Homestay Accommodations

Short-term program participants live with friendly local families through the University of Oregon’s homestay network. This rewarding experience helps participants develop intercultural connections and enjoy American family culture.

The families have been pre-screened, have passed a criminal background check, and are closely managed by staff at the University of Oregon’s American English Institute.

What’s It like Living with an American Family?
Like families around the world, each one is different with its own traditions and customs. American homestay families come from different racial and ethnic groups, and their religious beliefs are not all the same. Some families are single women, with or without children; older couples whose children are grown; and couples with small children or no children at all. Most live within forty-five minutes by bus from the University of Oregon, where you will have class. Most have a dog or cat as a pet, and most don’t allow smoking in their homes.

Responsibilities
You will be expected to be part of the family and act responsibility. You’ll make your own bed, clean your room, do your own laundry, and help with routine household tasks like emptying the trash or washing dishes. Your homestay family will worry about you if you don’t tell them where you’re going and when you’ll be back. You’re welcome to explore our town, but be sure to let your homestay family know what you’re up to. You’ll eat breakfast and dinner with your homestay family, enjoy conversations with them, and do things together. For example, you might go on a picnic or watch a movie together.

Your homestay family will provide:

  • Airport pick-up
  • Meals
  • Private bedroom furnished with a bed, dresser, and desk
  • Sheets, blankets, and towels
  • Internet access
  • Airport drop-off

Accessibility and Dietary Restrictions
If you know you will be coming to the University of Oregon needing food accommodations or having accessibility needs, please contact us prior to your arrival so that we can build options with you before you even get here.