Without it, a major part of the cross-cultural component, essential to our goals, would be missing. Living with a host family provides our participants the chance to experience the American home life and to participate in family activities. It also provides them family style support as they make the transition to living in the United States. Our participants stay with two, three or four host families for periods of two to six weeks each, for portion of their stay in their affiliate city.
Host families provide a private bedroom, two meals per day and live near public transportation.
Many host families decide upon hosting participants to gain first hand experience about other countries and lifestyles. In addition they also gain cross-cultural experiences, establish deep friendships around the globe, and build a strong stimulating and caring internationally focused community. Finding both the differences and the common ground is enriching. The personal relationship with a person from across the world shows that bonds can be made which will link the human family in a global way and promote peace and understanding. Katherine Geralds, Host Family.