Savanna Hoffman
Hosting an international student is a rewarding experience that allows you to learn about different cultures and traditions while sharing your own. Every year, thousands of international students from diverse countries come to the US through exchange programs, eager to experience American life and culture. As a host, you will be responsible for providing a safe, welcoming, and comfortable environment for your student, treating them as part of your family. This involves offering a room, meals, transportation, and emotional support. In return, you will gain a unique perspective on life, create lasting memories, and build lifelong connections with individuals from all over the world.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Duration | Hosting can last from a few weeks to an academic year |
| Student background | Students come from a variety of countries and cultural backgrounds |
| Student motivation | Students are eager to learn about life in the host country and to share their own culture |
| Host family role | Part parent, part cultural ambassador, part mentor |
| Host family benefits | Opportunity to experience another culture, make connections, and build bridges between nations |
| Host family support | Organisations provide resources, training, and 24/7 assistance to host families |
| Student expenses | Covered by the student's family or scholarship, including secondary medical insurance, school enrollment, and travel expenses |
| Host family entitlements | Tax deductions for each month an international student lives in the home |
| Student selection | Rigorous application process to ensure students are ambitious, curious, passionate, and open to cultural exchange |
| Host family choice | Organisations suggest students based on family composition, personality type, and needs, but the host family makes the final decision |
| Student accommodation | A room with an exit window, a bed, and storage, with the option to share with a roommate of the same sex |
| Meals | Host families provide three meals per day, but students may choose to buy lunch at school |
| Special occasions | Host families are expected to acknowledge the student's birthday and other special occasions |
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What You'll Learn
Benefits of hosting international students
Hosting international students is a rewarding experience that offers a range of benefits for both the host family and the student. Here are some advantages to consider:
Cultural Exchange and Learning:
This is a valuable opportunity to learn about different cultures, traditions, and languages without even leaving your home. You will gain insight into the student's customs, perspectives, and way of life, enriching your understanding of the world and promoting cultural diplomacy. It's a chance to broaden your horizons, try new foods, learn new words, and create lasting memories together.
Building Relationships and Community:
Hosting an international student fosters the development of meaningful relationships and a sense of community. You will have the chance to build connections with someone from a different background, cultivating a deep appreciation for one another's similarities and differences. These exchanges can lead to lifelong friendships, not just with the student but also with their families back home. It strengthens the bond within your family as you share your daily lives and experiences with your new family member.
Personal Growth and Perspective:
Inviting an international student into your home allows you to see your own community and surroundings through fresh eyes. Everyday activities can become adventures, and you may rediscover the joys and hidden gems of your city or town. It encourages you to embrace new experiences, try new things, and develop a more open and curious mindset.
Support and Resources:
Organizations facilitating these exchanges often provide comprehensive support and resources for host families. This includes assistance throughout the process, tips for hosting, and even financial benefits like tax deductions for each month an international student lives with you. These organizations ensure that both students and hosts are safe, supported, and well-prepared for the cultural exchange journey.
Impact on the Student:
Hosting an international student can have a profound impact on the student's life. It provides them with a home away from home, a sense of belonging, and an opportunity to experience life in a new country firsthand. They get to learn about your culture, participate in community events, and create lasting memories. This exchange can shape their global perspective, enhance their language skills, and broaden their horizons, benefiting their personal and academic growth.
Opening your home to an international student is a mutually enriching experience that fosters cultural understanding, builds bridges across nations, and creates lifelong connections. It is a chance to make a positive impact on a young person's life and leave a lasting impression of friendship and hospitality.
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How to apply to become a host
Hosting an international student can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to learn about other cultures, traditions, and perspectives on life. It is a chance to build life-long connections and form bonds that last a lifetime. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply to become a host family:
Choose an Organisation
There are several organisations that facilitate international student exchange programs, such as AFS-USA, ISE, EF, and CIEE. Research these organisations to understand their application processes, requirements, and support systems. Each organisation has its own unique offerings, so choose one that aligns with your goals and expectations.
Review Requirements and Eligibility
Different organisations have specific requirements for host families. For example, CIEE requires host parents to be at least 25 years old. Review the eligibility criteria carefully to ensure you meet the necessary requirements before proceeding with the application.
Complete the Application
The application process typically involves creating an account and providing detailed information about your home, family composition, household, and lifestyle. Be thorough and honest in your application, as this information will be used to match you with a suitable student. Some organisations may also require references or interviews as part of their vetting process.
Prepare for the Student's Arrival
Once you have been accepted as a host family, you will be able to choose or be matched with a student. Get in touch with the student beforehand to start building a connection. Prepare the student's room, ensuring it meets the necessary requirements, such as having a bed, storage, and an exit window. Familiarise yourself with the expectations and guidelines provided by the organisation, including any cultural exchange activities or community service projects they facilitate.
