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Host Families blue line

Families that would be suitable homestay families are those that can:

  • provide moral support and advice regarding day-to-day concerns that may arise. Living in a foreign country, even for this brief time span, can be a lonely and intimidating experience. The host family will share their lives with the J-corps, Jr. student. Not only will this help the student overcome homesickness and become quickly adapted to American life, but the student can become immersed in American family life. The host parents become the exchange student’s parents and, indeed, the host family becomes a substitute family. The exchange student looks forward to being included in family activities, including chores. 

  • provide room and board for the duration of the commitment that has been made to the host school. A J-corps, Jr. participant should have a room of his or her own.

  • arrange some means of transportation between the host family’s home and the host school, either school bus, walking, or bicycle.


Sources of Advice and Support
Homestay families can offer advice and support as the assistants adjust to living and working in the community. Whenever possible, questions or concerns of a personal matter should be addressed to homestay family, whereas professional questions or concerns should be addressed to the host teacher or J-corps, Jr.administration.

For example, if there are specific questions about the host community, the assistant should ask a member of the host family. If there is a question about teaching responsibilities, the assistant should ask the mentor. If there is a question about the J-corps, Jr. program, ask the J-corps, Jr. administration.

Host Family Brochure
Host Family Forms