The Host Family Experience
Host families are a key component of the Up with People experience.
Since 1965, more than 450,000 families in 38 countries have hosted Up with People participants. They open their homes and their hearts to young people from around the world. They are unfailingly warm and welcoming; they help make the Up with People program an unparalleled experience for its students.
Host families give our students a citizen’s perspective on the country they’re visiting, its culture, language and customs. In turn, host families benefit by gaining insight into the students’ home countries, values and cultures. It is truly an exchange.
Not surprisingly, many of the relationships that develop between host families and Up with People participants last for years, even lifetimes.
By the end of the week, many host families find they’ve acquired an “adopted” child and our students feel as if they’ve gained a new set of parents.
HOST FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES
From November 8 to14, host families are asked to provide our participants with a place to sleep, breakfasts, some evening meals, and transportation to and from Up with People activities.
Our schedule does not interfere with most work or school schedules.
All host families will attend a gathering prior to the group’s arrival, where individual schedules will be given out, questions answered, and an overview presentation on the visit will be given.
For questions or to sign‐up for hosting:
Cheryssa Jensen – 27 99 75 84 – cjensen@upwithpeople.org
