By on April 29th, 2016

Welcome an Irvine Valley College International Student into Your Home

For international students looking to study in America, the cost of education can be staggering. It’s even more expensive because there are added fees for visas and travel related to studying abroad. For this reason, many students choose to start their international study at a smaller college like Irvine Valley College. This is a great way to get the basic Associate’s degree, or even a basic undergraduate degree, before moving on to a more expensive specialized school.

Irvine Valley College has one of the best transfer rates in America, making it a great choice for students who wish to later attend places like Berkley or UCLA. Located in Irvine, California, it’s also a popular choice because it is close to major cities and attractions.

Homestay

Another way that these students choose to save money is by signing up for a homestay program. This allows the student to live in the home of an American family, rather than in an expensive dorm. If you live in Irvine, California, you may be a prime candidate for a host family.

Benefits for Both of You

For a student, the benefits of a homestay are obvious: they get the chance to practice English, save money, and feel like part of a family while they are living halfway around the world. When culture shock and homesickness make them feel lonely, your family can be there to provide comfort and welcome.

For you, there are just as many benefits. You may not even be aware that you can make extra income by hosting an international student. You’ll get the chance to meet new people and learn about new cultures, which is great for your children or just for yourself. You also get to sleep well knowing that you are a vital part of making someone’s dreams come true. For many of these students, a homestay accommodation is the only way they could afford to study abroad.

Who Can Host

Almost anyone can be a host family for an international student. You don’t have to have children, or be a traditional family, to be a host. There are many types of families in America, and part of what we show these international students is how wonderful the varied definition of family can be.

All you really need is the ability to provide a private bedroom that is furnished, healthy meals, and a willingness to talk and interact on a daily basis. Universal Student Housing also recommends that you spend some time with your guest on family-style outings, allowing them to get to know the Irvine area, and providing you both with the time to get to know one another better.

Lasting Friendships

The relationships built during a homestay are often lifetime friendships. Many hosts and guests report that they went on to keep in touch for years after their stay, sending each other letters and gifts, and talking on the phone or over Skype often. It’s a great way to extend your family, and to ensure a lifetime of open mindedness as part of your own point of view.

If you are interested in hosting an Irvine Valley College international student, Universal Student Housing can walk you through the entire process. Check out the links on our website to get started with an application, or spend some time reading our blog to find out more about what it’s like to be a host, and learn some tips to make your first hosting experience go smoothly. We’ll be with you every step of the way to make sure that your hosting experience is everything you hope it can be.