August 20, 2009
Hosts needed for international students as part of Homestay Program
One way to experience international travel and bring the world to your doorstep is by hosting an international UW student.
The Homestay Program sponsored by the Foundation for International Understanding through Students (FIUTS) is a unique connection to international visitors. FIUTS hosts welcome new UW international students and scholars into their homes for their first week in Seattle, as students settle in and attend orientation, before they move into permanent housing.
Most FIUTS homestays last one week, starting the day the student arrives in Seattle. Hosts often pick up their students at the airport and help them learn some of the basics of living in the US. The relationship continues throughout the student’s stay in Seattle, and can include hosts and students getting together for dinners, weekend activities, and over the holidays.
This year, more than 300 students and scholars from more than 40 different countries participated in FIUTS Homestay & Friendship Programs. Students represent a wide variety of academic fields, and pursue their studies at the undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral levels. FIUTS hosts are families, single individuals, or couples who are interested in sharing their culture and meeting new friends from around the world.
To learn more about becoming a FIUTS host, or for host interviews, contact Homestay and Community Relations Coordinator Alison Kilkenny at 206-616-7025 or Alison@fiuts.org.
