FAQ

Q: How do I register to become part of the program as a sponsor family or student? 

Register on our website www.sponsorfamilies.com using the “Get Matched” button. Once registered, you will receive a follow up email with next steps to complete your profile. For families, we do require a background check, two references from friends/neighbors/co-workers (no family), and a personal letter about your family and why you want to become a sponsor family. Both sponsor families and students are required to go through a brief training. 

Q: Do students live with the families, like other host family programs? 

NO! Our program allows students to experience the advantages of having a local family support system, without the commitment of living with them. We believe these connections enrich the student experience, the lives of sponsor families, and integrate university communities. 

Q: What is the minimum age requirement to participate in the program?

All sponsors must be at least 26 years old to participate. All students must be at least 18 years old to participate. 

Q. We live part-time in the city where the university is. Can we be sponsors?

Due to the importance of having a consistent and reliable presence for our students, we require that sponsor families reside full-time in the surrounding university area within a 30-mile radius of the university. This allows for regular interaction, involvement in the student’s life, and immediate support whenever needed.

Q. Family friends of ours live a few miles outside of the 30-mile allowable distance to be sponsors. Will they be allowed to register to sponsor a student?

While we appreciate the interest of our family friends, we are unable to accept applications from families residing outside the designated 30-mile radius. This policy is in place to ensure that our students have access to consistent support and engagement from their sponsor families.

Q. We have sponsored students in this program for a while. Do we have to go through another background check and sponsor training materials again? 

To maintain a high standard of safety and support and ensure that our sponsors are up-to-date on the latest program guidelines, we require all sponsor families to retake a background check and re-familiarize themselves with the sponsor training materials every four years. These refreshers help ensure that our sponsors continue to provide the best possible experience for our students. In addition, families and students are required to sign a yearly criminal disclosure form indicating any events that might affect the sponsor relationship.

Q: When is payment due?

Sponsor families pay the program fee upon completion of their profile application. Every four years if the family wishes to continue, a repeat servicing charge will be incurred. Students pay the program fee upon a successful match with a sponsor family. This is a one time fee that covers the duration of the time at their current institution. Fees are paid online through our secure portal using a credit card or debit card.

Q: What qualities make for a good sponsor family? 

Good sponsor families are open-minded, welcoming, service oriented and patient. They are willing to learn about different cultures, embrace new experiences, and provide a supportive environment for the student to thrive.

Q: What qualities make for a good student? 

Quality students in the sponsor family program should actively show respect and gratitude to their sponsor family, embracing the informal relationship by treating them as mentors and friends with open communication. Showing some initiative goes a long way!

Q: How much time is expected of sponsor families?

This varies by family and ultimately depends on how frequent families and their student(s) connect.

Q: How often can we expect to see our student(s)?

Each student has his/her own schedule. The student will be the one to let you know when they are available to spend a day or two with your family. Feel free to reach out to them with an invitation anytime, though!

Q: Will we see our students every weekend?

Probably not, but again, it depends on their schedule/preferences and your availability.

Q: What can I expect as a sponsor regarding the student’s behavior? 

Students are expected to be respectful of the family’s home, rules, and customs, and open and honest communication is key from both students and families to help create a positive family environment. In addition, all students are expected to abide by the law and uphold university policy to remain within the program.

Q: Are students allowed to sleep over?

Yes, as long as the student and sponsor family are both comfortable with it.

Q: Are we required to provide our students their own area of the home when they come over?

No, but it’s appreciated and recommended if possible, if only to provide them a quiet space of their own to do homework, relax, or talk to people back home.  

Q: My sponsored student wants to do laundry while they are at our house. Is this okay?

This depends on your house rules, and the sooner you let students know your house rules, the better. Many students will ask to do laundry at their sponsor’s houses to avoid waiting for machines in their dorms or houses. 

Q: My sponsored student wants to bring their friend over to our house. Is this okay?

It depends on the house rules of your sponsor family. Some families are comfortable with sponsored students having friends over, while others prefer to keep visits restricted to their sponsored student(s).

It’s important to have an open conversation with your sponsored student and discuss your family’s house rules regarding guests. This helps to ensure everyone is on the same page and avoids any misunderstandings.

Families are also permitted to sponsor more than one student, so this may affect whether or not you allow additional friends to visit.

