Hosts Frequently Asked Questions

Will a student live with me in my home?
The International Friendship Program is a friendship program for intercultural exchange through shared activities, not a homestay program. Students in the program have their own housing.

What are a host’s responsibilities? How much time will I be expected to spend?
Your main responsibility is to keep in touch with your student. Phone calls and email notes are good ways to stay connected. We also ask that you be a supportive friend by inviting your student to a meal in your home or at a restaurant, to attend an event with you, or just to go for a walk. Most hosts and students get together approximately once per month. The amount of time participants spend together varies. Many participants get together throughout the year. Others spend more time together during Virginia Tech vacations and breaks.

Who can be a host?
Faculty, staff, administration, alumni/ae, and friends of Virginia Tech are all welcome. Single people, couples, single parents, and other families of all sizes are hosts in the program. Participants in the program have a sincere interest in cultural exchange through welcoming new international students, learning about their culture and values, and sharing American culture are encouraged to participate.

Why does the IFP ask if any member of a household has been convicted of a felony?
This is one aspect of the International Friendship Program’s practice of due diligence as recommended by our risk management advisors.

How are hosts matched with students?
We ask hosts and students similar questions when they apply to the program (e.g., what do you like to do in your spare time?). You then choose your student in an orientation meeting. You can request that Cranwell International Center select a student (or students) for you.

When do the students arrive on campus?
Most students arrive during August, a few arrive in June/July, and some arrive in January. We match students with hosts throughout the year. We ask hosts to contact their students as soon as possible after they are matched and make arrangements to meet students as soon as possible, after the students have arrived in Blacksburg.

Do I make a commitment for a specific length of time?
We hope that you will continue your relationship throughout your student’s stay at Virginia Tech. This may be four months or four years, depending on your student’s program.

What do students do during vacations?
Students go home, travel, or stay in their own on- or off-campus accommodations. If you would like to invite your student to spend all or part of a holiday with you, you may, but this isn’t an expectation or requirement of the program.

What if a match doesn’t work?
We try to make matches that satisfy both the host and the student. If a match doesn’t work, we ask the student or the host to contact the Cranwell International Center so that a new connection may be made.

Do students usually have enough money to pay their own way to events?
Because different students in the program have different financial situations, it’s not possible to assume that each one can afford to pay for outings or events. If you suggest an activity that requires money, we ask that you pay unless you and your student have clearly made another arrangement.

How can I learn more about the International Friendship Program?
The IFP program sponsors orientation sessions designed to help you learn more about being a host. You can also read more about the program in the host guide, which can be accessed at: http://www.uusa.vt.edu/cranwell/programsclasses_friendship_hostguide.shtml.

Where do I sign up?
Host applications are available online. For more information, contact the Cranwell International Center.