Four words that describe the host family experience!
- Fun. Guide your student as they experience American life for the first time.
- Meaningful. Provide a home-away-from-home for your student while fostering cultural understanding.
- Transformative. Gain a deeper understanding of life in other parts of the world.
- Lasting. Create friendships that last a lifetime.
Host Family Opportunities
LCC welcomes students throughout the year for various durations, from short-terms programs of two-weeks to degree programs of a full academic year. We continuously seek community members willing to host students for the following durations. Please email international@lowercolumbia.edu if you are interested, and we will share more information.
- Academic year (9 months or longer)
- For select exchange programs only
- One or more quarters (each quarter is 3 months)
- For select circumstances only
- Short-term cultural exchange programs (2-3 weeks) - Most needed
- Opportunities occur twice or thrice a year
- Emergency placement(1-2 weeks)
- Back-up for host families on vacation
- Extended Weekend or Holiday Break (2-4 days)
- Host one or two students for Thanksgiving, Winter Holidays, etc.
- Friendship family (day-time, student does not live with you)
- Host family provides quarterly, monthly, or bi-weekly conversations and activities with an international student. Activities can be weekends, evenings, or at another mutually agreed upon time. International student does not live with the host family.
Apply to Become a Host Family!
Our application to become a host family is currently closed. If you are interested in hosting or engaging with international students, then please email international@lowercolumbia.edu.
- Submit Application
- Participate in a home visit, interview, and orientation
- Get matched with a student
General Information for Prospective Host Families
Host Family Preparation
Host families attend our host family orientation and receive a Host Family Handbook. Topics covered in the orientation and/or handbook include how to prepare for an international student, culture shock, policies and procedures, communication, cultural barriers, and more. For more information please see Information for Current Host Families.
What do Host Families provide?
- A private, furnished bedroom with desk and closet/storage space.
- Daily meals.
- Transportation assistance to and from LCC (for select programs only).
- Opportunities to participate in daily family life and celebrations.
- Engagement in local culture and community activities.
What is expected from students who live with Host Families?
- Participate in the daily home life and other activities of the host family.
- Respect and follow the host family's house rules
- Keep areas that they use in the home clean and orderly.