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Become a Host Family

For International Students

Earn extra income and experience the joy of cultural connection when you join our host family network.

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Cultural Connection

Cultural connection is at the heart of the homestay experience for host families. By welcoming students from diverse backgrounds, hosts have the chance to share their own culture and discover new traditions, languages, and perspectives. This exchange fosters mutual understanding, enhances daily life, and creates lasting bonds that go beyond borders, transforming a simple stay into a profound cross-cultural journey.

Generous Stipends

Becoming a host offers more than just a rewarding cultural experience—it also provides the opportunity to earn a generous stipend. While making a meaningful impact on a young person’s life, you can supplement your income by opening your home to a student studying abroad. The stipend helps offset hosting expenses, such as meals and utilities, enabling you to enjoy financial benefits while building lasting, cross-cultural connections.

Concierge support reception bell

Continued Support

As a host with StudentRoomStay, you’re never alone—concierge support is here to assist you throughout the entire process. From the moment your student arrives to the time they settle in, you’ll have access to ongoing assistance tailored to your needs. Whether it's aiding with cultural integration, addressing any issues, or providing tips on creating a welcoming atmosphere, concierge support ensures hosts feel confident and supported.

The Host Family Process

Help us provide a safe and enriching cultural opportunity for students studying abroad.

Step 1

Application

By providing details about your home, interests and preferences, your application helps us to create a public profile that introduces you to students. By showcasing your unique qualities,  students will get a clear understanding of who you are. 

Step 2

Onboarding

In addition to gaining access to your personal portal, you'll have the opportunity to learn more about hosting through our Cultural Academy Training! You’ll gain knowledge and be equipped with the resources needed for a successful hosting experience. 

Step 3

Vetting

Safety is a top priority for us at StudentRoomStay for both students and hosts! Here you will complete the remaining checks required before being matched. This includes a criminal background check for all adult residents as well as a virtual home inspection. 

Step 4

Matching

Get ready to be matched! Equipped with the information that you provided in your application, our team will notify you when there are new hosting opportunities in your area. We'll provide you with all the necessary details at that time to ensure a great placement!

Step 4

Arrival

Congratulations! You're one step closer to developing meaningful relationships and experiencing cultural diversity. While awaiting your student's arrival, our team will keep you informed with timely updates to ensure everything begins on a positive note.

Most Popular Asked Questions

  • What is homestay?

    What is homestay?

    Homestay is a situation in which an international student stays in a properly managed hosted accommodation environment for a period of their study in a new country.

    A homestay gives an international student the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in American culture by living in a warm and welcoming American household, rather than in an impersonal apartment, dorm or hotel.

  • What is my exact role?

    What is my exact role?

    The host family plays a unique and vital role in the international student experience. Host families provide a safe and welcoming environment,  support and often help to bridge the cultural gap that students experience.

    The host family's role is not to replace the student’s natural family. International students  stay closely connected with their family and friends in their home country – often on a daily basis. The host family needs to respect the student’s culture and native family while also helping them to adjust to the home and culture they are currently living in.

  • Will I get paid?

    Will I get paid?

    We know that overhead costs and maintenance expenses can rise as a result of introducing a new temporary member to your family. For this reason, we provide an agreed upon stipend to cover these expenditures.

    All hosts receive direct deposit hosting stipends every 2 weeks. The amounts vary based on:

    • What meals and amenities you provide
    • Your location relative to the school
    • The cost of housing in your area
    • The age of the student.

    We provide payments in a 2-week cycle because it means you get paid more frequently and always for the exact number of days you host. For a more in depth overview of payments, please contact your local SRS Concierge office and they will be more than happy to assist you.

    For more information regarding payments, please see our knowledge base. 

  • How long does it take to get a student placed in my home?

    How long does it take to get a student placed in my home?

    Student arrival times vary based on demand in your area, as well as your lifestyle and preferences. Placements can occur immediately or may take several months, depending on your location and how well students match your criteria. Students will arrive at different times throughout the year, depending on their educational programs. Rest assured, once we find a student who is a good fit, we will notify you as soon as possible!

  • Why is SRS my best choice for hosting?

    Why is SRS my best choice for hosting?

    • We are the most recognized global homestay provider for international students, with a full-service approach to hosting.
    • We know exactly who is staying with you and what their background is.
    • We provide support 24 hours a day in case there is a problem or emergency.
    • We handle billing and pay you directly, on time, via direct deposit.
    • We give you training on cultural understanding and how to help students and your family enjoy the hosting experience.
  • Need more details?

    Need more details?

    Browse our knowledge base for more detailed information on hosting here:

    https://knowledge.studentroomstay.com/host-families

What is homestay?

Homestay is a situation in which an international student stays in a properly managed hosted accommodation environment for a period of their study in a new country.

A homestay gives an international student the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in American culture by living in a warm and welcoming American household, rather than in an impersonal apartment, dorm or hotel.

What is my exact role?

The host family plays a unique and vital role in the international student experience. Host families provide a safe and welcoming environment,  support and often help to bridge the cultural gap that students experience.

The host family's role is not to replace the student’s natural family. International students  stay closely connected with their family and friends in their home country – often on a daily basis. The host family needs to respect the student’s culture and native family while also helping them to adjust to the home and culture they are currently living in.

Will I get paid?

We know that overhead costs and maintenance expenses can rise as a result of introducing a new temporary member to your family. For this reason, we provide an agreed upon stipend to cover these expenditures.

All hosts receive direct deposit hosting stipends every 2 weeks. The amounts vary based on:

  • What meals and amenities you provide
  • Your location relative to the school
  • The cost of housing in your area
  • The age of the student.

We provide payments in a 2-week cycle because it means you get paid more frequently and always for the exact number of days you host. For a more in depth overview of payments, please contact your local SRS Concierge office and they will be more than happy to assist you.

For more information regarding payments, please see our knowledge base. 

How long does it take to get a student placed in my home?

Student arrival times vary based on demand in your area, as well as your lifestyle and preferences. Placements can occur immediately or may take several months, depending on your location and how well students match your criteria. Students will arrive at different times throughout the year, depending on their educational programs. Rest assured, once we find a student who is a good fit, we will notify you as soon as possible!

Why is SRS my best choice for hosting?

  • We are the most recognized global homestay provider for international students, with a full-service approach to hosting.
  • We know exactly who is staying with you and what their background is.
  • We provide support 24 hours a day in case there is a problem or emergency.
  • We handle billing and pay you directly, on time, via direct deposit.
  • We give you training on cultural understanding and how to help students and your family enjoy the hosting experience.

Need more details?

Browse our knowledge base for more detailed information on hosting here:

https://knowledge.studentroomstay.com/host-families

Welcome to an experience filled with learning, growth and unforgettable moments.

Explore the possibilities of hosting and become part of a global community. Your participation not only makes a meaningful impact on a student’s life but also adds a new dimension to your own. 

Get Started

What Our Host Families Are Saying

We had a wonderful holiday season with our student Andranik. Teaching him some of our traditions and him sharing with us some of his. It was a very special time for us.

Renee
Host Family

It’s not just about providing a home away from home for the students, but also about the enriching experience we gain in return. We’re learning about other cultures, traditions, and their perspective on life, which has added a vibrant layer to our golden years. 

Erika
Host Family

This has been a very rewarding experience for us and for Kerem. We cook dinner every night together. It feels very much like having our own son here!

Rachelle
Host Family
Host an International Student