Host Families Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for being a host family?

Host families are as different and diverse as Americans themselves. They come from all ethnic, racial, economic, and religious backgrounds. There is no typical host family: families with teenagers, no children, young children, children who are grown, single parents and grandparents. They live in large cities, suburban areas, on farms and ranches, or in small communities. Host families do all have a common trait, however - the willingness to open their hearts to a student and provide room, board, love, guidance, and the experience of what everyday life is like in America.

How are host families selected?

All Seattle Homestay host families pre-screend by a company representatives according to Seattle Homestay policies and procedures. We consider a host family's housing conditions and financial ability to host, but certainly host families are not expected to be "wealthy." Most of our host families are middle class. We are more concerned that host families have a willingness to accept the student as a member of their family, and have the ability to provide a student with a nurturing and loving family environment.

What are the steps to becoming a host family?

Potential host families must complete an application form which provides a detailed summary and profile of the family. The local Area Representative will then schedule an in-home interview with all family members present. Personal references must be provided from members of the community or school attesting to their good character and suitability for hosting an exchange student. The local Area Representative will verify references and the local high school will be asked to complete a form stating their acceptance of the student for the school year.

Can single people host Seattle Homestay students?

Single people are welcome to apply to the Seattle Homestay program as a host family. On occasion, some students will prefer living with a single person and enjoy the extra attention afforded them by a single person without the duties and responsibilities of caring for other family members.. Prior permission from the student's natural parents is required for these types of placements and applicants must be at least 25 years old and financially capable of providing room and board for another person.

Can young children benefit from hosting?

Many of the students accepted into the program indicate an interest in being placed in families with small children. As long as the student is not asked to share a room with any child under 12 years of age, these arrangements work well when the student has some privacy and a quiet place to study. Children of all ages will gain a broader perspective on the world, learning more about geography, communication, and international cultures. Young children usually love having a big brother or sister from another country!

Can we select our own student?

With the guidance of the Area Representative, approved families will be allowed to select the student whom they feel best matches their family from the available applications. A number of factors should be considered when selecting a student - similar values, activities and interests (sports, arts, intellectual pursuits, etc.), and religious preferences to name a few. In addition, many host families prefer a certain sex or nationality of the student. Hosting does require a period of adjustment for all family members and for the student in the beginning. Common interests and values make that adjustment easier.

Do students have to have their own room?

Yes, each student must have his own private room, unless the student is traveling together with a close friend or a family member. We will inform you at the time of reservation.

We both work and would not have time to entertain a student. Would this be a problem?

The traditional family with the husband employed and the wife a stay-at-home Mom is becoming a thing of the past. In most of our two-parent families, both parents work. Students are not expecting to be "entertained" but to become a part of the family. By participating in the local high school, students will develop a circle of friends and should not be dependent on the family for entertainment.

Would we need to plan special trips/activities for our student?

Of course, your student would enjoy attending family outings but planning special trips for the student is not a requirement. Your student should be treated like any other member of the family and fit into your family's plans and structure.

We live in a rural area. Would a student be happy here?

It is true that many exchange students come from large metropolitan areas. For most students, however, living rurally or in a small community is not a problem. Students soon come to feel comfortable in any setting as long as their host family is loving and supportive. The majority of exchange students are hosted in small towns and rural areas throughout the United States. Because of the closeness of the people in these areas, students can usually make friends more easily and become a special part of the school and community.

How will our family benefit from hosting a Seattle Homestay Student?

There are many reasons why hosting is a wonderful experience for the entire family. You will learn about another culture and language - without leaving your home. You will start a life-long friendship with your new "son" or "daughter," and when your student returns home, you will have a special friend in another country. Members of your own family may feel closer to one another through sharing your daily lives with a Seattle Homestay student. Most of all, you will have a lot of fun!

Why should we host through Seattle Homestay?

Seattle Homestay is a small exchange organization with an emphasis on a "personal touch" with our students and host families. We are dedicated to "opening the world through youth exchange" - one student at a time! Our Area Representatives have years of experience and are available whenever needed to ensure the exchange experience is successful.

How will Seattle Homestay prepare us to be a host family?

Once you become an approved host family, you will receive a Host Family Welcome Packet with valuable information on the hosting experience. The packet will include a Host Family Handbook, which can be referred to throughout the program. In addition, you will attend a Host Family Orientation, conducted by your local Area Representative, prior to your student's arrival. Here you can get answers to any last-minute questions, meet other host families, and learn how to support your new family member through the normal adjustments such as culture shock and speaking a new language. You will also be invited to a second orientation after your student arrives. Your most important resource, the local Area Representative, will be available every step of the way to provide support and advice.

What must a host family provide for their student?

We ask that our host families care for the students as they would their own children. This means that families are expected to provide students with a place to sleep, meals, and a loving supportive home life. Students provide their own spending money for all personal expenses, such as long distance calls, clothing, toiletries, school supplies, etc. In addition, students have full medical and accident insurance coverage.

What will happen if we have problems with our student?

Since the hosting experience involves human beings with different expectations and goals, it would be unrealistic to expect the experience would be "problem-free." Host families have the local support of the Seattle Homestay Area Representative. This individual is prepared to assist in resolving any difficult situation that may arise. Often, misunderstandings can be worked out through communication with a neutral third party. In the event of a more severe problem or serious personality conflict, the Seattle Homestay national office staff may become involved. If a problem is deemed too great to overcome, students may be removed from a host family and/or returned to their home country.