Your Home Away From Home
Live with a welcoming family while you study in the U.S. Homestay is more than housing. It is a meaningful connection to American culture. It is the fastest way to improve your English, build lifelong relationships, and feel at home from day one.
Living with a family, not in a dorm
Homestay means living in a private home with an American host family during your studies. Instead of a dormitory or apartment, you become part of a household. You will share meals, daily life, and a genuine human connection.
Your host family provides a private furnished bedroom, meals, and a supportive home environment. In return, you get something no dorm can offer. You will gain real daily practice in English, an inside look at American culture, and a family that actually looks out for you.
"Every match is made by a real person, not an algorithm. We take the time to understand both the student and the family before making a meaningful placement."
Is homestay right for you?
Homestay is more than a room. It is for students seeking a supportive home and a genuine American experience.
English Learners
Daily conversation with your host family accelerates language skills faster than any classroom. You will speak English from morning to night in real-world situations.
First-Time Students
Moving to a new country alone is a challenge. A host family provides structure, vetted guidance, and someone to answer your questions during those first important weeks.
Students Who Want a Home
If you want to feel settled rather than just housed, homestay gives you a real home base. You will have a family that genuinely cares about your journey and success.
Budget-Conscious Students
Room, meals, utilities, and WiFi are all included. Compared to renting a private apartment, homestay is a high-value and affordable way to live in the U.S.
Cultural Immersion
Living with a local is the most authentic way to understand American life. Your host family helps you navigate the community, share in local traditions, and enrich your perspective.
Flexible Programs
Whether you are here for four weeks or a full academic year, our placements are flexible. We match you with a family whose availability fits your schedule.
Everything you need, already included
Every USH homestay placement includes the essentials. We take care of the details so you can focus on your studies and settling in without the stress of logistics.
Choose your meal plan
Select the option that fits your lifestyle and budget. All plans include your private room, utilities, and access to a vetted home environment.
Bed & Breakfast
Most FlexibleEnjoy a continental breakfast each morning. This plan allows you to handle your own lunch and dinner, making it ideal for students with busy schedules.
Note: Kitchen access varies by home.
Full Board
Best ValueBreakfast and dinner provided daily. Shared mealtimes are where the real cultural exchange and English practice happen, offering a true sense of home.
Note: Kitchen access varies by home.
Room Only
Self-CateringYour room and all utilities are included. You handle your own meals entirely, which is best for students who prefer full independence or have specific dietary needs.
Note: Kitchen access varies by home.
Bathroom options
All rooms are private and furnished. Choose the bathroom arrangement that works for you.
Shared Bathroom
You share the bathroom with other members of the household. This is our most common arrangement and is included in all base pricing. We encourage a shared commitment to cleanliness and a respectful routine that coordinates with everyone's daily schedule.
Private Bathroom
Enjoy your own dedicated bathroom, either en-suite or reserved exclusively for your use. This premium option is available at select host homes for an additional fee. Please request this preference on your application so we can check availability for your stay.
What daily life looks like
Enjoy a continental breakfast where you can prepare your own meal. Chat with your host, share your plans for the day, and practice your English in a relaxed setting.
Take public transportation to school or university. Use apps like Google Maps to check schedules and navigate your route with ease. We ensure your placement makes geographic sense for your program.
Spend the day at school, in the library, or connecting with friends. This is your time to focus on your studies and immerse yourself in campus life. Your host home remains your peaceful home base.
Enjoy a home-cooked dinner with your family. If you plan to return late or skip dinner, please inform your host in advance. This simple courtesy helps maintain a respectful and organized household.
Enjoy your privacy and focus on your homework. Your private room is a dedicated space to decompress, video call family, or just rest. You have full privacy whenever you need it to ensure a restful and productive stay.
What students are saying
From students around the world who called a USH home their own.
Homestay FAQs
USH host families come in all shapes and sizes: couples, families with children, single adults, and retirees. All live in houses, apartments, or condos across our service areas. What they all have in common: they've been personally verified by our team and genuinely enjoy hosting international students.
Yes. You can share your preferences on your application. While we cannot guarantee every request, we do our best to match you based on host availability. Every placement is personally reviewed by a member of our team to ensure a thoughtful match.
Every host family passes a 98-point in-person inspection. A USH team member physically visits the home, meets the family, and inspects the student's room to verify our comfort and quality standards. The host completes a background check as part of our vetting process. We visit every home, no exceptions.
Please contact our team so we can understand the situation. Often, we can help with simple adjustments to improve your stay. If we determine the placement is not the right fit, we will begin working on a new homestay for you. Your well-being is our priority.
To book your stay and start the matching process, an application fee and a deposit are required when you submit your application. After your match is confirmed, our team will send an invoice for your housing fees.
Yes. We offer placements from short-term programs all the way through full academic years. The minimum stay is usually 4 weeks, but for custom groups it can be shorter. Let us know your dates when you apply.