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 is a non-profit organization that specializes in providing host families for international students living in Portland.  A homestay is a unique opportunity to practice English, learn about U.S. culture and family life and share your own culture.  ANDEO is located in downtown Portland, just a 10-minute walk from PSU.

All ANDEO homestays include:

• A carefully screened family that is ready to welcome you into their home and include you in their daily lives.
• A comfortable private room with access to a study area.
• All meals (self-serve breakfast and lunch, dinner with family)
• Easy access to public transportation. The average commute by bus or MAX is 45 minutes, no more than 60 minutes.
• Information about your host family prior to your arrival and orientation materials and an ID card that lists your host family information and the ANDEO office contact number.
• Airport pickup at Portland International Airport (PDX).
• Support from ANDEO staff members who will be available throughout your stay to help you get the most out of your homestay experience.

To apply for a homestay please contact ANDEO at least 45 days prior to your arrival. You must be at least 18 years old to participate in a homestay program.

For more information about ANDEO homestays, visit  http://www.andeo.org/homestays-usa.html or contact ANDEO at 503-274-1776 or info@andeo.org. 

ANDEO's address:  620 SW 5th Ave, Suite 625, Portland, OR 97204

FOCUS: Friends for Overseas Citizens & University Students

Tel: (503) 725-4196
Homestay Coordinator click here fs.elpidzo.com

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.