Opening your home to an exchange student through the STS Foundation isn't just about providing a bed and meals, it's an adventure that can transform your family's life. Imagine learning about distant lands and cultures over breakfast, or seeing your hometown through fresh eyes. Hosting a student offers a unique chance to broaden your horizons and make a lasting impact on a young person's life. Let's explore what it means to become a host family and how you can embark on this exciting journey.

The STS Foundation's Mission

At its heart, the STS Foundation is all about building bridges - the kind that connect hearts and minds across cultures. Their goal is to create a global community, one exchange at a time. By welcoming a student into your home, you become a crucial part of this mission, helping young people experience American life firsthand while sharing their own unique traditions and perspectives.

Why Become a Host Family?

Cultural Exchange:  Hosting introduces your family to new traditions, languages, and viewpoints. You might find yourself celebrating unfamiliar holidays, learning to cook exotic dishes, or picking up phrases in a new language - all from the comfort of your living room.

Personal Growth: This experience isn't just about teaching, it's about learning too. Many host families find themselves developing new skills, from improved communication to increased empathy. It's like a crash course in global citizenship.

Long-lasting Relationships: The bonds formed during an exchange often extend far beyond the program's duration. Many host families and students stay in touch for years, creating a network of international friendships. Imagine having a "home away from home" in another country!

Community Engagement: Hosting a student can help you see your own community with new eyes. You might find yourself exploring local attractions you've overlooked or rediscovering the charm of your hometown as you share it with your student.

The Hosting Experience

The STS Foundation works hard to ensure your hosting experience is as smooth and rewarding as possible. Here's what you can expect:

Support and Guidance: From your first inquiries to your student's tearful goodbye, the foundation is there to support you. Think of them as your personal cultural exchange coaches.

Student Matching: This isn't a random assignment. The foundation takes care to match students with host families based on shared interests and lifestyles. 

Orientation and Training: Don't worry if you're feeling a bit nervous - the foundation provides training to help you prepare. You'll learn about cultural differences, set expectations, and get tips for a successful exchange.

24/7 Support: During the exchange, you're never alone. The STS Foundation offers round-the-clock support to address any concerns. It's like having a cultural exchange hotline at your fingertips.

How to Become a Host Family

Ready to take the plunge? Here's how to get started:

1. Application: Fill out the host family application form on the STS Foundation website. It's your first step towards a global adventure!
2. Interview and Home Visit: A foundation representative will meet with you to ensure your home is a good fit for an exchange student. Don't worry - they're not expecting a five-star hotel, just a welcoming environment.
3. Matching Process: Based on your information, you'll be matched with a student who shares your interests and values. It's like solving a global puzzle, with your family as the missing piece.
4. Orientation and Training: Attend the provided sessions to prepare for your student's arrival. Think of it as your crash course in international hosting.
5. Welcoming Your Student: The big day arrives! Open your home and heart to your exchange student and let the cultural adventure begin.