"I had a great time with my homestay before I moved into my dorm. I had a wonderful six days with Sarah, my homestay host. I thank you and appreciate the work you’ve done to find me the right homestay." Sunny Kim, Korea
"Thank you for giving me the opportunity to meet Chad and Jaime, two beautiful people that I will not forget! These four months in America could not have started better than this! Grazie dal cuore!" Mattia Saltaleggio, Italy
Welcome Week Homestay
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. If you are a student who has never studied or lived in the US, you are eligible for the FIUTS Homestay Program.
Friendship Connection
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. This connection may include airport pickup (if schedules permit) but does not include a homestay so be sure to make housing arrangements in advance. 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 the FIUTS Friendship Connection Program.
Thanksgiving Program
Local Seattle community members invite UW international students to spend a traditional Thanksgiving dinner in their home. If you are interested in experiencing the American tradition of Thanksgiving please sign up in the FIUTS office. Sign-ups begin on Monday November 9th and will end Tuesday November 17th. This event is free and open to FIUTS members only. If you are not yet a FIUTS member, membership forms are available in the FIUTS office.
How do I apply?
Homestay applications are accepted by mail, fax, or submitted online. Because of the high demand for this program, we cannot guarantee placement. However, most students who submit applications are placed.
When is the application deadline?
Winter arrivals: November 23
How much does it cost?
There is a $100 application processing fee for individual students. Fees for couples and families are $125 and $150, respectively. The Friendship Connection fee is $35. Fees are due with your tuition and will be charged to your MyUW student account. If you cancel your application within 10 days prior to arrival, you will be charged a cancellation fee of $25 for Homestay and $15 for Friendship Connection. This cancellation fee does NOT apply to students who cancel due to visa or enrollment difficulties.
How will I learn about my host family?
You will receive a confirmation email within one week of your application date. Your placement information will be sent via email as soon as you have been placed with a host family and no later than two weeks prior to your departure. This information will include contact information for your hosts so that you may be in touch before you arrive and make any special arrangements. If we are unable to place you with a host family, we will also notify you by two weeks before your departure.
Can I request to stay with a friend?
Yes, you may request to have a homestay with another student. Be sure to include your friend's full name and student number, and have him or her do the same when applying. However, not all of our host families are able to accommodate more than one student at a time, so these placements cannot be guaranteed.
What are the expectations of me?
It is important to understand that the homestay is meant to be a cultural exchange. You are expected to interact with your host family and spend time with them. Your homestay should NOT be treated as just a place to stay. If you are not interested in the cultural exchange aspect, we can suggest a list of hotels near the University.
What are FIUTS hosts like?
FIUTS hosts are unpaid volunteers from the Seattle-area community who offer their hospitality as a gesture of friendship and goodwill. They may be younger or older, married or single, with younger children or retired. They are from a variety of ethnic, economic and educational backgrounds, reflecting the diverse culture of the United States. They may live near the UW campus or up to a one-hour bus ride away. For your best possible match, please be sure to tell us as much about yourself as possible in your application.
How many days in advance of classes should I arrive?
If you are starting at the UW in Autumn Quarter, International Student Orientation begins approximately 2 weeks before classes begin. Winter, Spring and Summer Quarter Orientations are either the Friday before or the first day of classes. Whenever you arrive, it is important to schedule free time for both orientation and settling-in. Please be aware that you will need to move into alternate accommodation after the week-long homestay.
What if I don't know my exact arrival yet?
You should still fill out the application as early as possible and indicate when you intend to arrive. As soon as you have booked your flight to Seattle, let us know. Please note that you will not be placed with a host family until we have this information.
What about permanent housing?
On-Campus Housing: Apply for UW housing as early as possible! Residence halls usually open between one and three days before classes begin. In Autumn Quarter, temporary Early Arrival housing is available for students who have already been accepted into UW and starts one week before the residence halls officially open. Space is limited and must be reserved through the Housing and Food Services Office. For information email hfsinfo@u.washington.edu.
Off-Campus Housing: Seattle can be a difficult place to find housing, so start looking early! If you plan to rent private accommodations such as an apartment or room in a house, start looking online before you get to Seattle, and give yourself at least a week to find a suitable place. We recommend UW Off-Campus Housing Affairs and Craigslist as resources.
Other Questions? Email us.
Student Information Suggestions for a positive homestay experience.
Friendship Connection Guidelines Tips for a successful relationship.
Code of Ethics FIUTS abides by the NAFSA Code of Ethics which prohibits any kind of proselytizing.
Ethics Case Studies
|
