Hosting an International Student

All interested families are invited to complete the hosting application (at fvlhs.org/hosting). The International Coordinator will then contact you with any questions and let you know what happens next. The application and host family approval process usually takes about a month.

Our International Coordinator reiews your hosting application for the best available match when it comes to interests and home considerations (pets or not or shared/private room for example). 

There is no obligation to host for multiple years, even if the student remains at FVL. Students do frequently remain in the same host home for all of their years at FVL, but this is not a requirement. We welcome you to give it a try and see how it goes. Many of our host families have enjoyed the experience so well that they have been hosts for several students over a number of years.

You are encouraged to include your international student when you go on family outings. Do not feel obligated to plan weekly or monthly trips, but please share the Wisconsin and American culture when the opportunity arises. The students tend to be very busy with school, homework, and cocurricular activities, and may not have time for frequent exploration.

FVL’s International Coordinator is happy to help, and can offer suggestions or put you in touch with other families that might be able to assist.

Host families are compensated to offset the cost of providing room and board, transportation, and involving the student in family activities. Families will be sent a 1099 at the end of the tax year. Families should keep a record of hosting expenses and share them with their tax advisors.

• Students are expected to be welcomed into your caring homes as members of the family. They will be provided with their own bed, place to study, internet access, and daily meals.
• Host families are expected to provide transportation for students, as you would for your own children. Students can ride the bus to and from FVL if it is offered in your school district.
   

• Students are expected to take a full load of classes
• Participation in FVL’s cocurriculars is encouraged. International student names must be submitted to WIAA for approval to be a part of our athletic teams.
• Students are expected to speak English while at school.
• Students are expected to comply with the host family rules as well as with all school rules and state and federal laws.
   

• Students have their own funds to cover expenses such as clothing, lunches at school, entertainment, personal items, medical services, etc.
• Students have their own health insurance, and host families have authorization to seek medical care.
   

All international students must achieve an acceptable score on an English proficiency standardized test to be accepted. They also must participate in a Skype interview with the International Student Coordinator. Once their stay with you begins, your patience in helping their English improve becomes one of the biggest factors in boosting confidence and assisting with success in their use of the English language.

Most involve cultural differences in communication styles or customs. Many families find that, in time, these challenges are resolved with patience and clear communication.