“Most of the students we hosted – even 13 years ago – still are in contact and feel like members of our family.” - FIUTS Host
"We loved meeting those fine young people through the FIUTS organization. Many of them remain close friends and part of our family. Thanks for a wonderful opportunity!"
-Hosts Jack and Toni Brownlow
Welcome Week Homestay
FIUTS Volunteer Hosts provide a friendly place for international students to live for their first week in Seattle, and are their first point of contact upon arrival. Hosts help answer questions as students adjust to a new culture, and maintain contact throughout the student's stay. Students arrive throughout the calendar year, with the majority arriving for the Fall Quarter in late August and September.
Friendship Connection
Don’t have the extra space to offer to a student right now? Like host families, Friendship Connections are expected to maintain regular contact with their student throughout the school year, and occasionally to invite him/her to participate in family gatherings or activities. Many new matches for Friendship Connections are made in August and September, but they can be arranged throughout the year.
Short Term Programs
Various departments will bring international students and scholars to the UW for special programs or conferences throughout the year.
Thanksgiving Dinner
Many UW international students would love the opportunity to experience this American tradition by dining at a local host's home. Hosting a student for Thanksgiving dinner is a great introduction to the FIUTS hosting community.
What are the expectations?
If your schedule allows, it is great if you can meet your student at the airport when they arrive. If not, please send them information on how to take a shuttle or public transportation to your home. You do not need to be available at all times during their stay with you; most of our hosts work full time. Spending time with them in the evenings and weekend is wonderful, as is helping them look for housing if they will not be living on campus.
What are the students' requirements during the homestay period?
The students will be busy with orientation sessions and activities in the week before classes begin. When you are matched with a student, you will be provided the orientation schedule and residence hall move-in information if they will be living on campus.
How long will they stay with me?
The FIUTS Homestay is designed to last about a week - sometimes less, some more. In general students stay with hosts from 3 - 10 days, depending on when they move into the residence halls or how long it takes them to find off campus housing. This expectation is expressed clearly to both hosts and students, and FIUTS recommends discussing this timeline with your student ahead of time.
What are the students like?
UW international students come from a wide range of countries and study in a variety of fields. They may be new undergraduates, visiting exchange students, graduate or even post-doctoral scholars. A majority of our students do come from the Pacific Rim countries of China, Korea, Japan and Taiwan, but there are also many from Western Europe, the Middle East and the South Pacific.
What is the matching process like?
On the application, you may indicate if there are regions of the world, languages, or field of study that particularly interest you. We do our best to match hosts and students based on common interests and shared experiences so that a true friendship develops. When we identify a student who seems like a good match, we will contact you. Hosts are welcome to decline a match at any time if it doesn't work for timing or other reasons. We also take into account details such as smoking, pet allergies, dietary restrictions and etc. We want to ensure the stay is enjoyable for everyone involved!
When will I know about a potential homestay student?
We aim to place students with their host families at least two weeks prior to their arrival in Seattle.
Other Questions? Email us.
Host Information Suggestions for a positive hosting experience, and resources for frequently asked questions by new international students.
Friendship Connection Guidelines Tips for a successful relationship.
Code of Ethics FIUTS abides by the NAFSA Code of Ethics which prohibits any kind of proselytizing.
Ethics Case Studies
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