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Mike Mansfield sitting on steps of the US capitol building

Mansfield Center

Homestay / Cultural Host

Become A Host

We're excited to offer you a unique opportunity to be a key part of our programming: Become a homestay and/or cultural host. By opening your home to participants and scholars of the Mansfield Center’s exceptional international programs, you’re not just fostering connections but contributing to global understanding. Your input in our survey below is crucial for the success of this initiative, promising personal growth and lasting memories. Join our community of dedicated homestay and cultural hosts and embark on a meaningful journey that makes a real impact on the global stage.

Homestay lengths vary based on program. Homestay options include one-day hosting experiences, weekend homestays, and 2- or 4-week homestays. More information about homestay lengths and dates, as well as program themes, can be found in the Upcoming Homestay / Cultural Host Opportunities section below.

Questions: Contact Elisa Osborne at elisa.osborne@mso.umt.edu

Upcoming Homestay / Cultural Host Opportunities

*Dates subject to change

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Every year, we bring dozens of international participants to Missoula for educational and cultural exchange programs. Homestay / cultural hosts provide these visitors with a unique Montana experience and engage them in community while also learning about different perspectives and ways of life.  Being a homestay / cultural host is truly a two-way exchange.

We encourage a variety of “families” to host, and share regular day-to-day life and routines.

Homestay / Cultural Hosts Provide:

  • Homestay hosts welcome participants into their homes for at least one night while cultural hosting requires just a few hours or a one-day commitment.
  • Transportation assistance, as needed, at the start of the experience.
  • A private room within the home.  For hosts housing more than one participant of the same sex, arrangements may be made for them to share a room. Private room requirements are only for overnight stays.
  • Exposure to U.S. culture in the manner the family chooses.  This can be hiking, shopping, bowling, going to a lake or river, a special event, or simply engaging participants in your daily routines.

Note: Participants are provided with funds for any meals or outings.  Homestays longer in duration may be provided with small stipends.

Participants and Scholars Come Prepared with:

  • Proficiency in the English language.
  • A fully vetted background as part of their J-1 visa.
  • Enrollment in an international health benefits plan.
  • Funding for their meals.
  • An excitement to immerse in American culture and lifestyles!
  • A yearning to teach others about one's culture!

Hosting Stories

An image of a fellow from Vietnam with her host

Pictured: Host Jason Sloat and 2023 SUSI Scholar Ho Van Anh (Vietnam).

“My wife (Addie) and I hosted a SUSI Scholar for a weekend, and it was a truly wonderful experience. The experience was punctuated by extensive, in-depth conversations about American literature and culture, as well as conversations about Vietnamese literature, politics, and culture. We feel like we made a life-long friend. It was an all-around amazing experience for all of us.”

Jason Sloat (Moiese, Montana).

A host family portrait

Pictured: Hosts Dorcie and Steve Dvarishiki with YSEALI Fall 2023 Fellows Wai Zin Phyo (left) and Sonia Alves (Timor-Leste).

"It was a wonderful and amazing weekend because my hosts made me feel at home. We each cooked our traditional foods over engaging conversations about our different cultures. I also had wonderful conversations with people in the community, introduced to me by my host family, who had traveled to my country (Myanmar). The weekend taught me about the kindness present in American culture.”

Wai Zin Phyo, YSEALI Fall 2023 (Myanmar).