The American Homestay Network (AHN) is currently seeking Queen Anne area families to host international students for both short and long stays. AHN launched in late 2012 and has already placed over 100 students in the greater Seattle area.
Host families or individuals share their home and culture with a student, and AHN manages the administrative details of the student’s stay. AHN provides an online homestay management system, national background check, 24×7 professionally staffed emergency support, online payment services, online student and host orientation training, and airport transportation services.
The current AHN homestay opportunities for local hosts include:
- A two-week stay at the end of June for students who are part of a French aviation program at Seattle Central Community College. These students are all male, ages 18-50, and are returning to Seattle for further studies. Host families would need to provide overnight accommodations, breakfast and dinner. The students arrive June 25th for a two-week stay, leaving July 8th.
- 2013-2014 school year (beginning Summer 2013): Within this school term, the hosting needs vary, from a few weeks to a semester to a year.
Homestays are cultural exchanges, with the student improving his or her English-speaking skills and learning about American culture and different lifestyles while they study at local colleges and universities. AHN works with both host families and students during the application and review process to ensure a good match – covering length of stay, family type and demographics, geographic proximity to school, and other key factors.
According to AHN representatives, successful homestays have benefitted both students and host families, providing a “perfect balance of introduction to two new cultures, freedom and independence for both student and host, and a deep learning experience certain to continue far beyond the length of the homestay.”
Potential host families are advised to visit AHN online to learn more about the application process, apply online, and manage their application. Or, for more information, contact AHN at 425.285.4402.