Recruiting Host Families

One of the hardest and most rewarding experiences of being a YFU volunteer is helping to find great host families for the international students. It's hard because for most families, the fear of the unknown and different kicks into high gear. Who is this international student? How would it be to care for them? What if I can't spend a lot of time with them? Do they need a lot of guidance? What if they don't like my cooking?

Notice how some of those questions start with a "what if"? How many times has that type of question been answered with a verbal response that satisfies your curiosity? Zero.

You can't answer those questions until you experience something and find out for yourself! Or at least that's the answer I give to families who ask those questions.... It's a scary but wonderful and rewarding experience to be a host family with YFU. You're adding something special to your family. You're opening your heart and home - and in return, you might just realize how interesting and diverse the world is! Even if you know that the world and its people are interesting and diverse, every time you experience it first-hand, it renews your faith in humanity all over again.

Is it challenging? Sure.
Is it the unknown? Yes.
Is it an experience you're grateful to have in your life? By all means, yes!

If you and your family are interested in hosting a student, contact someone who works or volunteers with YFU! The best way to know more is to ask, right? I've been known to set up host family meet-ups, so that prospective host families can talk to each other and discuss any concerns they might have. Coming from a volunteer, the information might not seem as valid. But coming from another parent who has hosted before - priceless information!

Contact YFU by visiting the website and look at some student profiles!