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Become a Host Family
What is a Homestay?
A homestay is a cultural exchange experience where an international student lives with a local host family during their stay in the United States. It gives students the opportunity to experience American culture in a real and meaningful way while living in a safe, welcoming home environment.
Through shared meals, conversations, and everyday family life, students naturally improve their English skills, build confidence, and create lasting memories and connections during their time abroad.
Most homestay programs range from one week to ten days, although some programs may be shorter or longer depending on the group and schedule.
Why Become a Host Family?
Being a host family is a rewarding way to experience cultural exchange while making a meaningful impact on an international student’s visit to the United States. Families have the opportunity to share their culture, traditions, and daily life while learning about another part of the world from the comfort of their own home.
FOA host families provide students with a safe and supportive place to stay during their short-term program. Families also receive a homestay stipend to help offset the cost of meals and accommodations, while building friendships and memories that often last long after the program ends.
What Students Can Expect
Students can expect a safe, welcoming, and supportive home environment during their stay with an FOA host family. Host families are carefully screened and approved prior to placement and provide students with room and board, meals, and assistance with transportation to ESL classes when needed.
Living with an American family gives students the opportunity to practice English through everyday conversations and experience U.S. culture firsthand through shared meals, activities, and family interaction. FOA staff also provide ongoing support to help ensure students have a comfortable and memorable homestay experience.
Helping Students Have a Great Homestay Experience
Host families play an important role in helping students feel safe, welcomed, and included during their stay.
Families provide a comfortable home environment, meals (2 per day on weekdays, 3 on weekends), transportation to and from FOA English classes when needed, and opportunities for students to practice English and experience daily family life.
Spending time together through conversations, meals, outings, and family activities helps students feel more comfortable and connected.
Patience, kindness, and good communication are key to creating a positive homestay experience, and FOA staff are always available to support both families and students throughout the program.
Become a host family!
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