SUSI Host Families
The 2024 Host Family opportunity is July 12-14th. Learn more here.
Our (Study of the U.S. Institutes) students are undergraduates in varying fields from India, Indonesia, Iraq, Lebanon, and Egypt attending a 5-week summer academic program on religious diversity and democracy centered in Philadelphia, PA.
While in the U.S. students are encouraged to engage with American peers and get a sense of American culture; the best way to do this is with a weekend homestay with an American family.
We are looking for local families near the greater Philadelphia area who have children or family members between the ages of 15-30 that would be interested in hosting 1-2 SUSI students for a weekend homestay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many students will we host?
1-2 students will stay in your home over a weekend and experience what an American family is like. The weekend usually consists of a 2-night stay. Our students are Undergraduate Students in various majors from Iraq, India, Indonesia, Lebanon, and Egypt. All students have basic fluency in English, and many are multilingual. Students are of varying religious backgrounds and are very interested in American culture and experiences.
Are there any required activities?
No activities are required, but feel free to ask host students about their hobbies and interests. Host families are encouraged to stick to their routines and attend regularly scheduled events like religious services, sporting/ practice schedules, etc., while including their host students in the activities. If you have children, neighbors, or family members around 15-30 years old, you can invite them over the weekend to enhance the American peer experience.
In the past, host families have taken excursions with their students to sports events, shopping malls, local beaches, events in Center City, arts festivals and galleries, Old City to explore historical sites, local parks to hike or bike, pottery painting, movie theatres, libraries, skating rinks, museums and more.
Additionally, students enjoy fun family time, like having movie nights, playing board games, cooking family meals to enjoy, and sharing their own traditions with their host family!
How can we prepare for the homestay?
The DI will host a dinner a few nights before the homestay weekend where you and the members of your family can meet and mingle with the SUSI students. At this dinner students and families will learn who they will be with for the weekend and have a chance to discuss any needs (dietary, etc.) and activity suggestions for the weekend together.
Are there any requirements to be a host family?
In your home, Students each need their own beds to sleep in. We are happy to answer any additional or specific questions via email at info@dialogueinstitute.org.
Additional Information
The DI will arrange all pickup and drop-off times.
Should any student get sick or there is any other emergency, you can contact Program Director, Andi Laudisio, at any time for support and to transfer care.
Contact us at info@dialogueinstitute.org for more information!
