Open Your Heart and Home To the World

Welcome! Bienvenido! Huānyíng! Willkommen! Shalom! Yōkoso! Aloha! Bienvenue!

Thank you for visiting our host family site! Here you will find information and opportunities on becoming a host family for an international student.

shopping Host families play an integral role in the learning and adjusting process for international students here at Saint Martin's. Through a host family relationship, internationals experience many important cultural and family customs that are nearly impossible to learn in the classroom or on the campus. Sadly, statistics reveal that approximately 75% of international students are never invited to an American home. Also, many internationals struggle with loneliness and depression from being away from their family and friends. As a host family, you are helping internationals overcome these challenges by providing something as simple as including them in your family's activities and routines. You can have a part in creating a life-long impression and friendship in a young student's life.

Our desire is that EVERY Saint Martin's international student experiences American hospitality and encouragement while here. Opening your heart and home to an international student is a rewarding experience not only for the student, but for your family. Your family will gain a greater cross-cultural understanding, purpose, and friendship through your participation as a host family! Additionally there is a sense of gratification in helping to impact a future leader!

Let us help connect you to an exciting and rewarding experience in host family relationships.

Click here for information on various hosting programs and schedules.

Frequently asked questions.

How do I get started?

If this is your first time connecting with us on being a host family, simply:

1. Complete an application.

Download and email to: jdavid.martin@stmartin.edu
Download, print, and mail to: Saint Martin's University, 5000 Abbey Way SE Room 430, Lacey, WA 98503
Download, print, and fax to: 360-438-4359 (attn: David Martin)

2. The host family coordinator will contact you concerning your application and arrange a brief in-home interview. A background check authorization will also be required and processed.