What is the role of a host family?

Host families provide a safe and welcoming environment, support and often help to bridge the cultural gap that students experience.

The host family plays a unique and vital role in the international student experience. Their role is not to replace the student’s natural family. International students  stay closely connected with their family and friends in their home country – often on a daily basis. The host family needs to respect the student’s culture and native family while also helping them to adjust to the home and culture they are currently living in.