Home stay hosts open their homes to international visitors for a stay of one night to a few weeks. The overall expericence is mutually beneficial to both the hosts and the guests. As a home stay host, you'll enjoy learning the cultures--food, customs, interests--of your guests. And for the visitors, there is no better way for them to experience the American way of life than through a stay in an American home. It gives them a taste of true local culture. Home hospitality hosts are usually synonymous with home dinner hosts. Host one guest, a few guests, or an entire group. Prior to their arrival, you will receive a profile of each guest, which includes any dietary restrictions they may have. From there, you decide on the menu and host them in your home for dinner. You'll enjoy making new friends, and they receive the benefit of sharing food and fellowship with others in a relaxed setting. With both opportunities, the goal is to create an American cultural experience by sharing part of your life with your visitors.

TGA supporters are given priority for being selected as hosts, so donating to TGA is a great first step! Next, simply let us know you'd like to host by contacting Bob Lieser, TGA’s Senior Director of Citizen Diplomacy. Bob will review with you key items, such as which countries interest you, the amount of time you have available, and what type of meals and transportation you can provide. Vetting processes differ between adult and youth guests. The goal is to find the best match for you and our visitors. Once approved, we may reach out to you to gauge your interest in hosting as our needs arise. You will also learn about other hosting opportunities via the TGA newsletter and social media.

If you've never hosted before, please know that it is meant to be easy, rewarding, and fun! As a host, you will:

• Exchange ideas on cultures, customs, current events, and other topics of interest.

• Provide a modest, typical evening meal for your guests. The meal can take any format you choose (potluck, buffet, sit-down)--and during cool weather, cookouts are always fun for visitors!

• Invite friends, family, or others who might be interested in meeting important and interesting visitors from around the world!

TGA hosts international, English-speaking youth, ages 15 - 18, visiting to explore youth leadership, volunteerism, conflict resolution, and other themes through the U.S. State Department Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.The teens usually stay with homestay families who have children in the same age range (but it's not a requirement). TGA organizes many fun and engaging social and cultural activities for the youths and their host families. As a host family, you will:

• Provide accommodations, such as a private bedroom and restroom, or a shared accommodation with a similarly-aged teenager.

• Have breakfast and most dinners together with the youth delegate as a family.

• Help your guest understand American life and culture.

• Provide transportation to and from required program activities.

• Enjoy family outings and activities with your international youth guests.

• Treat the delegate like a member of the family!

First of all, thank you! Here are four key items to note:

1. Participants will have a busy program itinerary for five to six days of the week. Sundays are usually free to spend with their host families.

2. As a host family, you'll be provided a program itinerary, background on the student, and a contact list of program staff as well as other hosts. TGA staff is on call around the clock during youth visits!

3. Your youth visitors are provided a daily stipend for lunches and incidental expenses, as well as health insurance during their stay.

4. As part of the U.S. State Department's screening process, TGA will conduct background checks on host families as well as visit host families’ homes prior to hosting.

Absolutely! TGA has a roster of hosts who are eager to provide any type of practical advice for you. Simply contact TGA and ask for host referrals!