Why you should become a homestay host

Now that your kids have moved out and you’ve stopped working, does your home feel like it’s too big? Would you be happy to have some company and a bit of extra help around the house? Then consider becoming a homestay host for an international student. Welcoming a young person into your home can be a rewarding experience that you benefit from as much as your guest.

What you give
As a host, you’ll provide a private room, access to a bathroom and kitchen, and possibly cooked meals. You’ll also be expected to integrate the student into your life. This means including them in family events and outings. These people are staying with you to practice their English and learn about American culture. They rely on you to help them.

Why you’ll benefit
Students are expected to integrate themselves into the lives of their hosts. This means that they can help out with household tasks such as cleaning and doing yard work. Host families are often compensated for having people stay in their homes but you’ll benefit more from the experience than the money.

How to become a host
The best way to become a homestay host is to go through an agency. There are many different organizations in the United States that place students with hosts such as USA International, Inc. and American Homestay Network. If you’re interested in the experience, contact an agency and get ready to soon welcome a new member to your household.