Charlotte Host Family Program
Connecting International Students with American Families
Over its 40 year history, the Charlotte Host Family Program has provided international students and American families from different cultures opportunities to share common experiences and learn from one another. The bonds created throughout the duration of the formal program arrangement, which pairs one international student with one American family for the student’s first semester or year, often last a lifetime. Click here to read more about the Charlotte Host Family Program.
How it Works
- An international student requests a match with an American host family living in the Charlotte metro area
- Once connected, the host family initiates contact with the student by inviting them to dinner or quintiessential American events like Thanksgiving or attending a baseball game
Benefits
This is a great opportunity for international students to practice their English, engage with American culture through meeting local people, and get insider advice or help with things like finding a bank, grocery store, etc. In return, students who wish to share their country’s culture can help Americans learn more about the world outside of Charlotte. For example, a student with culinary abilities can cook a meal from their country for their host family–the possibilities for exchange are endless!
Note: this program is not a live-in situation and is not directly affiliated with UNC Charlotte or ISSO.
This program is mainly intended for first year students (freshmen and transfers) but all are welcome.
How to Sign Up
Applications are available on the Charlotte Host Family Program’s website.