By on June 14th, 2015

Welcome a UC Berkeley International Student into Your Home

The University of California, Berkeley offers an international education and exchange program for foreign exchange students from all around the world. If you’re thinking of becoming a host family, you might think it’s a difficult process but when you work with USH, we can help you through each step. Hosting an exchange student from UC Berkeley is a one-of-a-kind experience and it’s something your family will always remember.

When Does Enrollment Begin?

If you are considering becoming a host family, you will probably want to know the enrollment periods of each year. UC Berkeley Extension has ELS classes starting every month for international students. If you are interested in hosting an exchange student, you can call our organization and we can help you get started on the process of becoming a host family.

How Can Your Family Benefit from Hosting an Exchange Student?

There are many families who have previously hosted an exchange student and find it not only exciting, but also rewarding. To know you are helping to shape and mold the future of an international exchange student is extremely exciting. Your family will learn new things from your exchange student and he/she will be learning a lot of new things from you as well. Not only will your family be helping to launch the dreams of an international student, but your student can teach you about another culture and help you understand the true meaning of goodwill.

You Learn from Your Student – Your Student Learns from You

One big question many families have before hosting an exchange student is how it will change their lives. This is a common question and the answer is an easy one, you will learn how to be more compassionate, patient and understanding as you interact with your student and in turn, your student will learn about American customs, a new culture and have a better understanding of the way American families live. Hosting an exchange student is a positive way in which you can help change the life of someone from a foreign country who may not have otherwise had the chance to come to the U.S. to study.

Gain a New Global Perspective

At USH, we think the best reason for being a host family is because of the global education it provides for your family and the exchange student. Imagine welcoming an exchange student into your home; it will be an adventure each day with exciting new twists and turns. You will be helping an exchange student to adjust to American life, as well as learning about their life and where they come from. Your own family can have a great time learning about a new place and a new culture, all while providing the supportive and nurturing environment an exchange student needs in order to thrive.

Creating Lifetime Memories

Picture yourself actually opening up your home and welcoming a new son/daughter from another country. You will get the chance to do many “firsts” with your exchange student such as sporting events, fishing, trying new foods, excelling in academia and trying new activities. Whatever activities you do with your exchange student, your family will be making happy memories and these will last a lifetime.

How to Get Started

Through making the decision to welcome an exchange student into your home, you are doing something wonderful and selfless. We will help you get started on the process of becoming a host family. We have students from all over the world and before confirming a student, we will do our best to match you up with like personalities. Please contact USH today for further information about how to become a host family. Become a host family today.