Ibrahim Gardner
Hosting an international student is a rewarding experience that allows you to learn about other cultures and share your own. Many organizations, such as International Student Exchange (ISE), facilitate these exchanges by matching students from over 90 countries with host families in the United States. To become a host family, you must first apply and undergo a background check and home inspection. Once approved, you can select a student who shares your interests, hobbies, or cultural curiosities. Before the student arrives, it's beneficial to establish communication and get to know each other. During the exchange, host families are expected to provide a safe and welcoming environment, treat the student as a family member, and adhere to program guidelines. In return, host families gain valuable insights into different cultures and form lasting connections.
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What You'll Learn
Host family requirements
Host families for international students are required to provide a safe and welcoming environment for their student guests. While specific requirements may vary depending on the organisation facilitating the exchange, here are some general guidelines and expectations for host families:
Safe and Comfortable Accommodation: Host families should provide a clean, safe, and comfortable living space for the student. This includes a private or shared bedroom with an exit window, a bed, and adequate storage space. The student should also have access to a quiet place for studying.
Meals: Host families are generally expected to provide three meals a day for the student. However, if the student chooses to buy lunch at school or outside, they are typically responsible for covering that cost.
Supervision and Support: Host families are expected to exercise supervisory and parental responsibility to ensure the student's well-being. This includes treating the student as a family member, involving them in family activities, and acknowledging their birthday and other special occasions. Host families should also ensure the student knows how to contact them and other support networks.
Adherence to Program Regulations: Host families must cooperate with the facilitating organisation and adhere to their regulations, guidelines, and policies. This may include allowing home visits, providing regular progress reports, and participating in host family orientations or training sessions.
Background Checks: To ensure student safety, host families must undergo background checks for all adults living in the household. This is a standard requirement to ensure the safety and security of the students.
Cultural Exchange: Host families should embrace the opportunity for cultural exchange. This includes sharing their own culture, traditions, and lifestyle while also being open to learning about the student's culture and customs. This mutual exchange creates a rich and rewarding experience for both parties.
It is important to note that host families are not expected to help students with the application process for schools or drive them to campus visits. Instead, the focus is on providing a supportive and inclusive family environment for the student's duration of stay.
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Selecting a student
Once you have been confirmed as eligible to host an international student, you will receive additional information, including student photos, videos, and a letter from the student's parents. You can then begin the process of selecting a student. This is the most exciting part of the application process for most families.
You may select a student who shares your interests, hobbies, or faith, or perhaps choose a student from a particular part of the world with a culture that interests you. You can ask your Local Coordinator for advice, who will be happy to make suggestions or give opinions on which student might be the best fit for you. It is important to remember that student safety is the top priority, so a background check is required for everyone 18 and older who lives in your home.
Your Local Coordinator will also contact your local high school to obtain acceptance for the student's enrollment, get school start and end dates, and find out about any special requirements the school may have for exchange students. This may influence your decision on which student to host.
Once you have selected a student, you can start getting to know them before they arrive. You can bond through email, video chat, social media, or phone calls. It is a great opportunity to learn about each other's personalities and cultures. They may share pictures of their family, friends, and hometown with you, and you can help them understand what to expect when they arrive.
The Local Coordinator will conduct a required host family orientation before the student arrives. The orientation will address cultural differences, program rules, and solutions to common challenges, and allow you to ask any questions you still have about your role as a host family.
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Getting to know your student
Once your student has been placed with you, you can start to treat them as part of the family. They should have the same privileges and obligations as your own children. They can participate in family meals and activities, and you can include them in your daily routine. They can also help with chores and contribute to the household. It is important to be welcoming, patient, and understanding, and to commit to your student's success and well-being.
Your student will be eager to learn about your way of life and share their culture with you. They will also be excited to experience life in the US and find out what it is like to attend an American high school. You can help them settle in by ensuring they know how to contact family and friends back home, as well as any other support networks. It is also a good idea to acknowledge their birthday and other special occasions.
Remember that your student is not a guest, and they will be expected to obey house rules and contribute to the family dynamic. They will also need to adjust to life in your family, which may take some time and patience. It is important to be supportive and understanding as they go through this process.
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Host family orientation
Understanding the Program
Firstly, it is important to familiarize yourself with the exchange program's rules, regulations, and policies. This includes understanding the expectations and responsibilities of host families, such as providing meals, adhering to safety guidelines, and cooperating with regular progress reports and home visits. Knowing the ins and outs of the program will ensure a smooth hosting experience.
