Homestay and Community Volunteering
Welcome new international students to the
Pacific Northwest!
FIUTS IS SEEKING HOSTS FOR THE PROGRAM(S) LISTED BELOW!
Potential hosts and volunteers
If you are not yet a Homestay Host/ Volunteer, here are the overall requirements:
Must live within one hour via public transit to at least one university or college in the greater Seattle area.
Individuals, couples, and families are all welcome to participate!
Apply to become a host here!.
Contact olena@fiuts.org for more information or if you need help with the application process.
Upcoming opportunities in 2026:
January 14-21, 2026: Host a student from southern Africa for a week in mid-January.
March 2-17, 2026: Host a student from Ehime University in Japan for 2 weeks in March.
Hiking Day-Host
Some of the most popular FIUTS events for students are going on hikes and appreciating the natural beauty that we are surrounded by in the PNW. Unfortunately, the cost of chartering a bus has become prohibitively expensive, an expense then passed down to the participants. While we work with some of our institutional partners to find ways to partner and reduce costs for students, FIUTS still wants to provide hiking opportunities. We know that many of our visiting program host families love to take their students on hikes, and that many hosts enjoy day-hosting events like the Super Bowl and Thanksgiving. Therefore, as the weather improves, we want to combine this shared love of hiking and day-hosting and recruit hosts who would be willing to take a small number of students on hikes around the area that would otherwise be inaccessible to students who don’t drive. If you are interested in hosting a hike or just want to learn more, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Learn more here!
CURRENT HOSTS
A lot has changed in the last few years for FIUTS and for members of our community. To help us out, please take a few minutes to click the button below and update your host profile with your basic information: Name, email, phone, pets, address, and a bio of yourself/ family that would be given to any student that you host. We appreciate your help! You can also fill out our availability survey and check out upcoming homestay opportunities to continue building memories with students from around the world.
Why become a host?
FIUTS visiting student with host sister
“FIUTS presents a unique opportunity to welcome International Students, highlight the city of Seattle and enrich the lives of the families that participate. There are so many benefits to hosting a student for all involved. We learned about a new culture, we shared new experiences and our daughter learned kindness, acceptance and hospitality. This program allows us to connect with other people in a fun and intimate way that is safe and stress-free! ”
“What’s the mirror image of a trip around the world? Hosting international guests. You experience the trip from the other side. International guests teach you about their culture (and also about yours). They can expand your way of thinking, help you learn a language, introduce you to new foods, and become lifelong friends. ”
Since 1948, Seattle families and individuals have been welcoming incoming international students into their lives and homes through programs like Short-term Homestay, Thanksgiving dinner, and Friendship Connections. You have the power to continue the tradition and make Seattle a welcoming place for incoming international students.
By being a community volunteer for a homestay or friendship program through FIUTS, you:
are a blowtorch against the Seattle Freeze
express values of cultural diversity, inclusion, and hope
promote peace and connections between our region and communities across the globe
learn about other cultures, and expand your own world view
create lasting relationships with students that may extend to visiting their home countries, attending their weddings, or simply catching up online
improve the experience of incoming international students and provide them with an experience of someone who actually lives in the US, rather than a stereotype in their mind from movies or television
Your warmth, hospitality and effort makes all the difference. Interested in getting involved? Let us know!