Welcoming International Students: A Guide To Hosting

Hosting an international student is a rewarding experience for both the host family and the student. It provides an opportunity for cultural exchange, new friendships, and a chance to supplement your income. Every year, nearly one million students travel to the United States to study abroad, and many of them stay with host families. Host families open their homes and hearts to these students, providing them with a safe and secure environment to explore and learn about a new culture. In return, host families get to learn about the student's culture and interests, creating bonds that can last a lifetime.

Benefits of hosting international students

There are many benefits to hosting an international student. Firstly, it is a chance to welcome a new member into your family and build a lifelong relationship with them. Many host families become lifelong friends with their international students and even travel to visit them in their home countries. This can also lead to friendships with the student's family back home.

Secondly, hosting an international student is a great way to learn about a new culture and language without leaving home. You can share your own culture and values and learn about the student's country and customs. This can help to create a greater understanding of different cultures and ease global tensions. It can also help your family to develop compassion and understanding for those who are different from you and appreciate your similarities.

Thirdly, hosting an international student can be a fun and enriching experience for your family and community. It can bring new energy and excitement to everyday occurrences and create memories that will last a lifetime. It can also help your family to rediscover the joys of your city and country, as you take the student to visit local attractions and landmarks.

Finally, hosting an international student can be a way to support international diplomacy and create a more peaceful global community. By opening up your home and sharing your daily lives, you can promote friendship, understanding, and cooperation between people from different parts of the world.

Application process

The application process to host an international student can vary depending on the organisation and the specific requirements of the host family and student. Here is a general overview of what the application process typically entails:

• Initial Interest: The first step is to express your interest in becoming a host family. This can be done by filling out an interest form on the website of the organisation you wish to work with, such as CIEE or EF. You may be asked to provide basic information about yourself, your family, and your home.
• Application Form: After expressing your initial interest, you will likely be directed to complete a more comprehensive application form. This form will gather detailed information about you, your family, your home environment, and your motivations for hosting an international student. It may also include questions about your expectations, availability, and any preferences you have regarding the student you wish to host.
• References and Vetting: As part of the application process, you may be required to provide references from individuals who can vouch for your character and suitability as a host family. Additionally, a home visit may be conducted by a staff member from the organisation to ensure that your home meets the required safety and quality standards.
• Matching Process: Once your application is approved, the organisation will begin the process of matching you with a suitable student. This process can vary in duration, depending on student availability and preferences. It may involve reviewing student profiles and filtering them based on criteria such as country of origin, length of stay, and academic interests.
• Finalising Details: After a successful match, you will work closely with the organisation to finalise the details of the student's stay, including travel arrangements, arrival dates, and any specific needs or requirements. This is also the time to ask any questions and seek support from the organisation's coordinators or representatives.
• Ongoing Support: Throughout the hosting experience, reputable organisations will provide ongoing support to both host families and students. This may include access to local coordinators, resources, training, and 24/7 assistance to ensure a positive and rewarding experience for everyone involved.

Remember that the application process is designed to ensure the safety and well-being of both the host families and the international students. Each organisation may have its own unique procedures, so be sure to carefully review their specific requirements and guidelines.

Preparing for the student's arrival

Preparing for the students' arrival is a crucial aspect of hosting international students. Here are some detailed instructions to help you get ready:

Know Your Student's Preferences and Culture:

Before the student arrives, take the initiative to learn about their culture and customs, and any specific preferences or requirements they may have. This knowledge will help you create a comfortable and inclusive environment for them. Ask the Local Coordinator for student profiles, which include introductory letters, and use email, social media, and international messaging apps to start a dialogue and get to know each other.

Prepare Your Home:

Ensure your home is ready to accommodate the student's needs. This may include setting up their bedroom and bathroom, and providing them with necessary amenities. Make sure your home meets the required safety and quality standards, as there will likely be inspections and background checks by the hosting organization.

Plan Transportation:

Reliable transportation is essential for a student's successful trip. Plan ahead to reduce potential transport-related stress for both you and the student. Be prepared to provide transportation to and from school activities, and help them understand how to use public transportation to reach their school and navigate their new surroundings.

