A Guide to Hosting International Students: The Experience of Becoming a Host Family

Hosting international students as a host family can be a deeply rewarding experience, offering the opportunity to engage with different cultures, create lifelong friendships, and make a difference in a young person’s life. The role of a host family goes far beyond simply providing a room and meals; it is about welcoming someone into your home and offering them the support they need to navigate a new country and culture.

For families, the decision to host international students comes with many benefits, including a cultural exchange, the development of lasting bonds, and often, financial compensation. In this blog, we’ll explore the responsibilities of a host family, the benefits of hosting, the requirements and processes involved, and some useful tips for families considering this enriching experience.

What is a Host Family?

A host family provides accommodation and support for international students who travel to a foreign country, typically for educational purposes. These students could be in high school, attending university, or participating in an exchange program for a few months or a full academic year. The host family offers the student a home-like environment, allowing them to immerse themselves in local customs and language, giving them a true taste of the culture.

Host families come in all shapes and sizes. They can be families with children, single parents, couples without children, or even retirees. The key requirement is the willingness to open your home, share your daily life, and provide guidance to students as they adjust to living in a new environment.

The Role of a Host Family

Hosting an international student involves more than just providing a bed and meals. As a host family, your role is to help the student feel welcome, comfortable, and supported. Some of the responsibilities include:

1. Providing Accommodation: This includes offering a clean, safe, and comfortable room where the student can study, sleep, and relax. The room should have basic furnishings such as a bed, desk, and storage space for the student’s belongings.
2. Meals: Most host families are expected to provide meals for the student. Typically, this means breakfast and dinner on weekdays and three meals on weekends. Families should also accommodate the student’s dietary needs or restrictions as best they can.
3. Cultural Immersion: One of the most important aspects of being a host family is offering the student an opportunity to experience the local culture. This may involve sharing family traditions, taking them to local events, or simply teaching them about everyday life in your country. The student will often rely on the family to introduce them to the local customs and help them understand the social norms.
4. Emotional Support: Moving to a new country can be overwhelming for many students. As a host family, you are their first point of contact and support. You’ll help them adjust to new routines, deal with homesickness, and navigate any challenges they may face during their stay.
5. Guidance with Practical Matters: Whether it’s helping the student navigate the public transportation system, offering advice on local services, or assisting them with school-related issues, host families play a vital role in helping students settle into their new lives.

Benefits of Hosting an International Student

Being a host family brings numerous benefits, both tangible and intangible. Here are some of the most significant advantages:

1. Cultural Exchange

Hosting an international student allows your family to learn about another culture firsthand. You’ll gain insights into different traditions, customs, and languages, broadening your horizons and offering your children (if you have them) a global perspective. Cultural exchange can foster greater understanding and respect for diversity, enriching your family’s worldview.

2. Building Lifelong Connections

Many host families and their students develop deep and lasting friendships. Even after the student returns home, they often stay in touch with their host family, and some even return for visits. These relationships can lead to travel opportunities and connections around the world.

3. Teaching Tolerance and Open-Mindedness

By welcoming someone from another country, host families can instill values of tolerance, empathy, and open-mindedness in their household. Children in particular benefit from seeing the world through someone else’s eyes, learning that there are different ways of life and perspectives to explore.

4. Financial Compensation

In most cases, host families receive financial compensation for hosting a student. This payment helps to cover the cost of food, utilities, and other expenses related to having an extra person in the household. While the financial aspect is not the primary motivation for many families, it can be a helpful incentive.

5. Enhancing Language Skills

If the student’s first language isn’t the same as your family’s, hosting them can provide a unique opportunity to learn or improve language skills. Whether it’s through informal conversations at the dinner table or more structured learning experiences, exposure to another language can be beneficial for everyone in the household.

Requirements to Become a Host Family

Becoming a host family involves meeting certain criteria and following a set of procedures. While specific requirements vary depending on the program or agency, some general guidelines include:

1. Space

The student must have their own private bedroom with adequate space for sleeping, studying, and storing their personal belongings. The room should be clean, safe, and well-maintained. Families are also expected to provide access to common areas such as the living room and kitchen.

2. Background Checks

Most host programs require families to undergo background checks to ensure the safety and well-being of the student. This is a standard procedure to verify that the family is responsible and trustworthy.

3. Orientation and Training

Many hosting agencies offer orientation sessions or training programs to help families prepare for hosting an international student. These sessions may cover topics such as cultural sensitivity, handling homesickness, and addressing potential challenges that may arise during the student’s stay.

4. Willingness to Engage

Host families should be open and eager to include the student in their daily activities. This means sharing meals, inviting them to family events, and helping them navigate their new environment. A successful hosting experience depends on creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere.