Janice Lozano
Hosting an international student is a rewarding and enriching experience that allows you to welcome students into your home and share your culture. It is a great opportunity to learn about different cultures, traditions and perspectives, and foster a meaningful cultural exchange. Host families provide a welcoming home environment for international or exchange students, including accommodation, meals and the same care, support and comfort they would give to another member of their family. Host families are not expected to help students apply to schools or drive them to campus visits. There are many organisations that help match students with host families, and they provide support and guidance throughout the process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Student safety | Criminal background check for everyone 18 and older in the host family |
| Host family screening | Criminal background check |
| Host family requirements | Accommodation, meals, participation in family events, care, support, and comfort |
| Host family selection | Based on family composition, personality type, needs, interests, hobbies, faith, and culture |
| Host family support | Local coordinators, online resources, and a community of host families |
| Host family remuneration | Weekly rates, tax deductions, and scholarships |
| Host family activities | Photo and recipe contests, community service projects, and cultural exchange |
| Host family duration | Short-term, semester-long, or year-long |
| Host family location | Within 60 minutes of EF campuses in Boston, Honolulu, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Seattle, and Florida |
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What You'll Learn
Host family requirements
- Host families are expected to provide a safe, welcoming, and comfortable living environment for the student. This includes a bedroom, bed, and access to common areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, and living room.
- Families should treat the student as a member of their own family, offering the same care, support, and comfort.
- Host families are responsible for providing three meals a day. However, if the student chooses to buy lunch at school, they are typically responsible for that cost.
- It is important to acknowledge the student's birthday and other special occasions, as well as ensure they know how to contact their support networks.
- Host families should be willing to share their culture and daily lives with the student, allowing them to participate in family events and activities.
- Host families must adhere to the program's regulations, guidelines, and policies, which may include regular progress reports and home visits.
- Most organisations require a criminal background check for everyone over the age of 18 living in the home.
- Host families usually have the opportunity to select a student who shares their interests, hobbies, faith, or cultural background.
- It is beneficial to start communicating with the student before their arrival to facilitate a smooth transition and adjustment to family life.
- Host families should be open to experiencing and learning about the student's culture, just as the student will be eager to learn about theirs.
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Selecting a student
Once you have been confirmed as eligible to host, you will have access to additional information, including student photos, videos, and a letter from the student’s natural parents. You can also ask for advice from your Local Coordinator, who will be happy to make suggestions or give opinions on which student might be the best fit for you. Local Coordinators have often been hosts themselves, so they know the care and consideration it takes to find the right student. They will consider factors such as family composition, personality type, and needs when suggesting students.
Ultimately, the decision is yours, and you can choose the student that fits best in your home. You can start bonding with your student through email, video chat, social media, or phone calls. It is fun and exciting to learn about each other's personalities and cultures.
Remember, hosting an international student will broaden your global perspective and enrich your family and community. It is a rewarding experience for both the host family and the student.
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Preparing for their arrival
Preparing for the arrival of your international student guest is an important step in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable hosting experience. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
The Application Process
The first step is to submit an application to become a host family. This typically involves providing references and undergoing a home visit by a staff member of the hosting organization. The home visit is an opportunity for the staff to meet your family, explain the program, answer any questions, and assess your home to ensure it meets the necessary requirements.
Background Checks
As part of the screening process, host families are usually required to undergo criminal background checks for all individuals over the age of 18 living in the home. These checks are often facilitated by the hosting organization and can be done through an online portal or hard copy authorization form.
Student Selection
After your application is approved and background checks are cleared, you will be able to select a student to host. You may choose a student based on shared interests, hobbies, faith, or cultural background. The hosting organization will provide suggestions and guidance to help you find the best fit for your family.
Pre-Arrival Communication
Once the placement is finalized, it is beneficial to start building a relationship with your student before their arrival. Use email, video chat, social media, or phone calls to introduce yourselves and learn about each other's personalities and cultures. This early communication can help set the foundation for a smooth transition and cultural exchange.
Host Family Orientation
Before the student's arrival, the hosting organization will typically conduct an orientation session for host families. This orientation will cover important topics such as cultural differences, program rules, and potential challenges. It is also an opportunity to meet other host families and ask any remaining questions.
