Homestay and Housing Options for International Students

International Student Homestay Program

Make a home. Make a connection. Experience the world.

Each semester, Elgin Community College welcomes students from around the world to our campus, bringing new cultures, perspectives, and experiences to the ECC and District 509 community.

The International Student Homestay Program gives F-1 students the opportunity to experience American life beyond the classroom by becoming part of a local family. Students can enjoy the comfort of a welcoming home, practice their English in everyday conversations, discover American traditions, and participate in family activities and community events—all while building connections that make a new community feel like home.

For local families, hosting is an opportunity to open your home and your world to a student from another country. Share your traditions, introduce them to your favorite local experiences, learn about their culture, and create memories together. Along the way, host families often discover that the experience is just as meaningful for them as it is for the student.

More than a place to stay, homestay is an opportunity to connect, learn, and share. Together, students and host families create meaningful cultural exchanges, lasting friendships, and a stronger global community right here in Elgin.

Homestay placements begin no earlier than the weekend before International New Student Orientation or Intensive English Program (IEP) testing in October and March.

What is a Homestay?

A homestay offers students an opportunity to fully immerse themselves in American culture. The student lives with the host family for a set period, receiving meals and, if requested, transportation. The student pays the family a monthly homestay fee.

Why Live with a Host Family?

Go beyond the classroom and experience American life firsthand. Living with a host family gives international students the opportunity to practice English every day, experience local traditions and customs, and become part of a community.

Students can:

• Practice English through everyday conversations
• Experience American culture and family life
• Share their own culture and traditions
• Participate in family activities and local events
• Meet new people and build meaningful friendships
• Gain confidence navigating life in a new country
• Create memories and connections that last beyond their time at ECC

Is Homestay Right for You?

Homestay is a great option for F-1 international students who are comfortable living in a shared household and are interested in becoming part of a family environment.

Students who are respectful, responsible, flexible, and willing to communicate openly with their host family are most likely to have a positive homestay experience.

Who Can Host a Student?

There is no single “typical” homestay family. Host families come from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, traditions, and household structures, reflecting the diversity of our community.

What matters most is a genuine interest in welcoming an international student and creating a positive experience. Host families should be caring, respectful, and open to sharing their everyday life while providing a safe, comfortable, and supportive home.

Whether you are a family, couple, or individual, you can make a meaningful difference in an international student’s experience at ECC by opening your home and sharing your community.

How to Apply?

International student applications are due no later than 60 days before your arrival in the U.S. Late applications will be considered based on availability. Learn more about how to request a homestay placement.

Host family applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Our highest numbers of requests for homestays are during the fall (August) semester. Learn more about how to apply to be a host.

Local Housing Student Resource Guide

Homestay is one housing option available to international students, but it may not be the right fit for everyone. Students who prefer to live independently or explore other housing arrangements can consider alternative options in the local community.

ECC provides a Local Housing Student Resources Guide with information about local apartments, shared housing, and other resources to help students explore their options and find housing that meets their needs.

View Local Housing Student Resource Guide.pdf.