Two international students on a blue background

International Student Hosting

Expand your family. Expand your community. Expand your worldview.

TCC's Office of International Programs is seeking qualified hosts to provide a secure, healthy home environment, as well as an enriching cultural experience for our international students. Hosts have a great impact on our international students' experience, offering a glimpse into the life of an American family.

The focus of Homestay is to share culture and make connections. Whether you choose to host a student from a short-term or long-term program, you and the student will have the support of TCC at every step of the way, to help make the experience rewarding and memorable for all. 

Thank you for your interest in opening up your home to our amazing international students!

Basic Requirements

  • Student has a private bedroom (has a closet, door, and exterior emergency egress). It should also include at least 1 twin sized bed, a student desk, and dresser. Hosts interested in the shared room option should ensure rooms are large enough for two of each furniture item. Bunk beds or loft style are OK.
  • Hosts provide all utilities and should have a fast internet connection.
  • Hosts provide basic essentials such as linens, towels, toilet paper, etc. Students are responsible for their own personal use items such as toiletries
  • Hosts should live within a 60-minute commute range to TCC campus using public transit with no more than a 20-minute walk either to campus directly or to the nearest bus stop.
    • Hosts who do not meet this requirement, but are willing to provide transportation to the student, may be considered.
    • Check the distance from your home to TCC by using the trip planner at www.piercetransit.org
    • Using the "transit" option to get directions using Google maps or similar is also a good option.
A collage of families posing with "Welcome" signs and their new international students

Interested in Hosting? Inquire Now

Become a host to:

  • Enjoy a culturally enriching experience for your family
  • Help students reach their academic goals
  • Earn a stipend
  • Show others life in America
  • Support the Tacoma community
  • Have fun!

If you want to learn more, contact:

Rachel McGovern (she/her)
Tacoma Community College Office of International Programs
Interim Assistant Director of International Housing and Short Term Programs
international_housing@tacomacc.edu
253-566-5381

Hosting Options

Explore our options for short and long term hosting.

An image of students with their host family

Fixed Term

  • Time Frame: 7 days, 21 days, or 6 months
  • Student Nationality: Danish or Japanese
  • Meal Option: Complete (learn more in Q&A Section)

Annual Fixed-Term Programs:

Japan:

  • 1st cohort: Fall and Winter quarters, Sept - March, 6-month stay
  • 2nd cohort: Spring and Summer quarters, March - August, 6-month stay

Denmark:

  • Business students: November, 1-week stay
  • Physics and Communication students: February, 3-week stay
An image of students with their host family

Ongoing Term

  • Time Frame: 3 months - 2 years
  • Student Nationality: All
  • Meal Option: Complete or no meal (learn more in Q&A Section)

A Day in the Life of an Ongoing-Term Student:

Apply to Host

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question not answered here, please contact us.

 

Any additional questions?

International Programs
Tacoma Community College
Building 11, 2nd Floor
6501 South 19th Street
Tacoma, WA 98466-6100
Phone/Fax: 253-566-5190