Preparing the Student's Living Space
Ensure that the student's bedroom and common areas are ready and comfortable. The student should have a bed, storage space, and a room with an exit window. They should also have access to shared spaces such as the kitchen, bathroom, and living room.
By following these steps and working closely with your hosting organization, you can confidently prepare for the arrival of your international student guest and create a positive and memorable experience for both your family and the student.
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Daily life as a host
It is important to involve your student in your family's daily life and events, treating them as a member of the family. This includes sharing your culture and traditions, for example, at meal times. You can also expect to learn about their culture and traditions and participate in cultural exchange. This exchange can be a rewarding and enriching experience for both your family and the student, allowing you to build meaningful connections and lasting memories. Many host families report that they develop strong bonds with their students, who become like family members.
Before the student arrives, you will have the opportunity to get to know them through email, video chat, social media, or phone calls. This initial contact can help to set the stage for a smooth transition and adjustment to life in your family. Once the student arrives, you will be expected to help them settle into a daily routine and introduce them to household chores. You will also need to ensure the student knows how to contact their support networks, including family and friends back home.
Throughout the student's stay, you may have access to support from the hosting organization, which can include local coordinators who can provide advice and assistance. These coordinators can also help to organize activities and events for host families and students to participate in together, fostering a sense of community. It is important to cooperate with the hosting organization by adhering to program regulations, guidelines, and policies, which may include regular progress reports and home visits.
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Benefits of hosting
Hosting an international student is a rewarding and enriching experience that comes with numerous benefits. Here are some advantages to consider:
Cultural Exchange and Learning
One of the most valuable aspects of hosting an international student is the opportunity for cultural exchange and learning. By welcoming a student from another country into your home, you and your family will gain a unique insight into their culture, traditions, and language. You will be able to share meals, exchange stories, and learn from each other, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of global diversity. This exchange can bring excitement to your daily life and help create a more peaceful and connected global community.
Building Lifelong Relationships
Hosting an international student allows you to build meaningful and lasting relationships that span borders and generations. You will have the chance to develop a close bond with your student, who may become like a "'son'" or "daughter" to you. Many host families form lifelong friendships with their students and even create connections with their families back home. These relationships can lead to a global network of friends and a broader perspective for both your family and the student.
Enhancing Family Dynamics
Inviting an international student to live with your family can strengthen family bonds and bring everyone closer together. Sharing your daily lives with a student from a different cultural background can be an enriching experience for all family members. Younger children, in particular, will enjoy having an older "sibling" from another country, and it can foster an appreciation for diversity and cultural understanding within your own family unit.
Rediscovering Your Surroundings
Hosting an international student encourages you to explore your city or town through fresh eyes. You will likely find yourself rediscovering local attractions, hidden gems, and cultural offerings in your area. Whether it's visiting a museum, strolling through a park, or trying new restaurants, your student will appreciate the opportunity to learn about your local culture and community. This shared exploration can bring a new sense of excitement and appreciation for your surroundings.
Financial Benefits
In some countries, host families may be eligible for financial benefits. For example, in the United States, host families can claim a tax deduction of $50 per month for each month they host an international student. This financial support can help offset any additional expenses incurred during the hosting period.
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Frequently asked questions
The requirements vary depending on the organisation, but generally, host families are expected to provide a safe and welcoming home environment for the student. This includes offering a comfortable living space, such as a bedroom and access to common areas.
You can apply by submitting an application form, which may require references and a home visit. Some organisations provide both online and offline application options.
Host families are expected to welcome international students into their homes and treat them as part of the family. This includes providing meals, acknowledging special occasions, and allowing the student to participate in family events and daily life.
Organisations often provide extensive support to host families, including local coordinators who can answer questions, assist with the application process, and help select a suitable student. Some organisations also offer cultural activities and community events to foster connections between host families and students.
Becoming a host family offers a unique opportunity to engage with students from different cultures, broaden your global perspective, and foster meaningful connections. It is a rewarding experience that allows you to share your culture while learning about the traditions and perspectives of others.
