Become a Host

Hosting an International Student:

Most students who come on Nacel Open Door, Inc. (NOD) programs describe the experience as their “dream come true.” You can help make that dream come true by choosing to host!

Your family can make a difference in the world by hosting an international student. Host families learn first-hand about another culture from their student, and they give their student the opportunity to learn and experience American culture. The home-stay experience enriches perspectives in a way that cannot be taught in the classroom, read in a text book, or seen in the movies.

How to Host

It is simple to participate. We seek regular families, of all sizes and beliefs, who are willing to open their lives, hearts, and homes with international students.

Host families choose a program type & duration:

• Academic Programs: Public and private schools; one-semester (5 months) or year-long (10-12 months)
• Short Term Programs: Summer and winter; 2-8 weeks

Host families provide:

• Room and board
• A safe environment
• Loving parental guidance

NOD students come to the U.S. with their own:

• Spending money
• Medical insurance

Each family has a Local Representative and a Coordinator, as well as the support of experienced national office staff available 24/7, should the need arise. Your Local Representative will act as a liaison between you, your student, the school and the NOD National Office; all working together to allow you to have an enjoyable and worthwhile experience.

Commitment to our Students: Our host family screening process is based on Department of State regulations, CSIET standards, and NOD policies of best practice. Student safety and well-being is our top priority. In order to host with NOD, a family must be willing to participate in our screening processes. All host family members over 18 years of age must complete a criminal background check. A home visit is also required to ensure that the student will be safe and secure.

Application Process

To host a student, first complete our online Host Family Application. A local representative will then contact you to complete the screening process, which will include a visit to your home. Once you complete this process, the local representative will assist you with selecting the student who best matches your family’s interests. NOD will also facilitate school acceptance for students on academic programs.

Once school acceptance is secured, NOD will send your information to our partner abroad to complete your match. At that time, we invite you to begin communicating directly with the student. Families often report that the first contact with their international student is a truly exciting event! It is important to view the student as a family member as early as possible and incorporate them into your daily life.

Hosting an international student can be a tremendously rewarding experience for all involved. Naturally, it is normal to have reservations before making this type of commitment. Let us assure you that you are not alone. NOD has been a prominent member of the international exchange community since 1957 and will assist you at each step through this process. We have dedicated representatives across the U.S. trained to manage successful host family and student experiences.

The questions we hear most from prospective host families are outlined in the FAQ section of our website. However, the decision to host an international student is very personal, and you may have additional questions. We are committed to offering you our support and encourage you to speak with our National Office or your Local Representative to make sure all of your questions are answered.