Notre Dame Global’s Global Engagement Programs welcome 200+ international students each year through short-term, non-degree seeking programs. While many of these students enjoy the traditional residential experience on Notre Dame’s campus, we are also pleased to offer an immersive experience through homestays with Notre Dame families.
We need YOU!
We invite all Notre Dame faculty and staff to join our homestay program and become a vital part of our international student community. By serving as a host, you play a crucial role in fostering cross-cultural understanding, providing support, and creating lasting memories for our students.
Click below to fill out the Homestay Network Interest Form and join our growing network of Notre Dame families interested in making a global impact here at our home under the Dome!
Homestay Network Interest Form
Host Family Responsibilities
Accommodations
The host should provide the student(s) with a private bedroom. If hosting more than one student, students of the same gender can share a bedroom, but each student must have their own bed. The host also provides bed linens, bath towels, access to a bathroom, and use of basic household supplies.
Transportation
The host should provide transportation to and from Notre Dame’s campus on weekdays during the program. The program schedules coincide with a typical 9-5 work schedule. The host is also asked to pick the student(s) up from the South Bend International Airport on arrival day and drop them off on the departure day. NDI staff members will be present at the airport on arrival/departure days to help facilitate the airport arrival and departure process.
Partial Meals
The host should provide breakfast and dinner every day during the program. Students will have lunch on their own on campus.
Family Activities
Hosts are warmly encouraged to include the student(s) in family conversations and daily activities as often as possible, such as grocery shopping, attending children’s school events, family movie night, etc.
Program Orientation
All host families are expected to participate in an orientation session organized by ND Global prior to students’ arrival. Hosts are also invited to attend the students’ Welcome Lunch or Dinner on their first day on campus.
Background Checks
All Notre Dame faculty and staff who are currently employed at the University will not be required to submit a background check. All non-ND employee family members over the age of 18 residing full-time in the host family home will go through background checks by Notre Dame’s HR department prior to students’ arrival.
Host Family Compensation
Families will be compensated for the duration of the program to offset the costs associated with hosting. PLEASE NOTE: Compensation may be considered taxable income and therefore may be subject to your usual tax withholding.
How It Works
- Join the Homestay Network: Fill out this form to express your interest in becoming a homestay host. You will be added to our list of interested families.
- Respond to Upcoming Hosting Opportunities: As hosting opportunities arise, you will be contacted by a member of our team to determine interest and availability. At that time, you will learn more about the program and specific student population.
- Be Matched: We carefully match international students with host families based on compatibility and shared interests. You will receive your student(s)’ information at least one week in advance of their arrival, and we encourage you to reach out to your student(s) to meet them informally and share more about your home, family, and house rules.
- Attend Orientation and Complete Any Pre-Arrival Tasks: In advance of the students’ arrival, you will attend a comprehensive orientation session to prepare for hosting. Our team will share more about the program and our expectations of both students and host families. We will also share tips and tricks for navigating cultural differences and issues that may arise. Prior to the students’ arrival, your family will complete any necessary pre-arrival paperwork and tasks, such as signing waivers and completing background checks.
- Welcome the Student(s): Pick up the student(s) at the South Bend airport on their arrival day. You may be the first ever American they meet! The students will likely be tired after traveling, but the arrival day is a good day to reiterate house rules and expectations while providing them a warm and supportive environment. On the students’ first full day in the U.S., we will host a welcome lunch on campus for all students and host families.
- Enjoy the Power of Cultural Exchange: Immerse the student(s) in your daily activities, share meals, and create lasting memories and friendships. Anything can be a cultural immersion activity–grocery shopping, going to the post office, taking your dog for a walk, or attending your child’s high school basketball game! Additionally, the Global Engagement team is always available to support both hosts and students throughout their stay.
If you have any questions about the homestay process, please feel free to reach out to the Global Engagement team at globalprograms@nd.edu.
Programs
In past years, families have hosted students for short-term programs such as the iSAWT program with Keio University in Japan and the iESR program with Zhejiang University in China. In the future, we are excited to host student groups from Mexico, Brazil, and Germany. As hosting opportunities arise, the Global Engagement team will reach out to those in the homestay network to gauge availability and interest.