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 "Arriving as an exchange student from the University of Edinburgh was a daunting experience that was made relatively painless thanks to my host family. I did not know what to expect from a host family, but they welcomed me with welcome arms into their home and continue to do so to this day."
- Heather Cameron, UW Exchange Student 2006-2007
Leaving your home and coming to a new country is an exciting but also challenging experience, and FIUTS offers two programs specifically designed to help
welcome you to Seattle and introduce you to American culture: The FIUTS Homestay & Friendship Connections Programs.
Read about the Homestay Program
Read about the Friendship Connection Program
Application Deadlines
Program Fees
If you are a student who has never studied or lived in the US, you are eligible
for our Homestay Program.
What is the Homestay Program?
The Homestay Program is a cross-cultural friendship experience between an international
student and an American host. As part of this program, you will spend up
to one week in the home of a volunteer host. Your host will pick you up at
the airport (if their schedules permit), and assist you during your first
few days.
What is the Homestay Program NOT?
The Homestay Program is NOT just a place to stay, and should NOT be treated
as a hotel service. We expect that students will treat this as a cultural
experience, and participate in sharing their culture with their host family.
Who will my host be?
Hosts are volunteers from the local community who offer this short-term homestay
as a gesture of friendship. They are NOT paid for their hospitality. They
may be single adults, working or retired couples, housemates, or families
with or without children. They are from a variety of ethnic, economic, and
educational backgrounds reflecting our diverse culture. They may live near
campus or up to a one-hour bus ride away. Getting to and from the UW campus
by bus is usually not difficult.
If you have previous living, academic or work experience in the US, have friends
or family in the area, or if you are transferring to the UW from another
US institution, you are eligible for our Friendship Connection Program.
What is the Friendship Connection Program?
As part of this program, a volunteer from the Seattle area will be matched
with you. Your Friendship Connection will help get you oriented to the Seattle
area and also invite you for occasional hospitality throughout the year.
Just as with our hosts, all friendship connections are volunteers and are
thus not paid. This connection may include airport pickup (if schedules
permit) but does not include a homestay. Be sure to make housing arrangements
in advance.
Who will my Friendship Connection be?
Like the Homestay Program, Friendship Connections may be single adults, working
or retired couples, housemates, or families with or without children. They
are from a variety of ethnic, economic, and educational backgrounds reflecting
our diverse culture. They are also volunteers, and are not paid by FIUTS
for their participation.
APPLY NOW
You may apply online below or
print out and mail the application.
Apply Online
Download and mail or fax a PDF application
APPLICATION DEADLINES
Summer 2009
There
is a one month prior to arrival deadline and for summer quarter 2009 no applications will be accepted after May 15. For summer quarter the residence halls open June 13.
HOMESTAY PROGRAM FEES
Individual: $100
Couples: $125
Family: $150
A FIUTS membership may be purchased for $25 upon arrival.
Read about FIUTS membership
FRIENDSHIP CONNECTION PROGRAM FEES
Individual: $35
Couples: $40
A FIUTS membership may be purchased for $25 upon arrival.
Read about FIUTS membership
Fees are subject to change.
Cancellation Policy: If you cancel your participation
in the Homestay Program 10 days or less prior to arrival or after you have
been placed with a host, you will be charged a cancellation fee of $25.
*Please note that UW Extension English Language Program (ELP) students are NOT eligible to apply for a FIUTS Homestay. For information on homestay options for ELP students, please see the ELP website.
Do you have questions about either program?
Check out our list of Frequently Asked Questions
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