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Hosting an international student can be a wonderful experience that leads to a lifetime of friendship. FIUTS has been coordinating homestay programs for over 56 years. Today, there are thousands of internationals all over the world who have been hosted by Washington families and who remember their homestays as one of the most significant experiences during their stay here. Some of these friendships span 40 years, with hosts and students alike traveling around the globe to reunite for special occasions. Those of us who have worked with internationals know there is something magical about the longlasting friendships that result from this experience. It is our sincere hope that you too will experience a fulfilling homestay that will build into a long-lasting international friendship. It is the mission of this program to promote cross-cultural dialogue and exchange in the hopes that international friendship can help foster mutual understanding between people from all nations. We have found that guidelines can help prepare hosts for a positive experience, and help foster good communication and strong relationships. We have therefore developed the following guidelines to help you make the most of these cross-cultural connections. We have also developed guidelines for international students so that they too can be prepared for their stay in an American home.
Who are the international students and scholars at the UW?
The UW internationals come form over 104 different countries and territories -- from Albania to Zimbabwe , with most arriving from the Pacific Rim and Europe . Some are here for short-term exchange programs; others stay here for several years. They range in age from 17 years old to mid 40's. Most are single, some are married and occasionally with children. Their individual personalities and interests are as diverse as their nationalities. They could be studying in any one of the many UW departments. The international alumni report that the hosting expereince made all the difference for the initial arrival and adjustment period and made the overall American living experience so much more interesting and fulfilling on a personal level.
What is a host committing themselves and their household to?
Hosting UW internationals through FIUTS usually involves an initial homestay of one week, but may be a bit shorter or longer -- depending on your schedule and the student's permanent housing arrangements. Our host program is designed to welcome the international student to the Seattle area and help smooth the transition into their new home. Most hosts pick up their student from the airport so the welcome begins as soon as they arrive. Hosts provide the student with a friendly place to stay, meals, and help or guidance in getting settled. Following the homestay, when the student has moved into permanent housing, we hope you continue to stay in regular contact -- getting together for holiday visits or dinners and recreational outings.
Are there certain criteria that must be met by a host?
The most important criteria is that you share our vision of international understanding and goodwill and you want to meet people from other countries and cultures. FIUTS hosts can be single adults, working or retired couples, house mates or families with or without children living at home. As long as buses are available from where you live, distance from the University of Washington is not usually problem. Though a separate room for your student is ideal, it is not a requirement to host. Students may have settling in tasks so that they are often gone for much of the day, therefore it is not an issue if you work during the day. However, it is best if you can dedicate at least one day to help orient your student, though as host, you decide what your schedule can and cannot allow. You need to advise your student of what they can expect from you and what your household schedule is. Most students are extremely grateful for your genuine gesture of friendship and goodwill.
Preparing for the homestay:
Before the homestay, try to learn a little about the culture of your international guest. FIUTS sends all hosts information about your student's home country, unless you have already hosted a student from that country before. Make sure to read this, and follow-up with a book, or a movie, or even try to learn a few words of welcome in your student's language. Ask the Homestay Coordinator for additional references.
Contacting your student prior to arrival:
Take the first step and welcome your student with an introductory email or letter before he or she arrives in the US . Email is a particularly convenient way to communicate with students. If you do not have email, ask the Homestay Coordinator for pass on details via email to your student.
Meeting your student:
Please make arrangements to pick up your student at the airport. It is often helpful to swap descriptive details such as clothing that will help your student identify you. A sign is also recommended with FIUTS and the student’s name on it. FIUTS will provide you with flight arrival information. If you are unable to meet your guest at the airport, please make other arrangements or let the FIUTS office now so that they can make pick-up arrangements.
Welcoming your guest:
Both host and student have much to offer each other in terms of cultural knowledge and exchange. At the beginning, both parties are often cultural ambassadors for their countries. Imagine what it is like to leave your studies or your job and your family. When was the last time you were in a new place for an extended period of time? What was a help to you? Talk about this with your student. What is it like for them?
