Homestay Program - Lipscomb Academy

Our homestay program gives Global Students a home away from home during their time at Lipscomb Academy. If you are interested in serving international students as a host family, you're in the right place.

You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself.

Isaiah 19:34

Host families open up their houses, but they also open up their lives to Global Students — and their own families end up being tremendously blessed.

Our host families are screened, trained, supported, and reimbursed by Lipscomb. Families abroad can feel confident that their children are placed in nurturing families well connected to our school. As a host family, you'll receive ongoing support from us as we partner together.

Ready to become a host family?

Begin by reviewing the handbook and completing an application.

Learn More About The Screening Process

Our host families have been thoroughly screened before Global Students are placed in their homes.

All host families complete a Lipscomb Academy Host Family Application.

Host families receive a visit from the Global Student Coordinator to take photographs and review the Global Student Handbook.

All individuals over the age of 18 living in the host home must undergo fingerprint background checks at an IdentoGO facility, paid for by Lipscomb.

Reimbursement

The host family provides food for meals, basic household items, and transportation to and from school. The host family receives a monthly reimbursement check to offset the costs of hosting the student. This is considered non-employment income, and Lipscomb issues the host family a 1099 tax form each year. Money will not be exchanged directly between the student or student’s family to the host family.

Support

Short-Term Hosting

Our international students need you.

Find out more about hosting today!

Contact Elizabeth Williams, Global Student Director, at Elizabeth.Williams@lipscomb.edu or 615.944.6319

"We knew God was calling us to step out of our comfort zone, but we didn't know exactly what He was asking us to do until the opportunity to host an exchange student came along. We were blessed to host Sam for a year, and it was an incredible experience we will never forget. Sam became part of our family, and we have continued to keep in touch with him to this day. When he was applying for college from Vietnam, he asked us to review his application essay, and our hearts swelled when we read what he wrote. He talked about being an exchange student and learning about God and great men in the Bible. We knew right then that we had made just as big an impact on him as he made on us. He went on to attend Lipscomb University, and we see him often. He will be a part of our family forever, and he knows he can call us anytime, and we will help."

— Alyson W. Host mom of Dung D. Class of 2018