member or local coordinator is also usually required.
Most organisations provide extensive support for host families throughout the exchange program. This includes a host family orientation, cultural exchange activities, and 24/7 local and national support with emergency hotlines. Local coordinators are also available to answer questions, provide advice, and assist with any concerns or challenges that may arise.
