Hosting International Students: A Guide For Families

Hosting an international student is a great way to broaden your horizons, enrich your community, and build bridges of understanding between people from different countries and cultures. There are many programs that facilitate this cultural exchange, such as CIEE, AYA, ICES, and EF, which connect host families with international students looking to immerse themselves in a new environment. These programs offer support and guidance throughout the process, ensuring a positive experience for both the host families and the students. By opening your home and sharing your lives, you can foster meaningful connections and create lasting bonds with young people from all over the world.

Student safety and host family screening

Student safety is the top priority for host family programs. To ensure the safety of students, host family screening includes a criminal background check for everyone aged 18 and older in the household. This may be submitted via an online portal or by completing a hard copy authorization form. In addition to the background check, host families are also required to provide references, which are verified by the Local Coordinator to ensure that the family can provide a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment for the student.

The Local Coordinator will also schedule a home visit to meet with all family members, explain the program in detail, and get to know the family. They will take pictures of the common areas, the student's bedroom, and bathroom, and discuss the family's responsibilities. This visit is an opportunity for the Local Coordinator to ensure that the family understands the commitment and is able to provide a comfortable and supportive home for the student.

Once the background checks have cleared and the family has been confirmed as eligible to host, they will receive additional information, including student photos, videos, and a letter from the student's natural parents. The Local Coordinator will assist the family in selecting the right student for them, taking into account the student's interests, hobbies, faith, and cultural background. The Local Coordinator will also ensure that the student is enrolled in an accredited high school and will obtain school start and end dates, as well as any special requirements the school may have for exchange students.

Before the student arrives, the Local Coordinator will conduct a host family orientation to address cultural differences, program rules, and common challenges. This is also an opportunity for the host family to ask any remaining questions and to meet other families in their area who are also hosting students. Throughout the hosting experience, the Local Coordinator will be available to provide ongoing support and assistance to both the host family and the student.

Selecting the right student for your family

Personal Preferences and Compatibility

Compatibility between the host family and the student is crucial for a positive experience. Consider your family's interests, values, and expectations, and look for a student whose profile aligns with them. For example, if you have young children, you may prefer to host a younger student who can engage in similar activities. Similarly, if you have specific hobbies or interests that you'd like to share with your student, look for someone with similar passions.

Cultural Exchange and Learning Opportunities

One of the primary benefits of hosting an international student is the opportunity for cultural exchange and learning. Consider selecting a student from a country or cultural background that fascinates you and your family. This way, you can learn about their traditions, language, and customs while also sharing your own. This mutual learning experience can enrich your family's understanding of the world and create lasting memories.

Length of Stay

International students may be looking for short-term or long-term stays. Consider your family's availability and commitment when deciding on the length of stay that works best for you. Short-term stays can be as little as a few weeks, while long-term stays can last for an entire academic year or more. If you're new to hosting, starting with a shorter stay can be a good way to test the waters.

Student Profile and Expectations

Review student profiles thoroughly, considering factors such as age, academic goals, hobbies, and expectations from the homestay experience. Look for students who have clear goals for their time abroad and whose expectations match what your family can offer. For example, if a student is primarily interested in language immersion, ensure that your family is comfortable communicating in that language regularly.

Communication and References

Effective communication is essential for a successful hosting experience. Select a student who has strong communication skills and is responsive during the initial stages of contact. Additionally, pay attention to references provided by the student, as they can offer valuable insights into their character and compatibility with your family.

Remember, the selection process is a two-way street. While you are choosing a student, the student is also choosing you. Be open and honest about what you can offer, and don't be afraid to ask questions to ensure a good match.

Preparing for the student's arrival

Register with a Reputable Organisation

Registering with a reputable organisation that facilitates cultural exchange programs is essential. Organisations such as AYA, ICES, CIEE, and EF have extensive experience in international student placement and provide comprehensive support to host families. They offer resources, guidance, and assistance throughout the entire process. Their websites provide detailed information about the hosting experience and allow registered families to browse student profiles, making it easier to find a suitable match.

