Hosting Opportunities
Hosting is an exciting way to impact the life of a student. Reading the Parent and Student Handbook is a good way to learn more about what our international students and their parents are hoping to find in a host family.
Watch our international hosting video
Host parents are matched with students based on the information you will provide to us by filling out the Application for Host Parenting and the Host Family Questionnaire. Hosting a student is a ten-month commitment that begins in early August and ends when the school year is over. Host families receive a monthly stipend to help offset costs as well as a tuition credit on their students' account. The stipends are mailed monthly beginning September 1st and ending May 1st. The tuition credit will appear on the family's tuition statement.
As a host family you will be responsible for the following:
- Completing the Application for Host Parenting and Host Family Questionnaire.
- Providing pictures of your family and home as well as a family introduction. The names and ages of the children in your family are important. Your family description should include important values and expectations that your family follows. An example of a daily schedule is very helpful for our students. If your family has pets please include them in your introduction with pictures if possible.
- Providing a room with a place to study. It is best if the student has a room of their own, in some cases it is acceptable for students to share a room.
- A willingness to learn about a new culture is vital to the success of a student from another country feeling comfortable in your home. You will want to take them to the grocery with you and let them show you the things they would like to eat. Family meals should not be altered but an understanding that a trip to the international grocery and the opportunity for the student to share their favorite meal with you is a good way to break the ice and a much welcomed taste of home.
- Providing an atmosphere of compromise and negotiation as the student settles into their new life in the United States. Family rules and duties will be new to your student. Having them written and put them in a location where everyone can see them is very helpful. Not all students are familiar with housework or have domestic responsibilities. It may be necessary to spend time explaining and demonstrating how to complete expected tasks.
- Reading the Host Family Survival Kit which will be provided to you by the school. We have found this book to be very helpful in understanding the stages a student and host family goes through as the school year progresses.
- Providing transportation to and from school.
- A willingness to have your student be involved in school activities. Including special events held for our international students.
- Providing breakfast, dinner and snacks. The student will purchase a lunch through our online lunch service or will be responsible for a sack lunch. If they do so it will be at their expense. If they chose to bring their lunch you will be responsible to make sure they have lunch items on hand.
- Attending training and gatherings for our host families and their students.
- Helping your student get organized with a bank account and cell phone account. (Both set up in the student's name)
- Visits to the doctor or dentist if necessary. Our students will arrive with health insurance and you will not be expected to cover any medical expenses. You will be asked to provide transportation to appointments and help them find the necessary care. The school will assist you in finding care givers if necessary.
Contact Linda Cook for more information.
