Cultural Homestay International
Why choose Cultural Homestay International?
Cultural Homestay International (CHI) is a nonprofit educational organization founded in 1980 with the aim of promoting international understanding and goodwill through people-to-people exchanges. We believe that the best way to build bridges of friendship and trust among people is to experience directly each others' customs, languages, and values. To live, study, or work together leads to a trans...
Cultural Homestay International (CHI) is a nonprofit educational organization founded in 1980 with the aim of promoting international understanding and goodwill through people-to-people exchanges. We believe that the best way to build bridges of friendship and trust among people is to experience directly each others' customs, languages, and values. To live, study, or work together leads to a transformational experience of acceptance and genuine affection. For 30 years, more than 250,000 students and young adults from over 100 countries have come to our shores to participate in our educational and cultural programs, including Academic Year High School exchange, short-term Group Homestay, Au Pair childcare, Internship training, Work and Travel, and Camp Counselor experience.
Cultural Homestay International Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
So much fun!
by: Sonja Bergstrom - United StatesProgram: World Explorers Program - English Language Volunteer AbroadI learned so much during my time abroad and had fun doing it. My host family was wonderful and I got to meet so many new people. Overall, it was a great experience and one that I would definitely recommend others try.
Ultimate Uzbekistan
by: anonymous1 anonymous2 - United StatesProgram: World Explorers Program - English Language Volunteer AbroadAfter spending a month teaching intermediate English to a 10-year-old girl in Tashkent, I now believe Central Asia is a very misunderstood region. I truly appreciated the opportunity to experience Uzbek culture through teaching and living with a family. Learning about their daily life, eating meals with them, and being absorbed into their routine was eye-opening because I quickly realized I felt right at home. I had forgotten what it is like to feel valued, appreciated, and respected. My family took me under their wings right away, inviting me to a wedding, visiting their family in another city, and attending cultural events with them. The only way I knew how to reciprocate was to be my relaxed and happy self. I know I have gained friends for life. I didn’t want to leave Uzbekistan and could easily have stayed one more month.
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My month in Spain
by: Lauren O - United StatesProgram: World Explorers Program - English Language Volunteer AbroadI had a wonderful experience with my Spanish host family. Living with them and becoming accustomed to their schedules and lifestyle was great cultural immersion, and I built relationships with my host family I hope to continue even after I return home. I do think that speaking the local language (in my case, Spanish), was a huge help as I was getting settled, and it let me engage more with my host family and their community. I also think the experience is very dependent on the host family you are matched with. My hosts included me in all of their activities and showed me nearby towns and attractions on the weekends, creating some of my favorite memories from my time abroad. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in the World Explorer's program!
Cultural Homestay International Programs
Browse programs you might like
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Have you always dreamed of living in Spain? Whether you are a soccer fanatic, a Flamenco aficionado or a foodie in search of the best paella – ...
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Our host families volunteer to open their homes to you and welcome you in as a member of their families. This means they truly want to share the...
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As a World Explorer in France, you will get the chance to learn the real French way of life. You can put on a beret, learn to make crepes, become...
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CHI works with trusted overseas partners in Beijing and in Shanghai to carefully screen and interview host families. Once your application is rec...
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Visit colorful Argentina! CHI helps realize your dream travel, allowing you to experience the real way of life in Argentina. Live with a host fa...
Media Gallery
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Interviews
Read interviews from alumni or staff
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Megan Lawlor
Participated in 2016
Megan Lawlor is an English as a New Language teacher, working in central New York State public schools with children from various linguistic and cultu...
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Megan Lawlor
Participated in 2016
A combination of my love of travel and my students. I live in the states and teach English as a New Language. Having students who are living in a country where they don't fully know the language or the culture inspired me to want to better understand what they feel on a daily basis.
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Allison Essue
Participated in 2016
Allison Essue is a 23-year-old native of Ontario, Canada. She is a recent graduate, with a degree in specialized English and education. Allison has wo...
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Allison Essue
Participated in 2016
I really wanted to teach in South Korea, so I wanted to use this experience to help me fully decide if that was something I wanted to commit to doing.
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Lane Moyer
Participated in 2016
Lane Moyer, 22, is from Alberta, Canada. She loves to travel, although she has only been to 12 countries so far. This was Lane’s second homestay progr...
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Lane Moyer
Participated in 2016
I am finishing up my university degree, and need 60 hours of teaching English experience in another cultural setting. Plus I love to travel so this was a great excuse!
Awards
Check out awards and recognitions Cultural Homestay International has received
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