Host an International Student
Our homestay program gives Global Students a home away from home during their time here. If you are interested in serving international students as a host family, you're in the right place.
Host families open up their houses, but they also open up their lives to Global Students — and their own families end up being tremendously blessed.
Our host families are screened, trained, supported, and reimbursed by Lipscomb. Families abroad can feel confident that their children are placed in nurturing families well connected to our school. As a host family, you'll receive ongoing support from us as we partner together.
Ready to become a host family?
Begin by reviewing the handbook and completing an application.
Our international students need you.
"Eight thousand twenty-four miles away I found my new home at Lipscomb Academy.” — Prince Kazi, senior from Sylhet, Bangladesh
Host siblings make never-ending bonds.
“She is my sister… forever.” —Sydney Williamson, host sister of Michelle Luo from Guangzhou, China
About the Screening Process
Our host families have been thoroughly screened before Global Students are placed in their homes.
All host families complete a Lipscomb Academy Host Family Application.
Host families will receive a visit from the Global Student Coordinator to take photographs and review the Global Student Handbook.
All individuals over the age of 18 living in the host home must undergo FBI fingerprint background checks at an IdentoGO facility, paid for by Lipscomb. Overnight visitors over the age of 18 (visiting grandparents, college age children, etc.) will undergo online background checks.
Reimbursement
The host family will provide food for meals, basic toiletries, and household items. The host family will receive a monthly direct-deposit reimbursement, August through May, from Lipscomb ($800) to offset the costs of hosting the student. This is considered non-employment income, and Lipscomb will issue the host family a 1099 tax form each year. Money will not be exchanged directly between the student or student’s family to the host family.
Support
Host families attend orientation in August and then meet quarterly with the other host parents for the purpose of supporting each other, getting additional training, and giving input to Lipscomb Academy for the future of the Global Student Program. Host families are invited to special events through the year. Teachers and the Global Student Coordinator are in close contact with host families as together we seek to serve our Global Students.
Short-Term Hosting
If your family would like to host an international student but is not able to commit to to 10 months, we have several opportunities for short-term hosting including:
- French students, three weeks in summer
- Indian students, two weeks in fall
- Chinese students, two weeks in summer; two weeks in winter
In addition to visiting international students, short-term hosting is sometimes needed for our Global Students during school breaks or if a host family has to unexpectedly travel.
You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself.
— Isaiah 19:34
