Frequently Asked Questions

Many families report that, through hosting, they grow closer as a family as they participate in fun activities together and communicate better. Most host families and students stay in touch well after their stay and even visit each other later on. American teenagers that are host brothers or sisters, will receive 45 community service hours for promoting international understanding through cultural and linguistic exchange.

YES! All participants in Oui-Connect Homestay Programs are required to carry medical and liability insurance through Oui-Connect and travel with an insurance ID card.

All students will have studied English at school for several years. However, their level of English will vary. Part of the fun of hosting is learning new ways to communicate.

All of our students are required to have enough money to cover their personal expenses. You are not expected to pay for their stay. The student is part of your family during their visit but should be expected to pay for extra activities and restaurants unless you discuss it with them beforehand.

All of our host families are volunteers, but we do offer a stipend (per student hosted) to offset some of the cost while hosting.

You can host up to three students as long as they are all from different nationalities.

YES! Once you are officially matched with your student(s), you will receive their preferred contact information, email, Skype name, etc. We encourage ALL families to reach out to their student(s) prior to arrival. Describe your home, your family, even your pets! It’s a great way to heighten your cultural experience and ease the transition for you and the students coming to the US.

YES! Students can share a bedroom with other students or host family siblings of the same gender.

Of course! Our host families come in all shapes and sizes: single-parent households, empty-nesters, families with small children or with teenagers. However, it is preferable to have someone around the house to encourage communication in English. In this case, hosting two students is recommended but not necessary.

Yes. Many of our host families go on trips while their exchange student is with them and take them with the family.
We do not allow trips that are out of the country like Mexico, Canada, or others…

Yes! Host families are fully involved in selecting their student(s) by reviewing student profiles. We want you to find students that best match your family’s hobbies and lifestyle.

The international students chose this program for the experience of learning while living the life of an American family. They decided to learn the informal way: not in a classroom and learning to adapt to a different environment. Host families should continue with their regular life and include their student in it. It is a good time to share our beautiful surroundings with the student(s). It can be as easy as a trip to the beach or a visit to the mall. The Oui-Connect team will host a farewell Party and 3 excursions.

Our organization is very small and personal. Our team will assist you along the way, from choosing a student to preparing for their arrival, and organizing activities. You will receive detailed information with a toll-free emergency telephone number and we will have someone available 24/7 for any emergencies, concerns, or questions that may arise.