Homestays for International College Students
Live with a local host while you study at a Portland-Metro area college, university, or English language school for an academic term or longer.
Are you a college or university student planning to study in Oregon or Vancouver, Washington? Consider living with an American host! A homestay will give you plenty of opportunities to practice English and learn about the everyday life and culture in the USA as part of an American household.
You will get the most out of a homestay if you are willing and able to participate in conversations with your host in English, curious, excited to learn about and adapt to your hosts lifestyle, and open to participating in household activities.
Homestay Dates and Fees
We ask students to commit to a homestay for one full academic term, based on your school’s term start and end dates. At the end of the term you may extend your homestay or move to other accommodations. You may also choose to leave your homestay at any time during the term; we just ask that you give ACES and your host at least two weeks notice.
- Placement Fee: $390
- Cost per term: $235/week
When to Apply: We recommend you submit the full application at least one month before you wish to begin your homestay. If you want a homestay sooner, you may request an application and we will help if we can.
Homestay Start and End Dates: Plan to begin your homestay 1-3 days before the first day you need to be on campus and end your homestay 1-3 days after your last day of exams, unless you will extend your homestay for the next term.
Monthly Homestay: You may apply for a monthly homestay if you receive a monthly government scholarship or attend a language school that is on a monthly schedule. (If you plan to attend a college or university for at least one term and do not receive a monthly government scholarship, we ask that you apply for the Term Homestay.
Homestays Include
A homestay with a local host who is looking forward to including you in their daily life.
A private bedroom, access to a study area, and internet access. You might share a bathroom with other household members or guests.
Three meals per day. You will make your own breakfast and lunch, with ingredients provided by your host. Dinner will be together with one or more household members most evenings.
Public transportation will be in walking distance of the home.
Orientation materials with information about the Portland area and practical advice on how to get ready for your cross-cultural experience.
ACES staff support for you and your host throughout the application process, in your preparation, and during your homestay.
Local transport to and from the airport or other Portland area location at the beginning of your homestay.