Weekend Family Host Application Form

Click here to apply. Make sure you've read the Host Family Agreement below.

Program Information for Prospective Weekend Homestay Hosts

What is the purpose of the English Language Institute's Weekend Homestay Program?
To introduce students to American home life, to develop the students' English speaking and listening skills, and to promote intercultural understanding.

Who are we looking for?
Families or mature individuals in the Corvallis and surrounding area. Participating hosts may elect to receive a small stipend to help ease expenses (see host application and contract.)

Which students participate?
Only international students on an exchange program with the English Language Institute (ELI) participate in the homestays. Students come specifically to improve their English conversational and listening skills, and to learn about American culture.

What are the benefits of hosting a student?
Hosting is a unique opportunity for intercultural learning. Hosts and their families can develop a new appreciation for how others live and view the world. It also provides the chance to create a personal connection with someone from another country. Some hosts and their guests stay in touch after the program ends, creating ties and memories that can last a lifetime.

How do I host a student?
1) Fill out a Host Family Profile Form and sign after reading the Host Family Agreement.
2) Schedule a home visit by a representative of the program.

The Host Family Agreement

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in hosting an international student. The information below serves as a reminder of important issues to consider while participating in the Homestay Program. We ask that you read over the information carefully before signing the Agreement. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

The ideal Homestay is one in which each party learns from the other. Many of the students and Host Families stay in contact with one another for years after the initial Homestay Weekend. The experiences that will result from the weekend will have a positive impact on both you and the international student. After reading this information, please remember to sign the Agreement form located at the bottom of the Host Profile Form. Thank you again for your interest in the Host Family program! Your participation is greatly appreciated.

House & Family Orientation:
Give your student a tour of your home upon arrival. Explain rules and routines, and encourage them to ask questions. Please keep in mind that language skills of the students may be limited, so keep vocabulary simple and use gestures or pictures. If both host and student know what is expected of each other, conflicts are less likely to occur. Do not assume that students know how typical American households work.

Sleeping Arrangements:
Most participants will be used to sleeping in a bed or a futon. It is rare in some cultures to share a bed. Please provide a separate bed with clean bedding for the student(s).

Bathroom Arrangements:
Please be sure to let the student know when and how to use the bath or shower.

Host Family Life:
The students will certainly enjoy your warmth and hospitality, but please do not feel that you must shower them with gifts, restaurant meals, or extraordinary sightseeing activities. Students often enjoy ordinary family activities such as grocery shopping, cooking and baking, looking at photos, walks in the park or going to the movies. If you do go sightseeing, it is a good idea to ask to see the student's calendar, so that you will know what group outings are planned and avoid repetition.

Church & Religion:
Religion is an important part of American culture; however, your student may have different spiritual beliefs or no religious affiliation at all. Please respect the beliefs of the student just as you would like a person to respect yours. Differing beliefs combined with limited English skills can make conversations about religion difficult, so we recommend you do not dwell on the subject of religion. However, should a student decide to attend a church service with you, do answer direct questions asked of you, especially in regard to how the religious practice relates to life in the US.

Taking Students Out of Town:
Feel free to take students out of town on trips. We only ask that you call the homestay coordinator and leave a message with phone/location information.

Participation in Welcome/Farewell Events:
Most groups will have scheduled events such as a welcome or farewell party to which host families are invited. Students greatly appreciate your participation in these events.

Other Important Information:
Students may not drive while participating in the program. Please respect alcohol laws. Remember, some of these students are minors. Also, NO firearms, target shooting, hunting, etc. during the Homestay.

Contact Information
Candy Pierson-Charlton, Homestay Coordinator, 737-6981; email Candy
Tina Withrow-Robinson, Coordinator of Special Programs, 737-5678; email Tina