What You Can Do
Homestay Hosting & Dinner Diplomacy
Discover the joy of building lifelong international relationships and fostering cross-cultural understanding as a WorldChicago homestay host. Homestay hosting and dinner diplomacy are opportunities for international visitors to understand the American way of life, interests, and values on a local level.
Take it a step further with "Dinner Diplomacy." Hosting an international delegation for a shared meal—whether it's breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner—is a meaningful way to connect, share stories, and create lasting bonds that transcend borders. Together, we can build bridges of understanding and friendship.
Become a citizen diplomat by serving as a WorldChicago homestay host.
Homestay hosting gives Chicagoans the chance to share American life with international visitors, from high school students to young professionals.
Hosts can be families, single parents, singles, or retirees, living in homes or apartments. Visitors participate in daily programming, allowing hosts to maintain their schedules. Activities may include sharing meals, exploring neighborhoods, and creating a welcoming experience.
Questions? Contact us at info@worldchicago.org or check the FAQ section below.
Homestay Hosting Experiences
Benefits of Homestay Hosting & Dinner Diplomacy
Bring the World to your Family
By welcoming global guests, you help your community, especially children, learn about the people and cultures that shape our world—teaching understanding across generations.
Enrich your Community
By opening your home to WorldChicago's international visitors you bring a new perspective, a new culture, and an unique story that helps your community build acceptance and engage in new thinking.
Build Global Relationships
There is no better way to learn about someone else than through one-on-one conversation. Share the stories that go beyond a first encounter and build a foundation for lifelong friendship from the unique experience of becoming a homestay host.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is my fellows daily schedule?
Professional fellows are scheduled from approximately 9-5 pm Monday through Friday in their fellowships or additional meetings, workshops, or trainings. Cultural activities may be planned for the fellows on some evenings and weekends. As a host, you will receive a detailed schedule of the daily program, so you will be able to know when they are starting or finishing their day. Sunday is usually reserved to spend together with homestay hosts. If you cannot be home for any reason, WorldChicago will arrange an activity for the fellow or provide suggested activities. The free day is anything you and your international visitor want it to be. Shopping is often high on their list, but so is meeting other family and friends at gatherings. It's all about experiencing America.
Do I need to prepare food for my guest?
You will be expected to provide breakfast daily and most dinners. Each family is different but usually we ask that you have something in the refrigerator for them to have when they get home from meetings. If you have a special time when you eat as a family, please tell your delegate and they will arrange to join you at those times.
Will I receive stipend for hosting?
For certain programs, WorldChicago is authorized to provide a small stipend to help defray some of the costs of hosting. This is not intended to cover all of your costs, but as a thank you. Please contact the staff person associated with the project for complete details.
Will I need to provide rides for my guest?
WorldChicago provides fellows with CTA and/or Metra Cards and we teach them to use public transportation to commute to and from your home and our downtown office.
Will my guest possess insurance?
Program participants are provided with health insurance from U.S Department of State or program sponsor for the duration of their time in the United States.
Will my fellow possess English language proficiency?
We receive a profile about each fellow that describes their English language skills. Most fellows come with some English language skills, but others only speak their native language, depending on the program. We have placed delegates in homes where there was no common language only dictionaries and sign language- and we have had hosts report that it can be a challenge, but not an obstacle to enjoying their hosting experience. WorldChicago will give you phone numbers of interpreters that will be available 24 hours a day for any incidental communication and emergency situations.
