How to Become a Host Family for International Students: A Guide for U.S. Families

Hello there! If you are considering becoming a host family for international students, you have come to the right place. At International Cultural Exchange Services, we make it easy for U.S. families to open their homes and hearts to students from all over the world. We primarily work with J-1 Visa Public School students, but we also accommodate F-1 Visa students from Private Schools. Students come from diverse backgrounds, including Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

What We Offer

International Cultural Exchange Services offers a unique and rewarding experience for both families and students. As a host family, you can:

Experience a New Culture: Host families have the opportunity to learn about different cultures, traditions, and languages. Build Lifelong Friendships: Form close and enduring relationships with the students you host. Potential Financial Support: Receive a stipend to cover expenses related to hosting an international student. Social and Recreational Activities: Participate in organized events and activities designed to help you integrate into the local community.

Becoming a Host Family

Here’s how you can become a host family:

Eligibility: Make sure you meet our eligibility criteria. This includes being a resident in the state of Texas, having a clean criminal record, and having a safe and secure living environment for a student. Application: Visit our website to apply to become a host family. You will need to provide detailed information about your household, including family members, living arrangements, and household rules. Interview: Once your application is reviewed, you may be invited for an on-site interview to discuss your qualifications and to ensure that your home is suitable for hosting an international student. Host Program Training: Completing the training program is mandatory to ensure that you are well-prepared for the responsibilities that come with being a host family. Host a Student: After the training, you will have the opportunity to host a student from different parts of the world, from Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

Social and Recreational Activities

We organize various social and recreational activities throughout the year to help you and your new student integrate into the local community. Here are some examples:

House Warmings: A welcoming event to introduce the student to the family and the house. Family Gatherings: Regular family dinners, barbecues, and game nights to build trust and rapport. Field Trips: Excursions to local museums, parks, and cultural institutions. Sweet Sixteens and Graduation Celebrations: Special occasions to celebrate the milestones of both the host student and the host family. Cultural Exchange Events: Workshops and dinners where families can share and learn about different cultural customs and traditions.

Common Questions and Answers

Here are some common questions and answers to guide you through the process:

Question: What is the application process like? Answer: Visit our website to start the application process. You will be asked to complete an application form, provide references, and attend an interview. Question: What if I’m not in Texas? Answer: While we do place families only in Texas, you can still apply and we will consider your application as part of our pool of potential host families. We highly value diversity, and we are happy to accommodate families in other states as well. Question: How long do international students stay? Answer: J-1 Visa Public School students typically stay for one academic year, while F-1 Visa Private School students may stay for a shorter duration depending on their educational needs.

Conclusion

Join us in making a difference in the lives of international students and their host families. At International Cultural Exchange Services, we believe in fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone. If you have any further questions or would like to learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Let's embark on this exciting journey together!