Homestays & Hospitality

Homestays are a unique way for international visitors to immerse themselves in authentic American life as well as an opportunity for American families to learn and engage with guests from all over the world. It's a win-win program and an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

The GlobalPittsburgh Homestay program has been rated highly by both guests and hosts. Before being accepted into GP's network of host families, all potential hosts have been vetted by an interview and home visit process. We work closely with each homestay applicant, as well as our host families, to secure the best possible match to meet the needs of both the guest and the host.

Looking for a homestay?

Am I eligible for a homestay?

GlobalPittsburgh arranges homestays for international students and interns, as well as visiting faculty, scholars, and researchers.
‍Guests must be over 18 to participate in the Homestay program.

What is included in my homestay?

Each homestay includes a private bedroom (furnished with a bed, bed linens, wardrobe/closet, heating/cooling, and wifi) as well as a shared or private bathroom. Guests will also have access to the kitchen and other common areas. Utilities (such as electricity, water, etc.) are included in the Homestay fee. There are options with or without meals with your host family.

How much does it cost?

Without Meals

$630 / month*

+ $225 placement fee**

With Breakfast and Dinner Included

$860 / month*

+ $225 placement fee**

With Breakfast, Dinner, and Self-Served Lunch Included

$970 / month*

+ $225 placement fee**

*For stays less than a month, a prorated fee for the actual number of days you will stay at your host's home will be calculated
**If you apply less than 30 days before your intended Homestay begins, the Placement Fee increases to $270 for rush placement

How do I apply?

For more information and to apply for a Homestay: fill out the Homestay Application Form. We will do our best to match you with a Homestay family which meets your expectactions. With any additional questions please email the Director, Nadya Kessler: nkessler@globalpittsburgh.org.
‍Applications sent within 30 days of the intended start of the Homestay cannot be guaranteed a placement.

Looking for group homestays?

What is the difference between a homestay and home hospitality?

A homestay is a short or long term stay in the home of a host family, as a unique, authentic and cost-effective alternative to hotel stays. GP homestays include a private bedroom (furnished with a bed, bed linens, wardrobe/closet, heating/cooling, and wifi) as well as a shared or private bathroom. On request, for group homestays, two guests can be placed with a single family, in separate rooms. A hospitality meal can be arranged when accommodations for international guests are not needed, but you still want your group to have the experience of sharing a meal with a local family.

Why choose GlobalPittsburgh?

GlobalPittsburgh has been active welcoming the international community to Pittsburgh for over 60 years. In 2021, we arranged nearly 1,500 homestay nights, for partners which include the U.S. State Department and local universities and businesses. For more information about our group homestay and hospitality dinners, download our Homestay One-Pager.

How much does it cost?

Without Meals

$630 / month*

+ $225 placement fee**

With Breakfast and Dinner Included

$860 / month*

+ $225 placement fee**

With Breakfast, Dinner, and Self-Served Lunch Included

$970 / month*

+ $225 placement fee**

How do I make a request for my group?

To make arrangements for a group, send an inquiry to Nadya Kessler nkessler@globalpittsburgh.org including the specifications of your group.

Interested in becoming a homestay host?

Who would I be hosting?

Guests can be international students, interns, researchers, university faculty, or professionals, coming from all parts of the world. All guests have at least an intermediate level of English and it is expected that they will communicate with you in English. Every effort is made to make placements which fullfil both the host and guests needs and interests. Preferences and needs may be indicated on your application.

What is expected of me as a host?

What is the compensation?

Without Meals

$570 / month

With Breakfast and Dinner Included

$780 / month

With Breakfast, Dinner, and Self-Served Lunch Included

$885 / month

What is the application process?

To apply to host, fill out our Host Application Form. After completing the form you will receive a confirmation of receipt. The GlobalPittsburgh team will be in touch shortly to schedule a home visit. The home visit will take between 30 minutes and 1 hour, showing the GP staff the guest room(s) available as well as all common spaces. After a positive home visit, a profile will be created for you in our Host database, and you will be notified when we receive a request for a homestay which matches your profile. With any questions, please email Nadya Kessler at nkessler@globalpittsburgh.org.

Interested in hosting dinners?

What is a hospitality meal?

Hospitality meals offer a unique opportunity to meet emerging leaders from around the world in a relaxed atmosphere – your own home. When GlobalPittsburgh arranges itineraries for visiting professionals, an opportunity for a meal in a real American home provides a unique cultural experience for them. Hosts typically are asked to host between two and four guests for dinner, although there are occasional lunch opportunities as well.

What is expected of me as a host?

Hosts prepare a meal for typically two to four guests. The menu for a hosted dinner should include whatever your family would normally serve; the meal does not need to be fancy, catered, or something that the visitors would eat in their home countries. Visitors are usually very eager to try American foods such as hamburgers, hot dogs, steaks, pasta, vegetarian dishes, etc. GlobalPittsburgh will inform hosts in advance if their visitors have dietary restrictions or feel uncomfortable around pets. If you do not speak the language of your guests, an interpreter assigned to the group by the State Department will be asked to join the dinner to help facilitate conversation. You are always welcome to invite friends or neighbors to also attend the dinner with your international guests.

How do I apply to host?

You can apply to host by filling out the Host Application webform. Keep in mind that this form is for both homestays and hospitality dinners, and there is a place to indicate if you would like to apply for both or just hospitality dinners. With any questions, please email Nadya Kessler at nkessler@globalpittsburgh.org.