Become a Community Host
Apply online to be matched with an incoming student or scholar. Or email us to let us know you're interested.
Community Host Program
The object of our program is to introduce international students to Americal life and culture and to give community members a chance to learn more about people from other places. Hosts don't provide housing or financial support for students.
Community Hosts are matched with newly arriving students during the summer, and occasionally in January. We ask hosts to get in touch with their student as soon as possible after the match and make arrangements to meet the student when they arrive in Charlottesville. This is a wonderful help to students, and great way to begin the friendship and help introduce your student to the community.
Scholars arrive throughout the year. Fill out our form and we'll be in touch with you about this as well.
New international undergrads arrive August 18th & 19th, 2009
Students can book in advance to come down on a direct bus service from Dulles. IHP plans to help students with the move in. If your student arrives on this bus, it's a great time to meet.
Students who do not book this service will make their own arrangements to get to Charlottesville.
New international graduate students arrive on their own schedule and are responsible for their own housing.
FAQ
What is the Community Host Program?
The Community Host Program matches local families and individuals with international students coming to the University of Virginia. Host families participate in cultural exchange and help students acclimate to life in the United States.
Is lodging required of Community Hosts?
No, students find their own lodging.
Who participates in the Community Host Program?
Families and individuals who have a sincere interest in cultural exchange through welcoming new international students, learning about their culture and values, and sharing American culture are encouraged to participate.
What are the membership requirements?
- New hosts complete the IHP Profile Form and attend an orientation;
- All hosts attend a matching forum annually; and
- All hosts maintain personal automobile liability insurance on all owned or leased vehicles with a limit of coverage not less than $300,000 per accident and homeowners or comparable coverage (e.g., renters insurance) that includes personal liability coverage with a limit of not less than $300,000 per occurrence.
Why must hosts maintain this level of auto and home insurance?
While hosting a student does not pose additional risk compared with any other passenger in your automobile or guest in your home, adequate insurance is needed to protect against the common risks of everyday life. Our risk management advisors recommend that this typical minimum level of coverage is necessary to pay you and your student for medical and related expenses caused by injuries regardless of fault.
What insurance coverage do students have?
All students - undergraduate, graduate, and international - must have health insurance according to a resolution adopted by the University Board of Visitors in 1967 and reaffirmed in 1989.
Why does the IHP ask if any member of a household has been convicted of a felony?
This is one aspect of the IHPês practice of due diligence as recommended by our risk management advisors.
What is required to be a good Community Host?
- Write a friendly, get-acquainted email or letter to the student in his/her home country as soon as you receive the name and address, introducing yourself and family and indicating what kind of help you can offer upon arrival.
- Meet the student on arrival, or as soon thereafter as possible.
- Include the student in family events, especially at holidays and school breaks.
- Occasional advice and/or assistance with transportation can often be helpful.
- Introduce your student to area stores, banks, and other local business establishments.
- Invite the student to your home; include him/her in informal family events from time to time.
- Encourage the student to tell your family about life in his or her homeland, to share as much as is comfortable of one another's culture.
How long do Community Hosts keep in touch with their students?
Community Hosts need to keep in touch with their students during the critical first year. Being in this program is a rewarding experience for all concerned and sometimes friendships are formed that last for years.
What resources are available to international students and scholars at the University?
International Student & Scholar Programs (ISSP), 982-3010. The ISSP advisors are available to assist the Community Hosts. Questions concerning insurance, loans, and employment should be referred to the ISSP office.
The Lorna Sundberg International Center (IC), 21 University Circle, (434) 924-7983. The IC provides a variety of intercultural activities, social events and classes.
Who should I contact if the relationship does not prove to be mutually satisfactory?
The Director of the Lorna Sundberg International Center (Suzanne Louis, sl@virginia.edu or (434) 924-7983) is the liaison between the International Studies Office and IHP and is always available to assist Community Hosts in any way possible.
Our Core Values
Cross-cultural understanding:
The Community Host Program matches international students at the University of Virginia with members of the Charlottesville community solely for the purpose of developing cross-cultural exchange.
Cross-cultural appreciation:
Hosts respect the culture, religion, beliefs, and customs of their student match(es) and do not recruit for religious, political, or other groups.
Cross-cultural friendship:
Hosts build international friendships by contacting and welcoming the student(s) they are matched with shortly after receiving their contact information and keeping in touch via phone and email and meeting throughout their first year at UVa.