Key Suggestions for Developing a Successful Homestay Program at Your School

With an influx in the number of exchange students entering the US on an F-1 visa, schools are increasingly realizing the need to develop homestay programs.  Hosting an exchange student can bring a lifetime of benefits for an American family seeking an international experience in their own home.  Below are a few key suggestions on how to find and attract host families – both in your schools and in your communities – who are best suited for the nuanced experience of hosting an international student.

1.Exchange students are teenagers.There is no way around this.

  

Shayna Ferullo
F-1 Program Director
Quest International

Make sure the family has realistic expectations about the hosting experience.  We often receive applications where the family thinks they will receive a fairy from Spain who will teach them how to speak Spanish and how to cook paella.  While intercultural exchange is certainly part of the experience, host families need to know that they are hosting a teenager.  That means: rolling eyes, sighs of annoyance, forgetfulness and disobedience (especially related to chores), and disrespect at times. Families that have lived through the teenage years with their own children will know what to expect, while other families may need a reminder.




2. A stipend should never be treated as income.

We appreciate that, for F-1 students, we can offer a stipend to offset the sometimes large costs of hosting.  That said, families that are motivated to host by the idea of earning a few bucks are not suitable to host. During the screening process, it should be stated, and then restated – 200 times – that the stipend is a gesture of gratitude and cannot be counted on as income.  Stipends should be high enough to be considered a true gesture of gratitude, but low enough so that it does not entice money-motivated host family applicants.

3. School families often times make the best families.  But not always.

We love when our students are placed in families that either have children attending the school or are affiliated with the school. This arrangement is often preferred because our exchange students will be connected to school events. However, this is not always the best arrangement for the international student.  We have seen such placements go sour – and be awkward, at best. Don’t discount prospective host parents that may apply from outside of the school community, especially if they share similar interests as the exchange student or have another (albeit loose) connection to your school.

Do you have a successful homestay population in your school? Interested in starting one at your school or in your greater community?  Share your ideas, thoughts, and comments here.