The community has always played an important role at ILI.
Our Home-stay Program brings our Intensive English Program (IEP) students into the community to stay with area hosts and experience U.S. culture in a warm and friendly environment.
The Home-stay Program
Our Home-stay Program matches area hosts with international students who come from a wide variety of countries and backgrounds and are enrolled full-time in our Intensive English Program in Northampton. Programs are held year-round and students can sign up to study from 2 weeks to 12 months. Hosts are expected to provide a private room, a warm and friendly environment for our students and be within walking distance to the school or on a bus route. ILI provides a weekly stipend. Our Living with an American Family and Living in Northampton pamphlets gives more information for prospective students. Our FAQs About ILIs Home-Stay Program pamphlet gives more information for prospective hosts.
What is the procedure for becoming a host?
ILI asks prospective hosts to fill out a Host Application and return it to the Housing Coordinator, Amy Ben-Ezra. She will then make an appointment to meet the host, see where the student will stay, and answer questions about the program.
Upon mutual agreement, we include the host's name on our list of available home-stay accommodations and contact the host as needed. Students are asked to give as much notice as possible to allow for housing arrangements; however from time to time we have a very short notice of a student's arrival. Please indicate whether you might be available under those special circumstances. ILI also arranges for airport pick-up and drop off.
We sincerely thank you for your interest in hosting an international student. We hope that the experience will be mutually beneficial and create lasting good memories.
For more information, please visit our Home-stay Information page. If you or someone you know may be interested in becoming a host, please fill out our Host Application or contact Amy Ben Ezra at (413) 586-7569 x100, amy@ili.edu
