Hosts and students are matched on a rolling first-come first-serve basis. Matches are based on the information provided on the host and student sign-up forms.
Hosts and students will be matched on a rolling first-come first-serve basis as we receive submissions via the online sign-up form. The deadline to sign up is November 15, 2019, and if you sign up earlier, you will probably receive notification earlier. The ISSO will notify hosts within two weeks of signing up so that hosts have time to make their Thanksgiving arrangements. Please note that submitting the sign-up form does not guarantee you a student guest. Matches are made depending on the number of participants who sign up each year.
The host commitment is for the Thanksgiving holiday event only. Hosts are not expected to continue hosting their student guest throughout the year. However, it is our hope that both you and your student guest enjoy your time together so much that you will continue to stay in communication with each other.
By signing up for the program as a host, the ISSO asks you to welcome the student guest to your home. It is expected that hosts contact their student guest via email or telephone to make plans and arrangements for the Thanksgiving event. Student guests are also expected to connect with their hosts, and to be about the event date and timing.
Please note: the ISSO is not available to provide transportation for student guests. The ISSO is also not responsible for assisting with making plans and arrangements between hosts and student guests.
Yes, if your friend or family member is willing to accommodate your guest, it is absolutely appropriate! Hosts have done this in the past.
Yes. While not required, many hosts offer to provide transportation for their student guest to and from the Thanksgiving event. For hosts who are not able to provide transportation for their student guest, the ISSO will do its best to match them with students who have their own cars. Also, students might be able to get to the event if there is a feasible public transportation option available.
Although the ISSO is capable of doing many wonderful things, it cannot predict how many participants will sign up for the program each year. Some years, there is an abundance of hosts resulting in a handful who are not matched with a student guest, and vice versa. In this case, the ISSO will notify hosts accordingly and encourage participation for the following year.