Complete the Host Family Application

The host family application is a crucial aspect of the process. It involves providing detailed information about your family, home, and interests. You will also need to undergo a criminal background check, which is standard procedure to ensure the safety of the students. The application process may include home visits by a local coordinator, who will assess your home environment and discuss your responsibilities as a host family. They will also answer any questions you may have and help you choose the right student for your family.

Orientation and Preparation

Once you have been matched with a student, it is beneficial to participate in orientation sessions provided by the organisation. These sessions address cultural differences, program rules, and potential challenges, preparing you for the hosting experience. During this time, you can also start building a relationship with your student through email, video chat, or phone calls. This initial bonding helps set expectations and creates a sense of familiarity before the student's arrival.

Create a Welcoming Environment

Before the student's arrival, ensure that their bedroom, study area, and common spaces are comfortable and welcoming. Prepare the necessary amenities and consider adding personal touches that make the student feel at home. It is also helpful to stock up on a variety of nutritious foods to accommodate their dietary needs and preferences. Understanding their cultural background and showing an interest in their customs can help create a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

Plan Engaging Activities

Engaging in cultural exchange and community activities is an excellent way to make the student feel involved and valued. Plan outings, participate in community events, or join cultural exchange programs offered by the organisation. These experiences will create lasting memories and foster a deeper understanding of each other's cultures. Additionally, involve the student in your family's daily routines and traditions, as this will help them settle in and feel like a part of your family.

By following these steps and working closely with the organisation's coordinators, host families can ensure a well-prepared and enriching experience for both themselves and the international student they welcome into their home.

The student's arrival and settling in

Once you've been matched with a student, you can start getting to know them through email, video chat, social media, or phone calls. It is fun and exciting to learn about each other's personalities and cultures. You can ask them to share pictures of their family, friends, and hometown, and you can share pictures of what their room and daily life will look like. This will help them settle in and know what to expect when they arrive.

Before the student arrives, your Local Coordinator will conduct a required host family orientation. This will cover cultural differences, program rules, and solutions to common challenges, and you will be able to ask any questions about your role as a host family. You may also be able to meet other families in your area who are hosting at the same time.

When your student arrives, you will need to provide them with a comfortable and nurturing home, nutritious meals, and transportation to and from school activities. You will also need to help them navigate any cultural differences and adjust to their new environment. It is important to be patient and understanding as they settle in.

Many host families who start with short-term placements find the experience so rewarding that they go on to host long-term exchange students.

Benefits of hosting an international student

Hosting an international student can bring a multitude of benefits to your family and your community. Here are some advantages to consider:

Cultural Exchange

One of the most significant advantages of hosting an international student is the opportunity for a cultural exchange. You and your family will gain insight into the student's culture and traditions, and they will learn about yours. This exchange can lead to a deeper understanding of the world, expanding your worldview and that of the student. It can also help to improve global diplomacy by bringing together people from different backgrounds who would otherwise never interact. You can try new foods, revive old family traditions, and even learn a new language or improve your communication skills.

Personal Growth and Wisdom

The experience of hosting can lead to personal growth and wisdom for both the host family and the student. You will navigate the challenges and joys of hosting someone from another culture, and these shared experiences can create strong bonds that last a lifetime. Former host families often maintain lifelong friendships with their students and their families, and these connections can bear fruit in unexpected ways long after the homestay has ended.

Financial Benefits

Host families can receive financial compensation, which can provide extra income to cover food, transportation, and other expenses associated with supporting a student. In the US, host families may also be eligible for tax deductions, and some organizations offer grants or scholarships for hosting international students.

Community Engagement

Hosting an international student can help you rediscover the joys of your city or town. You can explore new places in your community, including local attractions, museums, parks, and cultural events. This can be a great way to get to know your city better and engage with your local culture, and your student will appreciate the opportunity to see and learn about their host country.

Support and Encouragement for Students

International students often face challenges when adjusting to a new culture, and host families play a crucial role in providing support and encouragement. You can help them navigate the initial loneliness and difficulties of settling into a new environment, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones, meet new people, and get involved in school activities. This guidance can be instrumental in helping them achieve their educational and personal goals during their time abroad.

Frequently asked questions