Open Your Home to the World Become a Host
USH connects local families with international students attending colleges and universities. Our team manages all matching and logistics so you can focus on the hosting experience.
Supplemental Income
Earn a steady monthly stipend with flexible meal options tailored to your lifestyle. Payments are reliable, on time, and managed directly by USH.
Flexible Hosting
Maintain complete control with no obligation to accept every request. Choose when to host and which student profiles best fit the home to ensure a perfect match.
Vetted Students
Connect with verified international students who are government-vetted and focused on their American journey.
Dedicated Support
We are with you every step from your first match to move-out. Our team is trained to provide high-quality coordination, advice, and support.
An extension of your family's story
Hosting is a rewarding way to share your home and community with the world. Our team manages every detail of the logistics and matching process to ensure you connect with the student who best fits you.
Apply to HostReal families. Real moments.
Simple steps to get started
From the first application to welcoming a student through the door, our team guides you through every step. Matching begins immediately after approval as we work to find the right international student for your home.
Apply Online
Fill out our host family application. Tell us about your home, your family, and the type of student you'd like to welcome.
Brief Home Visit
A team member will schedule a quick 15-minute visit to meet you and photograph the guest room. The room must be ready for pictures including a bed and desk.
Get Matched
Our team searches for a student who matches your preferences and contacts you with all the student's information. You then decide if you are interested and available to host them.
Move-in and Support
The team checks in with you and the student during the first week to ensure a great match. We provide ongoing support and issue monthly payments in advance.
A safe, warm, welcoming home
We welcome families of all shapes and sizes, including single residents, couples, and retirees. Every host commits to providing a safe, well-maintained environment built on mutual respect and kindness. Every USH home provides:
Families who love hosting
“We were concerned about how hosting would work with our 18-month-old son, but it has been incredible. An amazing relationship developed—it’s almost like an additional sibling has come into our lives. My wife and I took a leap of faith, and it is a pleasure to work with a team that still truly cares about service. It is so much fun to be part of a student’s life as they experience things for the first time. You guys are the best!”
“I have been hosting international students for over a year now and it has been such a pleasure for me and my family. In the beginning I was very hesitant to do this, although, I quickly realized that it wasn’t much of a burden but more of a gift to exchange cultures and learn from each other.”
“If you like to travel to see different places, meet different people and learn about different cultures, hosting is a great way to do so from the comfort of your own home.”
“Hosting students from all over the world proves to be such a rewarding, fulfilling and learning experience! The hardest part are the good-byes!”
“I am over the top thrilled to host my student. He is such a charming young man, and we have a complete blast sharing our interests in photography, music, and technology. It is wonderful to see how common hobbies can bridge any gap and create such a fun, lively home environment.”
“Our family has worked with the team for many years, and it has been a wonderful experience. We have a big map that covers the wall, and all the students show us exactly where they live. It’s a beautiful way to see how many lives have touched our home. They are truly the best team to work with, and I recommend the experience to anyone interested in opening their home to the world.”
“I have been hosting international students in Long Beach for over 15 years, and it has been an incredible honor. They truly become like family. Since many are far from home and still learning the language, you find creative ways to connect. Translator apps are pure gold! I love being their cultural ambassador and sharing those ‘priceless’ American experiences, like their first football game, their first baseball game, or a classic In-N-Out run. Most of my students have even invited me to visit them in their home countries. I strongly encourage you to step out and show kindness to these visitors; I promise your memories will never be the same. It is the chance of a lifetime.”
Host family FAQs
Stipend amounts vary by program length and location. Our team will discuss the current rate with you during the application process. Payments are made on a consistent monthly schedule.
The room needs to be private and reasonably sized. It doesn't need to be a traditional guest room, but it must have a door that closes, adequate lighting, and space for a desk and storage. Our home inspector can advise during the visit.
We do the matching based on your preferences and student profiles, but you can share your preferences — such as gender, age range, dietary needs, or language. We always aim to find the best fit for both parties.
USH provides ongoing support for both hosts and students. If any issues arise, contact our team directly during business hours (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm PST) and we'll assist immediately. You're never on your own.
Program lengths vary from a few weeks to a full academic year. We'll match you with a student whose timeline fits yours. Many hosts choose to host consecutive students year-round.