Although this is not a live-in situation, this program exists to connect international college students, or scholars, studying in Charlotte with an American family for the purpose of friendship. This developing friendship will help provide support to the international college student and an opportunity for a great cross cultural experience for the student and the family. For many students and families this experience results in long lasting friendships.
To learn more, click here to view our brochure.
We have loved getting to know Mayu. Some of our favorite memories are of playing Uno, baking cookies, and cooking Japanese food together. She has taught us a lot about Japanese culture, and has been such a fun part of our family's life this year.
I loved how I was able to experience the American culture, like Christmas, Easter, thanksgiving day, etc. and simply just hanging out with you all. I really loved how you welcomed me like a real family!
We have enjoyed holidays, graduations, special occasions and just hanging out at home with students from France, Spain, China, India, Denmark, Chile, Slovakia, and Germany. We have visited the family of our French student in France and hope to see our Spanish students in Spain soon!
To request a host family, click the button bellow to tell us a little about yourself.
I am a student I am a familyYou receive an email from the coordinator with information about your potential host family.
Your host family will contact you to setup a time and place to meet.
You and your host family get together every 4-5 weeks, growing a friendship that could last for a lifetime!
No. On a special occasion like a holiday there may be a mutual agreement for a few days housing at the host families' home, but it's not expected by the host family or the student.
No, there is no cost to the participating student or scholar.
In a new situation and a new country it's always good to have a local friend who can be there for you when you have questions, who can offer you advice about school or non school issues, who can help you around the city or with other adjustments you will face. It's a great way to learn about the American family and culture. They can also give you a fun and safe place to practice your English. This program was started by the former Director of the International Student and Scholars Office at UNC Charlotte and has proven valuable to 1,000s of international students and scholars in Charlotte for over 40 years.
The Coordinator of the Charlotte Host Family Program tries to match the international student applying with an American host family that has something in common with the student; same field of education, mutual interest in sports or the arts or travel and mutual life experiences for example.
A student, or scholar, should expect their host family to invite them for a fun or cultural event about every month.
Your host family will invite you for a meal at their home or to a restaurant, or to a family event such as their child's birthday party or sports game, a movie at their home or the theatre. They may invite you to go with them to a house of worship or a museum, or even a short trip to the mountains or beach. These are a few examples and they will be sensitive to your study schedule.
It is designed to last for at least your first year or semester of study in Charlotte. However many of these relationships last a lifetime.
This is very rare, but in that case you should contact and discuss the situation with the Host Family Program Coordinator.
