Mercy High School has partnered with gphomestay, an educational services company that provides quality homestays for international students attending American high schools. Several students are in the program this year and several more are expected to arrive in the fall. Short and long term hosting opportunities are available. Students typically study in the United States with the intention of graduating from an American high school and continuing onto an American college or university.
“For parents, it is like an extension to your family, another young person so eager to learn and merge into your family life. Accepting this child as your own, there is no extra work, but certainly enough love in your heart to do it. I would strongly encourage every parent who is able to explore the possibility of sharing your home with a student from a different country.” – Current host family, Mercy High School.
The thought of hosting an international student can be filled with uncertainties, but as these families attest, the experience turns out to be extremely gratifying. Students come primarily from China to attend American high schools and learn first-hand about our country and culture, while teaching everyone around them about their own culture. Through their school and community, they also have the opportunity to participate in community service.
“Each student has brought something unique to our family that has enriched our lives; whether it was different foods, learning of their culture, their participation and excitement of their homestay experience, what they gave us far exceeded what we have done for them.” – Current host family, Mercy High School
In addition to taking part in a life-changing experience and having the opportunity to guide a young international student, host families receive a monthly stipend of $800 to cover any out of pocket costs that arise with having an extra person in your home. Hosts also have ongoing support from a local gphomestay Residential Coordinator. Students will have their own insurance and spending money.
Gphomestay strives to create a sense of community among our host families and international students. If you would like to help us spread the word, there is a $300 referral bonus whenever an approved host family lists your name on their application as their source of referral. A host family does not necessarily need to have a child enrolled at our school.
“When I was first asked to host an international student over 10 years ago, I agreed with great trepidation. Now, as I think back over the 20+ students I have hosted, I smile with joy and contentment because of all the learning, joy, and love they have shared with our family. I would strongly encourage every parent who is able to explore the possibility of sharing your home with a student from a different country.” – Current host family, Mercy High School
If you are interested in becoming a host or looking for more information, please visit gphomestay’s website (www.gphomestay.com) and fill out a Host Inquiry Form. You can also contact gphomestay directly at 248-506-2650 (Kesteski Ashlynn, our local staff) or (781)996-0429 (our main line), or info@gphomestay.com.