Q: Can our students get us free tickets to their activities?

This is on a case by case basis, but should not be an expectation. Your job is to support, encourage, and come alongside your student through their college years. Depending on your specific relationship, this may mean attending events to support their endeavors and interests; however, receiving benefits like free tickets from your student should not be a driving factor in becoming a sponsor family.

Q: Can our students drive our vehicles?

It’s up to you, the vehicle owners, whether or not you’ll let students drive your vehicles. You have every right to simply say “no.” Many families offer rides around town or provide insight to community resources and public transportation instead. Discuss the car/ride rules with your students early on.

Q: Are we expected to drive students to the airports?

No, although this can be a great benefit to students as they leave for their breaks.

Q: How are students matched with families? 

Students and families are matched based on compatibility factors such as personal hobbies/interests, home state or country, and academic interests. The intake form also takes into account deal breakers such as pet allergies or smoking. The program coordinators carefully consider each match to ensure a positive and enriching experience for both parties.

Q: Are all university students available to be sponsored?

The sponsor family program is an optional program for all students. Only students who have registered and completed all qualifications are eligible to be sponsored.

Q: Can I sponsor more than one student?

Yes, sponsor families are permitted to sponsor as many students as they wish, provided that they are able to effectively maintain meaningful relationships with each student.

Q: I couldn’t find my university listed as a partner school on your website or in my application options. Does that mean I can’t join the program?

Unfortunately, that is correct. Your university isn’t yet part of our network. However, we’re always open to expansion! If you’d like to help bring this program to your school, please get in touch through the “Contact Us” page with any connections you have, or have a university official reach out via the same “Contact Us” page.

Q: Can I request a student or family by name in the matching process?

Yes, but only after becoming an approved participant and submitting a request through our website. NOTE: There must be a verified pre-existing relationship between the sponsor family and requested student in order to be considered. Otherwise, all other matches will be made using our smart matching process based on student and family intake forms. This is done to ensure program integrity.  

Q: What is the duration of the student-sponsor relationship? 

We hope that once a match is made, the student and sponsor family would remain together for the duration of a student’s college career. However, this may vary depending on unforeseen circumstances such as a move, transfer, or other challenging life events. Our goal is to see successful, committed sponsor family relationships that last well beyond the college years. 

Q: What if I am unable to host a student for the full duration of the program? 

If unforeseen circumstances arise that prevent you from hosting a student for the full duration of the program, please communicate with the program organizers promptly. They will work with you to find an appropriate solution.

Q: I’m currently participating in the program as a student, but I might be transferring to another school soon. What happens to my participation then?

If you have plans to transfer schools, please let us know as soon as possible through the “Contact Us” page on the website. If you’d like to participate in the sponsor family program at your next school, assuming they support this program, you’ll need to re-register as an affiliate of your new school. A new fee will be incurred in this case. We will also reach out to the sponsor family of the transferring student to understand their interest in potentially connecting with a new student. 

Q: What happens if my assigned family or student isn’t a good fit?

We understand that not all matches are perfect. In the unlikely event you’re having difficulties with your assigned family or student, please contact us via email. We’ll work with you to resolve the issue as we’re committed to finding a suitable match for both you and the student. Please understand however, that request for match changes will require further discussion.

Q: How can I communicate with the program organizers if I have questions or concerns? 

Program organizers are available to provide support and address any questions or concerns that participants may have. They can be reached on the “Contact Us” page on our website www.sponsorfamilies.com.  

Q: What resources are available to support families and students during their time in the program? 

The program provides a variety of resources to support families and students throughout their participation. These resources may include the Family Handbook, the Training Videos, and a specific Facebook group to ask questions or commune with other sponsor families in your area. We also HIGHLY encourage families to become familiar with the campus resources as both a resource for them, yes, but especially for familiarity to guide students. 

Q: What if I have concerns about my sponsor family’s or student’s behavior or well-being? 

If you have concerns about your student or sponsor family, please discuss them openly. We encourage communication and offer support to find a solution. The campus also provides a vast array of resources. In the event that you have immediate safety concerns for your family or your student, please contact law enforcement and university officials as needed. In addition, please let us know of these reports on our website www.sponsorfamilies.com under “Contact Us” so we can pause or terminate the relationship/participation as needed.