Host Family Definition:
      A Host Family acts as the International Student’s family while they are in the United States attending School. This family, who most likely will already be a part of the school community, will accept this student into their home as one of their own children. The International Student will participate in family events, attend church on a weekly basis, go along on family outings, and enjoy the holidays with their host family. The Host Parents will hold the International Student accountable for homework, household chores, and other routine family obligations and will discipline the student when necessary. This nurturing environment helps each student with the transition from one country to another.

Host Family Selection

       Host Families are selected after they have completed the screening process. Each potential host family is required to submit a Host Family Application. Upon receipt of this application, an ICEM staff member will interview the family and visit their home. After the screening process, the host family becomes eligible to receive an International Student.

      The ICEM Director is responsible for matching the Host Family to each International Student. We try and match genders of the International Student with those of the children in the Host Family. Students may not request to change Host Families unless the Director recommends it. This is almost never done as it is counter productive to the relationships we are trying to form.

      After the selection, we will forward the Host Family Information (including the Host Family’s expectations, living arrangements, etc.) to the International Family. A Host Family Agreement will then be issued and signed by the Host Family, the International Family and an ICEM representative. At this point, we encourage both sides to begin communication which will help ease any anxieties on the part of the host family or the student.

How to Become a Host Family

1. Fill out a "Host Family Application" and email, mail, or fax it to the ICEM office.
2. A representative from ICEM will call you to set up a home visit. The representative will come to your home for an interview and will need to see the bedroom for the international student.
3. The ICEM team will review the application and interview notes before calling you back to confirm approval.

Qualifications

1. You must provide a loving, Christian family atmosphere with regular family prayer time.
2. You must attend church weekly.
3. You must provide the student with breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
4. You must be able to provide transportation to all school activities such as games and practices.
5. You must fill out a simple monthly report on your student for ICEM to review.
6. You must be able to attend quarterly meetings.

Host Family Incentives

Host families receive payment monthly, please contact us for details. (you can go to the "Contact us" page or click here)

       Host Family FAQ's

CLick here to go to the Host Family FAQ page.

Forms for Host Families:

• Host Family Application
• Meet the Host Parents
• Host Parent Handbook