Introducing your guest to your household routines:
Try to make a list of household guidelines that will help make your guests more comfortable (sleeping arrangements, wake up time, using the bathroom, kitchen, laundry, TV etc.). Introduce your guests to the routines of the household and encourage them to ask questions if they are unsure about something. Go slowly as students may be worried about their English ability at this point. Let your guests know what they are expected to do and not do around the house. Introduce your guest to any religious activities (such as saying grace at meal times) that may be part of your daily life in the home, and let them know they are not expected to participate.
Sharing meals together:
Sharing a meal together can be one of the highlights of your homestay. It can also be a difficult transition for internationals who have never been to the US before. Think back to your first experiences with international cuisine. If you have lived abroad, did you miss the food that you grew up with? Be sensitive to different palates and try to gauge what your students may or may not want. Go shopping together so that they can pick out something they might want to eat. Keep in mind that some internationals may be shy about voicing their likes and dislikes, while others may be quite vocal!
Talking with your guest:
Start slowly until you can gauge your student's comfort level with English. Expect some awkward silences in the conversation and don't expect to fill every gap in the conversation. Do things that don’t require lots of words such as outdoor games, sports or taking a walk. Give your guest enough time to form his or her sentences and keep in mind that trying to communicate in a foreign language all the time can be exhausting. Some students will have excellent English language skills while others may not. Be flexible and rephrase your sentences if you are not understood. You will be amazed by how quickly your guest's English will improve!
Navigating cultural and personality differences:
Recognize that everyone has a different personality. Some internationals will be outgoing. Others shy. Some will have considerable experience abroad while for others this will be their first overseas stay. It may take time to know your student well. Be patient and consistent. Remember that your student is coming from a very different cultural background than you, and may have some initial trouble adapting to life in Seattle. Be open and enjoy the diversity of opinions, cultural customs, food and habits. You may be surprised by your reactions to some of them. Ask your student if he or she is surprised by anything here in the US.
Helping your student prepare for his or her new life here:
Your students may have questions about how to ride the bus, find an apartment, or open a bank account. Try to help them as much as you can so that they can learn to do these things on their own. Introduce a student who needs housing to the classified ads, to neighborhoods near the University and to the Housing office on campus. Help students learn their way around Seattle by bus. Ride the bus with them once to show them how easy it is. One of the ways to gain a sense of comfort in a new place is to be able to get to different parts of town on one's own. Take them shopping. Many of the big and less expensive stores are not easily accessible by bus and most students will need bedding and other things for their dorm rooms or apartments. Share what you know about where to get good value for their money. Most students will welcome your advice about good, thrifty places to shop.
Listening to your student:
When an international student or scholar first arrives, he or she can be overwhelmed with being in a new place. Your efforts to reach out in helpful ways during this time will go a long way in establishing a mutually rewarding friendship. Ask frequently and personally if your student needs something. Internationals may feel shy about asking for anything or asking "silly questions", but they may have questions about Seattle, the US and about life in general here.
Go to an event together:
Take your student to one event that is of interest to them (music, sports, theatre, whatever interests the student may have). This will be something they enjoy and helps orient them more quickly and also encourages them to do this activity again on their own or with others. The introduction to the places and kinds of events is important.
Sharing your beliefs:
Out of respect for the many faiths that our students come from, we do ask hosts not to invite students to religious events or places unless specifically asked by the student. It can make some students feel very uncomfortable and discourage them from continuing contact with their host. Instead, tell your guest that they are welcome to come to any of the family outings, including a religious event, but that they are not expected to attend unless they ask to come along. This way a student will feel included in the family but will understand that it is OK not to attend.
Refraining from proselytizing:
In the past, some hosts have confused the purpose of their involvement with FIUTS with the purposes of their religious beliefs. This is in direct conflict with the NAFSA (the National Association of Foreign Student Advisors) Code of Ethics for interaction with international students. Please refrain from proselytizing. If you do not feel this is possible for you or your family, please reconsider your decision to host.
Staying in touch with FIUTS:
It is your responsibility to let FIUTS staff know if there is any problem, discomfort or concern about your match. If for any reason you choose to discontinue being a FIUTS hosts, please let the office know immediately.
Thank you for your willingness to experience the joys and challenges of building international understanding and friendship. It is people like you, hosts and international students, who make a positive difference in the world.
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