International Student Program

• Making a difference in the life of a young person
• Enriching the lives of your family
• Increasing cultural awareness in your community
• Supporting diversity and cross-cultural awareness at home
• Teaching a student about American values
• Experiencing the joy of having a new family member to love
• Building a life-long friendship
• Practicing hospitality and generosity in your own home
• Growing closer as a family

Home Requirements include providing the following for the international student:

• A private bedroom
• Bed
• Dresser
• Closet for hanging clothing
• Desk and chair
• Adequate lighting to do homework
• Adequate bathrooms for the number of people in the home
• Wireless internet connection
• English must be the primary language spoken in the home

Family Requirements

• Family members over the age of 14 must complete the Diocese of Harrisburg Safe Environment Training, including background checks, and be approved before that student is placed in the home
• A desire to learn about other cultures
• A willingness to welcome a student from another country into your family
• Home visits by the home stay agency before and during the student's stay
• Host families are required to provide transportation for the student to and from the airport for both arrivals to and departures from the United States.

Any stipend from an angency should be used by host families to help cover the additional cost housing an international student, such as:

• Groceries
• Transportation
• Gas
• Other incidentals

All students are required to come with their own spending money and American health insurance.

If the agency bringing in the student your family is hosting provides a stipend, please be aware that this is taxable income, and host families will be issued a 1099 for the stipend at the end of each calendar year. Occasionally, the agency does NOT provide a stipent, in which case your expenses may be tax-deductible. For advice on how to best account for the stipend, Delone Catholic recommends consulting with a tax professional.