Host Family Responsibilities

Nowadays, there are many different types of hosting programs which allow any family the opportunity to host and find the program for them. Each type of program does have its own responsibilities that are required of the host families. Let us compare the type of program and the responsibilities of the host families.

J-1 vs F-1

J-1 Programs

J-1 Programs are those where the family is a volunteer host family and does not receive a monthly stipend for hosting. Students on a J-1 program are typically here for both educational and cultural reasons and only stay for a semester or academic year. Families who host on a J-1 program can host up to 2 students at a time. The main responsibilities of a host family are to:

  • Provide a student with a safe, supportive, and loving home
  • Accept student as a member of the family and encourage the student to participate in all aspects of family life
  • Provide a student with his/her own bed and a quiet place to study
  • Provide a student with 3 quality meals a day
  • Provide transportation to and from school (usually by school bus)
  • Encourage the exchange of ideas and provide students with exposure to the cultural and social environment of your home and neighborhood
  • Contact with their local rep weekly and meet with the rep every other month to go over the placement
F-1 Programs

F-1 Programs are programs where host families receive a monthly stipend for hosting. Students on an F-1 program are here because they want to continue their education in the US and plan to stay for multiple years. While they are here to learn the culture, their main reason is academics. Families who host on an F-1 Program can host more than 2 students at a time. The main responsibilities of a host family are to:

  • Provide a student with a safe, supporting, and loving home
  • Accept the student as part of the family and include them in family activities
  • Provide the student with his/her own room and a quiet place to study
  • Have ample food in the house and provide the student with 3 meals a day
  • Be available for transportation to and from school and after school activities
  • Encourage the student to participate in after school activities and sports

To learn more about hosting an F-1 Student please visit www.LPiLearning.org

Short Term vs Long Term

Short Term

Short term programs range from a week to a semester long program. These programs may be academic programs, travel immersion programs, sports related programs, etc. Families who host a student on a short term program may either be paid or unpaid, dependent on the length of the program and program type. Students who are on short terms international exchange programs are driven academically however they tend to be here for more of a cultural exchange. Students want to get a good grasp of the American culture and language in a short period of time. Families who host short term students are responsible for:

  • Helping the student embrace the culture
  • Supporting the student in activities and sports
  • Providing the student with 3 meals a day
  • Having a bed for the student
  • Transportation
  • Assisting the student further their knowledge and skills of the English language
Long Term

Long term program lengths start at a semester and can be a year to four years. Students who participate on multiple year programs are academically driven, making hosting a very different experience from that of a short term program. Students on a long term program might take more time becoming a part of the family and really embracing the family lifestyle. They are focused on academics and embracing the culture is important but not their main priority.

With long term programs, families who host are responsible for:

  • Providing a student with a bed (if a student is placed in a home for multiple years they may be required to have their own bedroom)
  • 3 meals a day (not including lunch if the student wants to buy lunch at the school)
  • A quiet place to study
  • Assistance learning tasks such as laundry, cooking, etc.
  • Encourage the student to participate in family activities
  • Support the student in after school activities and sports
  • Transportation

Above all the requirements of host families for any program type and duration, the main thing asked of families is to accept the student into their home and make them feel comfortable. To include students in family activities and help them become familiar with their new home. Hosting is an incredible experience and families get back more than they could ever imagine!