Provide a Welcoming Environment
As a host family, your role extends beyond providing accommodation. Create a comfortable, nurturing, and safe environment for the student. Treat them as part of your family, sharing meals, stories, and experiences. Be open to learning about their culture while sharing yours. Remember, this is a mutual exchange that enriches both your life and theirs.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to becoming a host family for international students, creating meaningful connections and fostering cultural understanding.
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What to expect when hosting
Hosting an international student can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to learn about other cultures, traditions and perspectives on life. It is a chance to form bonds that can last a lifetime and to become a second family to someone from another part of the world.
There are many organisations that can help you to host an international student, and they will provide support and guidance throughout the process. These organisations will help match you with a student, taking into account factors such as your family composition, personality type and needs. Ultimately, you will be able to choose the student that fits best in your home.
As a host, you will be expected to provide a safe, welcoming and comfortable home environment. This includes providing a bedroom with a bed and storage, and no more than one roommate of the same sex. You will also need to provide three meals a day, although students may choose to buy lunch at school. It is important to acknowledge the student's birthday and other special occasions, and to ensure they know how to contact their support networks. You will also be expected to adhere to the program's regulations, guidelines and policies, which may include regular progress reports and home visits.
Hosting an international student is a chance to create a home away from home for someone eager to learn about your way of life and share their own culture with you. It is an opportunity to become a mentor and a cultural ambassador, while also gaining new perspectives and insights into other parts of the world.
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Tips for preparing your home
Preparing your home to host an international student is an exciting step. Here are some tips to help you get ready:
Bedroom
Firstly, ensure you have a suitable bedroom for your student. The room should have a bed, a window, and storage space. Students can share a room with a family member of the same gender, as long as they are within four years of each other in age.
Meals
Provide nutritious meals for your student. Typically, host families are expected to provide three meals a day. However, if the student chooses to buy lunch at school, they are usually responsible for that cost.
Communication
Before your student arrives, start a dialogue via email, social media, or international messaging apps. This will help you get to know each other and make your student feel welcome even before they arrive. Ensure your student knows how to contact their support networks, including family and friends back home.
Culture
Remember that hosting an international student is a cultural exchange. You will learn about their customs and traditions, and they will learn about yours. Embrace the opportunity to share meals, stories, sightseeing, and laughter. You are not just hosting a guest; you are welcoming a new family member for the duration of their stay.
Support
Many organizations provide resources and assistance to host families. These include local coordinators, training, and 24/7 support hotlines. You will also have access to a network of other host families and students, creating a community of support.
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Support and resources for hosts
Hosting an international student can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to learn about other cultures, traditions, and perspectives on life. It is a chance to form lifelong bonds and create a second family in another part of the world. Many organisations provide support and resources to ensure a positive experience for both hosts and students.
AFS-USA, for example, has a network of almost 3,000 volunteers across the US, many of whom have been hosts themselves. They provide local coordinators who act as a primary point of contact, offering support and answering any questions that may arise. In addition, they offer a 24/7 national support hotline and opportunities to connect with other members of the AFS community, including volunteer-run events, field trips, and home-cooked meals.
Student Room Stay (SRS) also provides training, resources, and 24/7 assistance throughout the hosting process. They prioritise the safety of both students and hosts and facilitate cultural exchange by matching students with host families.
CIEE, another organisation, offers a range of short-term, cultural, and academic programs. Their local coordinators serve as a resource for advice, guidance, and assistance. In case of emergency, CIEE has expert staff members on call 24/7. They also organise fun events, like photo and recipe contests, to bring participants, host families, and communities closer together.
ISE, a well-known exchange program, provides volunteer host families with support and guidance. They encourage hosts and students to get to know each other before the student's arrival to facilitate a smooth transition. ISE also emphasises the importance of acknowledging special occasions, such as birthdays, and ensuring the student knows how to contact their support networks.
EF, an organisation with a long history of facilitating intercultural exchange, provides proactive outreach and individualised support through local and regional coordinators. They work with host families to resolve any issues that may arise and prioritise the well-being of both students and hosts.
Overall, hosting an international student is made easier by the support and resources provided by these organisations. They offer guidance, assistance, and community-building opportunities to ensure a positive and culturally enriching experience for all involved.
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Frequently asked questions
Hosting an international student can be a rewarding experience for both the student and the host family. It's an opportunity to learn about other cultures, traditions and perspectives on life, creating lasting memories and forming bonds that last a lifetime. Many host families report that their lives have been touched and changed as much as those of their exchange students.
The requirements for hosting an international student vary depending on the organisation and the program. However, some common requirements include providing a bedroom with a bed, storage and a window, as well as providing three meals a day. Host families are also expected to adhere to program regulations, guidelines and policies, and to provide a safe, welcoming and nurturing home environment.
There are several organisations that facilitate international student exchanges, such as AFS-USA, ISE, EF, and CIEE. These organisations provide support and resources throughout the hosting process. To get started, you can contact one of these organisations, fill out an application form, and they will help match you with a student.
