Information for Host Families

THE PURPOSE of FOCUS Homestays is to match university level international students with host families who will encourage them as they adjust to life in Oregon, teach them about American culture and help them with their English. Hosting is a great way to make friends and learn about life in other countries. We seek families and individuals who wish to develop relationships and share their lives as well as their homes with students by spending time with them on a regular basis during meals and other everyday activities. We hope the hosts will include students for outings and special events too, when possible, especially for long term homestays.

FAMILY COMPOSITION: FOCUS hosts and hostesses must be at least 25 years old. Our host families are comprised of singles, married couples and parent/s with children. Some families host two or more international guests. This can be even more fun than one. If you have the space you might consider trying this. Please understand, however, that FOCUS Homestays volunteers cannot guarantee to keep all of your rooms filled all of the time. The number of requests we receive varies greatly from one season to another. Our primary concern is to match the preferences of the students. Usually having students of the same sex with different native languages works best.


ACCOMMODATIONS: Host families provide a private furnished bedroom. Or, in some cases a room may be shared by two college students if they agree and there is adequate space or if it is for a short time.  The fee should be reduced if a room is shared. Host families should encourage students to use the living room, kitchen, and dining room since this is where you will interact with them for meals, English conversation, homework help and other activities.

LENGTH OF STAY: Homestays may be as short as one day or as long as one year. A homestay of one month or less is considered a short-term stay.   Many students request short-term stays, especially in the fall. Typically these last for a few days to a couple weeks while the student is waiting for a dorm or apartment to become available. Some short-term requests become long-term homestays. Three months is the most often requested homestay, but these too are often extended. The more flexible you are, the more likely we will be able to offer you a student.
HOMESTAY CHARGE: The homestay fee is set by the host families. Before offering a homestay, you need to decide how much to charge. Keep in mind however, that FOCUS Homestays’ objective is to serve students by providing cultural interaction and practical help. If this is not your motive, you need not apply. If a host family charges too much we are not likely to offer them any students.
The average charge for a long-term homestay (more than one month) is $525 per month for the breakfast only option. With this option hosts provide food and beverages for the student who will prepare his own breakfast.
If you prefer to offer the traditional option which includes all meals, the average charge is $650 per month. This should includes dinner prepared by the host family most evenings, a serve-yourself breakfast and lunch which the student prepares.
Another option is the flexible meals plan.  This plan may be a good choice for families with busy schedules or for students whose schedules vary from day to day. After the student moves in you will discuss which meals to offer and charge accordingly.
Some students request special diets, such as vegetarian or Halal which should be discussed before you offer a homestay to such a student, especially if there are extra expenses.
Charge for a Short-term Homestay of 1 -30 days should generally be prorated based on the above.
A Welcome to New Students:
FOCUS offers short-term homestays of one to seven days at no cost for international students who are arriving in Portland for the first time. In this way we are extending our hospitality and providing a warm welcome.  FOCUS Host Families are invited to but not obligated to participate in this way.

UTILITIES: The homestay fee should cover heat, electricity, water, laundry facilities and high-speed internet service. Students these days expect to have wi-fi, but they bring their own phones and computers. When calculating your homestay fee please keep in mind that many students come from warm countries, and keeping them warm and comfortable may increase your heat bill.

WHAT ELSE DOES THE HOST FAMILY PROVIDE: You are expected to provide basic supplies such as toilet tissue, paper napkins, sandwich bags, bath soap, laundry detergent and the like. You are not required to supply shampoo or other personal items. It is a good idea to have several Tri-met passes on hand, but you can charge the student for them.

COMMUTING TO PSU: Students want to live as close to PSU as possible.  A commute of 60 minutes or less including the time needed for walking, riding and if necessary, waiting to transfer is considered acceptable by FOCUS Homestays.   But if the commute is longer than 60 minutes, a student might still possibly accept a homestay offer for a short-term stay, or if the host family can help with transportation to or from the bus/train stop.

COLLECTING PAYMENTS: The FOCUS Homestays program is run by volunteers, so there is no administration fee. All payments go directly from the student to the host family. FOCUS Homestays does not keep track of monies received. It is the responsibility of the host family to keep records of money received and to report it as may be required by state and federal tax laws.

IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING PAYMENTS: Payments from international students (or to, in the case of refunds) should be by check, either a personal check  or a bank check which includes the name of the recipient, the date, and what it covers.  The host family and the student  should both keep track of receipts. Please do not ask your student to pay for more than one month at a time, except in the case of a partial month being included with a one-month payment.

HOMESTAY RESIDENCY AGREEMENT: It is advisable to fill out a Homestay Residency Agreement specifying the amount of the monthly or daily fee, the due date, what is provided by the host family and what are the responsibilities of the homestay student. See “Host Family Resources” for a link to a sample document that may help you think through what you would want to include. FOCUS Homestays is unable to give legal advice.

INSURANCE: PSU international students are required to carry PSU-approved medical insurance. Be prepared. We suggest that you complete an Emergency Contact Information form (see “Host Family Resources”). This can help you plan what to do before an emergency occurs. If you need help you can contact a FOCUS Homestays volunteer.

Whether you are a homeowner or a renter, it is wise to check with your insurance agent to see what insurance coverage you have or whether you need to increase your coverage as a result of hosting international students. If you are renting, it is your responsibility to make sure you are permitted to host another person in your dwelling.

BEING RESPECTFUL OF BELIEFS: Internationals come from a variety of cultures and beliefs. When they come to the United States, they may encounter new beliefs. The level of interest varies from international to international. We ask that homestay providers be respectful of the beliefs of internationals and be certain that discussions about religion are wanted by the international.

AIRPORT PICK-UPS: FOCUS offers to arrange airport pickups for first-time arriving international PSU students and scholars. For those who are going from the airport to a host family, our hope is that the host family would be able to meet the student or scholar at the airport and take the student to their home.

APPLYING TO BECOME A HOST FAMILY: On this website, you will find an on-line application form. After your application is received it will be reviewed and kept on file. We may contact you for further information. Please understand however, that we often have more families wishing to host than students requesting homes. Our hope is to make the best match possible between host family and student.

ACCEPTING A STUDENT: When we offer you a student you will receive detailed information about the student and usually a photo. You always have the option of declining based on your circumstances at the time. If the student is already in Portland you can invite him to visit before moving in to help decide if you are a good match for each other. When you offer a student a homestay or a visit, he will be given a “reply by” date. During this time you are required to hold the space. However, if the student does not reply in time, you are free to cancel your offer.