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Host Family

Living with a host family is an excellent way to improve English and learn first-hand about American culture.

The following resources are available for students who are interested in living with a host family or renting a room in a family's house.

ANDEO-International Homestays

ANDEO-International Homestays
www.andeo.org
Tel: (503) 274-1776 or toll-free 1-800-274-6007
Fax: (503) 274-9004
Email: info@andeo.org
Address: 620 SW 5th Ave, Suite 625, Portland, Oregon 97204
Contact: Mr. Reno Tibke, College Program Coordinator

ANDEO-International Homestays is a non-profit organization that specializes in providing host families for international students living in Portland. ANDEO is located in downtown Portland, within a 10-minute walk from PSU. All ANDEO homestays include:

1. A carefully screened family that is ready to welcome you into their home
and include you in their daily lives.
2. A comfortable private room with access to a study area.
3. Meals--the Classic program is 3 meals per day; the Bed & Breakfast program is breakfast only.
4. A home that is close to public transportation.  The typical bus commute is 20 to 60 minutes.
5. Information about your host family prior to your arrival; upon arrival, you will also receive orientation materials and an ID card that lists your host family information and the ANDEO office contact number.
6. Airport Pickup at Portland International Airport (PDX). 7. Andeo staff members who will be available throughout your stay to help you get the most out of your homestay experience.

FOCUS: Friends for Overseas Citizens & University Students

www.focuspsu.com
Tel: (503) 725-4196
Homestay Coordinator email: focushomestays@yahoo.com
Office: East Hall, room 211 (at PSU)

FOCUS is a separate, independent organization from PSU. FOCUS is a Christian organization that has an office on the PSU campus.

FOCUS offers the following support services for international university students in the Portland area:

  • finding short-term and emergency housing
  • rooms for rent
  • host families
  • airport pick-up
  • social and recreational activities
  • Christian faith activities

FOCUS is a Christian faith-based coalition of Portland community members, area churches and campus ministries. FOCUS serves international students and professionals from all religions, worldviews and nations and extends unconditional friendship in the spirit of Jesus of Nazareth. FOCUS adheres to the ethical standards established by NAFSA and ACMI. FOCUS is a volunteer organization and is not employed by Portland State University.

More about American Host Families

The US is a diverse society, and Host families in Portland reflect this diversity. Host families may be of European, Asian, African, or mixed descent, and may or may not practice a religion. International students should be open to experiencing America's multicultural diversity and learning from their host family. Because of America's great diversity, host family lifestyles and customs vary from family to family. Many different types of families are interested in hosting international students—they may include: traditional families; single-parent families; busy, young couples with no children; and middle-aged or retired, individuals or couples with grown children.

While some host families offer a traditional family setting, and enjoy sharing their lives and doing many things with international students, it is common these days for families or individuals to rent out spare rooms to international students as a way to make extra money. These types of households provide a more traditional boarding experience.