Meal Arrangements:

Clarify the meal arrangements with the student and the hosting organization. Some students may opt for full-board, while others might prefer self-catering or bed and breakfast packages. Be prepared to provide nutritious meals, and be respectful of any dietary restrictions or cultural food preferences they may have.

Create a Welcoming Environment:

On the student's arrival day, make them feel welcome and comfortable. They may be nervous and unsure due to being in a new place. A simple dinner and an early bedtime can be a great way to help them settle in. Show them around their new home, and spend time talking to them to help them adjust and feel part of your family.

Remember, hosting international students is about creating meaningful connections and providing a safe, nurturing environment for cultural exchange and learning. Enjoy the experience and embrace the opportunity to expand your global knowledge!

The student's arrival and stay

The Students' Arrival and Stay

Once you have been matched with an international student, it is a good idea to start a dialogue before their arrival. This can be done via email, social media, or international messaging apps. This will help you get to know each other and set the stage for a smooth transition for the student. It is also a good opportunity to start to understand each other's expectations.

When the student arrives, it is important to make them feel welcome and comfortable. They will be experiencing a new culture and environment and may need time to adjust. You can help them settle in by showing them around the local area, including important places such as schools, transport links, and community spaces. It is also beneficial to introduce them to your family and friends, so they feel part of a community.

During their stay, you will be expected to provide a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for the student. This includes providing meals, a suitable study area, and a comfortable space to sleep. It is also beneficial to include the student in family activities and events, so they feel part of the family. You can also encourage them to join community events and activities, as well as school clubs and societies.

As a host, you will also be responsible for transporting the student to and from school and other activities. This is a great opportunity to get to know them and help them feel at ease. It is also a chance to learn about each other's cultures and create lasting memories.

Remember, the student is likely to be experiencing a new country and culture, and they may need emotional support from time to time. Be prepared to offer a listening ear and a safe space for them to share their feelings.

Emotional support for international students

Hosting an international student means more than just providing a home away from home. It also means offering emotional support to students who are navigating a new culture, language, and academic environment.

International students often face challenges such as language barriers, cultural differences, and homesickness. They may struggle to understand cultural nuances, feel isolated or lonely, or have difficulty expressing themselves due to language barriers. These challenges can impact their mental health and overall well-being. As a host, it is important to create a safe and welcoming environment where students feel comfortable sharing their feelings and concerns.

• Be Welcoming and Friendly: Create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Greet students with a friendly smile and make them feel accepted and valued. Use open body language and active listening to make students feel heard and understood.
• Offer a Safe Space: Ensure that students feel safe to express their emotions without judgment. Encourage them to share their feelings, whether it's homesickness, cultural shock, or academic concerns. Respect their privacy and confidentiality.
• Provide Reassurance: International students may feel anxious or insecure due to cultural differences and language barriers. Reassure them that their feelings are normal and that adjustment takes time. Validate their emotions and let them know that you are there to support them.
• Facilitate Social Connections: Help students build social connections and a sense of belonging. Introduce them to other students, involve them in social activities, and encourage participation in extracurricular clubs or volunteer work. Building a support network can combat loneliness and isolation.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Appreciate and respect cultural differences. Learn about their cultural background, traditions, and customs. Be mindful of cultural taboos and avoid making assumptions. Understand that cultural differences may impact their communication style, body language, and expressions of emotion.
• Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular check-ins to discuss their well-being and address any concerns. These conversations can be informal and casual, creating a safe space for students to voice any worries or challenges they are facing.
• Signpost Support Services: Be aware of mental health resources and support services available at your school or in the local community. Know how to refer students to trained counsellors, therapists, or support groups. This includes culturally sensitive local counselling services that offer consultations in the student's native language.
• Collaborate with the Student: Work together to find solutions to any challenges they are facing. Empower them to take an active role in their well-being by involving them in decision-making and problem-solving. Encourage self-care practices such as stress management techniques and healthy coping mechanisms.
• Foster a Supportive Environment: Encourage an open and supportive environment in your home. Share your own experiences and emotions, fostering a sense of connection and trust. Be empathetic and non-judgmental, allowing students to express their true feelings without fear of criticism.

Frequently asked questions