Homestay Program

Living With a Host Family

Homestay is an exciting and unique way to learn about American culture and improve English language skills.  It is much more than just renting a room or having a landlord.  As a TCC Homestay student, you will live with one of our local host families who will help you adjust to living in the U.S. They will include you in their family life and provide support that will help you succeed in your studies. All TCC hosts are screened by TCC and receive an orientation and ongoing support from our International Programs Office.   

TCC has hosts from many different backgrounds.  Some have children at home, others do not.  Some host more than one international student.  We have single host parents as well as couples.  TCC hosts represent a wide variety of race, ethnicity, religious practice, age, and even national origin.  Some have been in the U.S. for generations while others are immigrants who were international students themselves. Every host is different so each homestay is a different experience.  We look at your interests and requests and the interests and requests of host families to make the best match possible.  

Homestay placements are quarterly commitments (3 months).  At the end of each quarter, you have the option of staying with your host, changing to a new host, or moving out of homestay entirely.  Many students will live with the same family for their entire time at TCC and form lifelong connections.

Apply for Homestay

As soon as you receive your visa, complete the items below.  Homestay cannot be guaranteed until both of these items are complete.

1. Submit New Student Registration Form
2. Follow New International Student Steps

Applications that have note completed these items will remain on a Wait List and may lose their place in line.

Please read before you start your homestay application:

Unfortunately the application does not have a save function and must be completed in one sitting.  Here are some things to prepare ahead of time:

1. a scan or photo of your passport photo page for ID verification
2. an introduction photo that we will provide your host family (something fun that shows your personality)
3. a short (30 seconds or less) introduction video for your host family
4. a 2-3 paragraph introduction letter for your host family.  You should talk about things like your family, what you plan to study at TCC, what your interests are, what you are excited about, and anything else that comes to mind.
5. also think about special requests or needs (like dietary restrictions or pet allergies) as we ask about those too

APPLY HERE

2024-25 Homestay Application

After you apply, please review the following resources:

1. Review and understand the Homestay Handbook
2. Follow all New International Student Steps
3. Provide Arrival Information (provide arrival information for airport pick up)
4. Pay the Placement Fee with tuition (the placement fee is charged to your student account.

TCC begins the matching process following the application deadline for that specific term. This process takes 2-4 weeks

Applying early DOES give you priority in the matching process, but we do not make host family assignments until after you confirm your visa.  Students who already have an approved visa may have priority over students who applied earlier, but do not have a visa yet.  All students will receive their family's profile approximately 2 weeks prior to arrival. 

If you are experiencing a delay in receiving your visa or booking your flight, please make sure to communicate with TCC International Housing before the deadlines.