VIF Program - About Us - Host Families

Host Families

VIF International Education is accepting applications for its Host Family Program.

Teacher trainees come to the United States to represent their language, culture and country, to get classroom experience and to learn first-hand about U.S. culture. In addition, they provide langugage immersion classrooms with another language role model and additional support in the classroom.

Host families are integral to the success of your school's language immersion program. Your participation provides a warm welcome for the teacher trainee and helps them learn U.S. culture firsthand. Complete your host family application today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is VIF International Education?

VIF International Education helps schools manage high-quality language immersion programs. In language immersion programs, students study core content subjects, such as language arts, math, science and social studies, in Spanish. They gain a rigorous academic experience while gaining proficiency in two languages.

Who can be a Host Family?
Host Families come from a variety of backgrounds. Host families can include:

Families with children in the immersion program
Teachers or other school staff
Community members interested in cultural exchange
Families or individuals interested in gaining exposure to another language in their home through a native speaker
Families or individuals with an empty nest or an extra bedroom

How long do Host Families typically host?
Typically, Host Families host a trainee for one full school year (ten to eleven months), but there may be opportunities to host for one semester.

How are trainees selected?
Trainees are selected based on their potential to become excellent future bilingual educators. To be selected for the Teacher Training Program, candidates must:

Have completed at least three years of a bachelor’s degree in bilingual elementary education or primary/pre-school education
Be proficient in English
Be a native Spanish speaker
Pass a criminal background check
Pass an interview
Demonstrate prior classroom teaching or tutoring experience

What are the host family’s responsibilities?
Host families must provide:

A safe, friendly and welcoming environment for the trainee
A private bedroom and access to a bathroom
All meals except for lunch on school days and/or provide groceries
Transportation to and from school (or carpool with other families, teachers)
Transportation for shopping and grocery store trips
Moral support and exposure to U.S. culture
Regular and responsive communication with VIF
Notification to VIF in the case of an emergency

What are VIF's responsibilities?
VIF is responsible for:

Host family screenings (home visit, criminal background check, etc.)
Comprehension, academic and cultural support to the trainee
Trainee orientation, professional development, classroom observations/feedback
General support to the host family

What are the trainees’ responsibilities?
Trainees must:

Participate actively in training and complete training program requirements
Serve as a native Spanish-speaking role model for students
Assist supervisory teacher with administrative and instructional duties on all applicable work days and teacher work days
Cover personal expenses, including school day lunches
Communicate with the host family about their schedule, etc.
Communicate with VIF if any issues arise
Serve as a cultural resource for students, teachers, school community and host family members

Is there any other way I can support the Host Family program?
Yes! You can volunteer to help provide a trainee with additional cultural enrichment opportunities (such as sightseeing, movies, meals with your family), language exposure, transportation or temporary stays if a trainee’s primary host family has to go out of town.