International Student Homestay Program

The ECC International Student Homestay Program connects F-1 visa students with local American families for a meaningful cultural exchange experience. Students can live in a welcoming home environment while studying at Elgin Community College, improving their English, and learning about American culture firsthand. Host families, in turn, gain the rewarding opportunity to share their way of life, learn about another culture, and build lifelong friendships. Each homestay provides a clean, safe, and caring environment that supports students’ academic success and personal growth while promoting international understanding and global connection within the Elgin community.

Homestay placements begin no earlier than the weekend before International New Student Orientation or the Intensive English Program testing in October and March. 

How to Apply

International student applications are due no later than 60 days before your arrival in the U.S. Late applications will be considered based on availability. Learn more about how to request a homestay placement.

Host family applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Our highest numbers of requests for homestays are during the fall (August) and spring (January) semesters. Learn more about how to apply to be a host.

Overview

Elgin Community College welcomes a diverse population of international students and exchange visitors to its campus every semester. The presence of these students on campus contributes to the cultural diversity and global understanding within District 509.

The International Student Homestay Program offers international students the opportunity to live in an American home as a family member. The program fosters international friendship and cultural exchange, offering students a safe, clean, and welcoming environment during their studies at ECC. A homestay allows international students to improve their English and meet new people. It also offers participation in events and outings, enhancing their academic and cultural experience at ECC.

It offers local families a unique opportunity to host an international student and share their culture. Welcoming a student provides the rewarding experience of helping them understand and adapt to a new culture. Families gain the rewarding experience of forming meaningful connections with students from around the world, while helping them adapt to a new environment. Hosting also provides daily cultural exchange, broadening the family’s perspective and creating lasting memories.

What is a homestay?

A homestay offers students an opportunity to fully immerse themselves in American culture. The student lives with the host family for a set period, receiving meals and, if requested, transportation. The student pays the family a monthly homestay fee.

Why live with a host family?

Living with a host family helps international students improve their English through daily interactions and by experiencing American culture firsthand.

Who is best suited to participate in a homestay?

International students on an F-1 visa who value a family environment are great candidates for a homestay. They also have the opportunity to experience American culture firsthand while living with a host family.

Who can host a student?

There is no "typical" homestay family, as the U.S. is multicultural, with people from various ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. This diversity is reflected in the families participating in the International Student Homestay Program. As a public institution, ECC celebrates and promotes this multiculturalism. The most important quality of a host is a genuine interest in sharing American culture and providing a safe, welcoming, and caring home for the student.