Cultural Sensitivity
One of the most enriching aspects of hosting an international student is the cultural exchange that takes place. During orientation, it is beneficial to discuss cultural differences and how to navigate them. This includes being open to learning about the student's culture, customs, and traditions, as well as sharing your own. Embracing cultural diversity fosters a deeper understanding and creates a more welcoming environment for the student.
Communication and Bonding
Encouraging open communication is vital to a successful hosting experience. During orientation, families should be guided on how to establish effective communication channels with their student. This includes sharing expectations, addressing any concerns, and creating a safe space for the student to express themselves. Additionally, families can be advised on ways to bond with their student, such as sharing meals, engaging in cultural activities, and celebrating special occasions together.
Student Support and Wellbeing
As a host family, you play a crucial role in supporting the student's overall wellbeing. This includes providing a safe and comfortable living environment, offering emotional support, and being a source of guidance. Orientation should cover how to identify and address any potential challenges or issues the student may face, such as homesickness, cultural adjustment, or academic pressures. Families should also be made aware of available support services and resources within the program to ensure the student's holistic well-being.
Practical Considerations
Practical considerations, such as providing a suitable bedroom for the student, are also important. This includes ensuring the room has an exit window, a bed, storage space, and, if necessary, accommodating no more than one roommate of the same sex. Discussing these practical aspects during orientation will help families prepare their homes and create a comfortable space for their student.
Building Connections
Lastly, host family orientation can be an excellent opportunity to build connections with other host families in the area. This not only provides a support network for families but also creates potential friendships for the students. Encouraging families to connect and share their experiences can enhance the overall exchange program for everyone involved.
By covering these key areas in host family orientation, you can empower families to confidently welcome international students into their homes and create meaningful cultural exchange experiences.
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Benefits of hosting international students
There are numerous benefits to hosting international students, ranging from personal to financial advantages. Here are some of the key benefits for host families:
Cultural exchange and understanding
Hosting an international student provides a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and understanding. Host families can learn about the student's culture, language, customs, and traditions, broadening their own worldview and enhancing their cross-cultural awareness. This exchange can foster mutual respect, break stereotypes, and promote global diplomacy by creating positive connections with people from different backgrounds.
Enrichment of life, family, and community
Host families often find that hosting an international student enriches their lives, families, and communities in unexpected ways. It adds a new dimension to everyday activities, bringing excitement and a fresh perspective to daily routines. Host families can also develop lifelong friendships with their students and their families, creating a global network of connections.
Educational benefits for children
Hosting an international student can provide educational benefits for the host family's children. They will gain a broader perspective on the world, enhancing their understanding of geography, communication, and international cultures. Additionally, they will learn about different languages and develop cross-cultural competencies that will benefit them in an increasingly globalized world.
Financial benefits
In some countries, host families may be eligible for financial benefits, such as tax deductions for each month they host an international student. These deductions can help offset the expenses incurred during the hosting period.
Personal growth and relationship building
Hosting an international student offers a valuable opportunity for personal growth and relationship building. Host families can learn how to build relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds, enhancing their ability to connect, communicate, and collaborate with others. It also fosters an appreciation for similarities and differences, promoting friendship, understanding, and cooperation.
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Frequently asked questions
Host families come from all walks of life, but they are welcoming, patient, understanding, and committed to their student’s success and well-being. They treat their student like a family member, not a guest, and exercise supervisory and parental responsibility to ensure the student’s well-being.
First, you must pass a background check and home check. Once accepted, you will be able to work with a local area representative to select an exchange student. You will then be able to get to know your student through email, video chat, social media, or phone calls.
Host families must provide a room with an exit window, bed, and storage with no more than one roommate of the same sex. They must also provide three meals per day. Host families are not expected to help students apply to schools or drive them to college test preparation services or campus visits.
Becoming a host family allows you to learn about other cultures, traditions, and perspectives on life. It is a rewarding experience that can add a vibrant layer to your life. Host families are also eligible for a tax deduction for hosting a student.
It is important to start building a relationship with your student before they arrive. This can help set the stage for a smooth and happy adjustment to life in your family. During their stay, include them in family gatherings and cultural outings, and try to keep them busy on the weekends by exploring the area.
