How it Works

Step 1:

Apply!

If you have a child aged 12 – 18 and are interested in hosting an international student for any period of time, please create an account on our website and fill out a hosting application! You will be able to see the options available for you based on your city when filling out the application.

Step 2:

Background Checks

After filling out the application and prior to meeting with an LNL team member, you must complete an online background check. Background checks must be completed for anyone over 18 years of age in the home. They are free for hosts and done completely online here.

Step 3:

Meet With an LNL Team Member

After you complete your online application and background check(s), you will meet with your LNL Local Coordinator. They will interview the main host student, along with other members of the host family. This information will be used to match you with an international student that will fit in perfectly with your family! The Local Coordinator will also tour your home to ensure all homes are decently tidy and safe for a visiting student. All international students must have their own bed to sleep in, but can share a room with a host sibling close in age and the same gender. After the interview, the Local Coordinator will also call references provided by the host family.
If taking part in our FlexConnect French program – the interview will not be completed, but a Local Coordinator will visit your home and call all provided references.

Step 4:

Matching Process

After your interview is completed, your Local Coordinator will inform you if we have an international student signed up that would be a good match for your family or not. Once all matches have been made, you will receive information about your student and you may get in contact with them before they even arrive! Students and families can send messages, talk on the phone, or even do a virtual video meet up!
If taking part in our FlexConnect French program – this step is eliminated since all students will directly request host families online and will require acceptance by the host family and approval by the Local Coordinator.

Step 5:

Orientation and Pre-Arrival Information

There will be a virtual orientation done for host families prior to the arrival of the international students. Also prior to their arrival, information regarding the events, RSVP requests, communication, photo sharing, and any other important details will be emailed or shared online to host families. There may be further information needed from host families leading up to their arrival as well.

Step 6:

Students Arrive

Families will pick up their international student at the airport and take them home to become the newest member of their family! Families should treat students as if they are family members and not guests. There will be fun, weekly group activities which the main host student, or in some cases, the whole host family will attend with their international student. The length of time, events, and schedules will vary per program.
The FlexConnect French Program does not have group activities.

Step 7:

Students Depart

After spending weeks with your international student, families will drop their student off with a new host family or the airport. We anticipate you will be sad after they leave your home and encourage all family members to stay in contact with their international student!

A huge thank you goes out to all host families, past, present, and future, for opening your homes to these amazing students from all over the world. We appreciate your willingness to provide them with a wonderful, safe home and such an outstanding experience!