Letter to Host Family

ISE sends your family stay application, your “Dear Host Family” letter and your photos to our family stay coordinators abroad. Family stay coordinators use these materials to help match you with a host family that may have similar interests or students your age. The more information you share, the more helpful it is for our coordinators.

Your “Dear Host Family” letter is the first impression your host family will have of you. Show them that you’ve made an effort to share your life with them! Letters should be neatly written or typed on stationery; letters written in pencil and/or on notebook paper will be returned to be redone.

Please submit two current photos; if you don’t have a current family photo, your most recent school photo will be just fine.

Here are some guidelines to help you make a great first impression on your host family!

First impressions count!

Show your host family that you’ve made an effort!

First write a rough draft in the host country language for your teacher to review. Describe where you live, your family members, your parents’ occupations, subjects you study, your extra-curricular activities, your job, your favorite music, movies and food, etc. Pose questions you have about them. End your letter by thanking your family for hosting you.
Now re-write your letter in pen (or on the computer) on nice stationery. Be sure to include your full name, mailing and e-mail addresses so your host family can contact you. Please limit your letter to 3 pages on paper no larger than 8.5 x 11”. No scrapbooks, please!
Attach a photo of yourself, either alone or with family, to your letter. Be sure to identify yourself in any group photos.

Note: Unacceptable letters and photos will be returned by ISE.