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. There are many programs that help connect international students with host families, such as AFS-USA, CIEE, EF, ICES, and ISE. These programs offer support and resources to host families and students, and some even provide financial incentives. The process of becoming a host family typically involves submitting an application, undergoing background checks, and participating in an orientation or training session. Host families are expected to provide a safe and welcoming home environment for the student, including accommodation, meals, and transportation. By hosting an international student, families can build meaningful connections and gain a second family in another part of the world.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Host family requirements | Criminal background check |
| Home check | |
| Host family orientation | |
| Host family referral | |
| Host family support | Local coordinators |
| 24/7 national support | |
| Local and regional coordinators | |
| Full-time staff support | |
| Host family expenses | Three meals a day |
| Transportation to and from school and school activities | |
| Host family remuneration | Weekly rates |
| Tax deduction | |
| Host family selection criteria | Shared interests, hobbies, or faith |
| Student from a particular part of the world with a culture that interests the host family |
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What You'll Learn
Application and screening process
The application and screening process for host families varies slightly depending on the organization they are applying through. However, there are some common steps that most organizations follow. Firstly, interested families should get in touch with a local coordinator provided by the organization. This coordinator will be their main point of contact throughout the process and will help them with any questions or concerns. The coordinator will also outline the program and get to know the family to match them with suitable students.
The next step is to fill out an application form, which can usually be done online or through a hard copy. The application form will ask for general information about the family members, their home, and their community. This information helps the organization verify that the family is eligible to host an international student. As student safety is a top priority for these organizations, the screening process may also include criminal background checks for all adults living in the home.
Once the family's application has been approved and they have passed the necessary background checks, they can start selecting a student to host. The local coordinator will provide student profiles, including information about the student, an introductory letter, and sometimes photos and videos. Families can choose a student based on shared interests, hobbies, faith, or cultural interests. The coordinator is available to provide advice and suggestions during this process to ensure the best match.
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 questions they may have. The host family can then start communicating with their selected student through email, video chat, social media, or phone calls to get to know each other and build excitement for the upcoming stay.
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Selecting a student
Host organisations typically provide host families with student photos, videos, and a letter from the student's natural parents to help them make their decision. Some organisations also allow families to filter student lists based on certain criteria. It's important to consider the student's interests, hobbies, and cultural background when making a selection, as well as any admission restrictions at your local high school.
Once a student has been selected, it's a good idea to start getting to know them before their arrival. Email, social media, and international messaging apps are great ways to begin building a relationship and setting the stage for a smooth transition into your family.
Remember, your local coordinator is there to support you throughout the process and can provide advice and suggestions if needed. They will also assist with any necessary school enrolment and ensure that you have all the information you need about your chosen student.
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Preparing for their arrival
Preparing for the arrival of an international student is an important part of hosting, and can make the process much easier and more enjoyable for both the host family and the student. Here are some key steps to take when preparing for their arrival:
Get to Know Each Other
Before the student arrives, it is beneficial to start a dialogue and get to know each other. This can be done through email, social media, or international messaging apps. This initial contact can help to break the ice and make the student feel more comfortable and welcomed when they arrive.
Prepare the Student's Space
The host family should ensure that the student has a comfortable and welcoming space to stay. This includes providing a separate bed, a suitable study area, and three meals a day. It is also important to ensure that the student has access to transportation, as exchange students are typically not allowed to drive. Reliable transportation to and from school is particularly important.
Familiarize the Student with the Area
It can be helpful to provide the student with information about the local area, including sights, attractions, and community events. This can help them feel more oriented and involved in their new surroundings.
Be Prepared for Cultural Exchange
Hosting an international student is a great opportunity for cultural exchange. Host families should be prepared to learn about the student's culture, traditions, and language, while also sharing their own. This exchange can create lasting memories and foster mutual understanding and respect.
Have Realistic Expectations
It is important to remember that hosting an international student is not just about providing accommodation, but also about supporting them through an adjustment process. The student may be nervous and unsure of themselves, especially if they are still developing their English skills. Host families should be prepared to offer a supportive and welcoming environment, and to help the student adapt to their new family and cultural surroundings.
Additionally, it is worth noting that support is available for host families and students. Organisations like SRS and EF provide training, resources, and 24/7 assistance to help throughout the hosting process.
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Student's stay and activities
International students who choose to stay with a host family gain experience learning about a new culture, enhance their language skills, make lasting relationships, and become members of a connected and cooperative global community. Homestay programs provide students with a more authentic cultural experience. Students will get to experience local cuisine, local events, and places that most tourists and other visitors to the country will be unaware of.
Host families are expected to provide international students with three meals a day, transportation to and from school, and school activities. Hosts are also encouraged to include the students in family conversations and daily activities such as grocery shopping, attending children's school events, family movie night, etc. Students will also get to participate in local events and experience daily life in their host country.
Host families are not paid. However, they will be entitled to a tax deduction for each month an international student lives in their home. Homestay programs arrange for international students to live with local hosts/families during their studies. Living situations can range from basic room-rental arrangements to complete host/family immersion. In a homestay program, the student will typically have their own room but join the family for meals and participate in their regular daily routine.
Students who are interested in finding a host family can get matched with a homestay host/family based on their preferences, school location, and student matching profile. It is important to make the right decision when choosing a qualified homestay company. Sometimes the student's school will set them up with a homestay program directly. If not, the student will need to do their own research to find the right homestay program.
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Rules and challenges
Host families are expected to provide a safe and secure living environment for international students, offering support, guidance, and assistance as they navigate the challenges of living in a foreign country. This includes practical advice on transportation and local amenities, as well as emotional support and encouragement. Host families also play a crucial role in fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding between students and their hosts.
International students, on the other hand, are expected to respect the house rules of their host families, which may include expectations regarding household chores, mealtimes, and other aspects of daily life. Open communication is essential for a successful host family arrangement, as it allows students to address any concerns or questions they may have. Students are also expected to contribute to household duties such as cleaning, cooking, or grocery shopping, fostering a sense of responsibility and reciprocity within the household.
One of the challenges for host families is ensuring that they find the right student match for their family. Local coordinators play a vital role in this process, providing support and guidance to help families make the right choice. They can assist in finding a student who shares similar interests, hobbies, or cultural backgrounds, ensuring a good fit for both parties.
Another challenge is managing the expectations and responsibilities that come with hosting an international student. Host families should be prepared for the additional costs associated with hosting, such as providing meals and transportation for the student. While some organizations cover secondary medical insurance, school enrollment, and travel expenses, host families may still incur discretionary costs for family trips, group outings, or personal items for students.
For international students, the challenge may lie in adapting to a new culture and household dynamics. Open communication with their host families can help navigate these challenges, allowing students to voice any concerns and seek support as they settle into their new environment.
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Frequently asked questions
The process of becoming a host family for an international student involves submitting an application, providing references, and undergoing background and home checks. Once accepted, host families can work with local coordinators to select an exchange student and prepare for their arrival.
Host families are responsible for providing a safe and welcoming home environment for the international student. This includes offering accommodation, such as a bedroom and access to common areas, as well as providing meals and transportation to and from school. Host families are also expected to follow program rules and support the student's cultural exchange experience.
Various organizations provide support for host families, including local and regional coordinators who can help with student selection, answer questions, and resolve concerns. Some organizations also offer financial remuneration, referral bonuses, and opportunities to connect with other host families and students through events and activities.
