Host Families

Did you know MLHS has a thriving international student program? This is one way MLHS carries out its mission in God’s kingdom. We have an international mission field right here in our backyard. In order to carry out this mission, it is important to have host families who are willing to love, care for, and share their faith with these international students.

Hosting is a vital part of our International Program at Manitowoc Lutheran High School. Without the help of caring families and individuals, our program cannot support international students. Hosting serves as a unique opportunity to serve the Lord and take part in the Great Commission. It allows you to engage with another culture in an unprecedented way, and learn about other countries through the eyes of one of its citizens.

All host families are also granted a stipend that comes directly out of the international students tuition. This stipend is meant to protect willing hosts who may not have the financial stability to support another person. The stipend allotted provides our host families support in the household and helps ensure each international student is well taken care of.

Host Application Process

We are excited that you are applying to be a host at Manitowoc Lutheran High School! Listed below are requirements in order to host an international student at MLHS:

You have an operating kitchen
You have an operating bathroom
You have a living room
You have a spare bedroom with a door and window
Your house is relatively clean
You are WELS or WELS affiliated

Why must you be WELS affiliated?

One of our goals as a Lutheran high school is to provide a Christ-centered education for our students. Given we are a Lutheran school, our doctrine directly relates with our denomination. This is in no way a speculation of anyone’s faith, but is meant to preserve the doctrine taught to our students. Contradictory dogma acts as a blockade between people and the Holy Spirit. This requirement to be a host is put in place to serve our students as they learn theology at MLHS—not a means to further separate Christians from one another.

Manitowoc Lutheran High School selects host families according to the requirements shown above. There is no discrimination based on age, race, class, family structure, or distance. Our priority is connecting international students with families who have similar interests and outlooks, to ensure the best compatibility possible.

If you have problems or need direction with this online application, please contact Manitowoc Lutheran’s International Program Director at rruediger@mlhslancers.org.

01.

Fill Out Application

Complete the ONLINE APPLICATION or Fillable PDF Application (download to fill out). Provide recommendations from a Pastor and another adult to aid our admissions and placement decisions. Both recommendations can be found attached on pages 4 & 5 of the PDF.

02.

"Get to Know Us" Quiz

Complete the ONLINE QUIZ or Fillable PDF QUIZ (download to fill out). This provides the school with a detailed understanding of the host family applying, and will be used to tell your incoming student more about you.

03.

Host Family Handbook

This is a Host Family Handbook meant to acquaint a potential host family to their role in an international student's life and their responsibilities for the student's welfare.

04.

Respite Care

If you are in need of respite care, please fill out this Respite Care Application, so that your needs are properly met.

Frequently Asked Questions

Something On Your Mind?

We understand hosting can be a difficult decision for families, especially if you have no prior experience or relationships with others who have participated in the International Program. Below are some frequently asked questions that may help you learn more about the International Program and what the responsibilities of host families are.

How do students and hosts get paired?

Our International Coordinator reviews your hosting application for the best available match when it comes to interests and home considerations (pets or not or shared/private room for example). Given our incoming students in need of hosts can be found on our website, the International Coordinator may direct a host family to inspect if any international student feels like the right fit. Otherwise, the International Coordinator will contact the host family with students who best match the family's interests and lifestyle.

Am I obligated to host for multiple years?

There is no obligation to host for multiple years, even if the student remains at MLHS. Students do typically remain in the same host home for all of their years at MLHS, but this is not a requirement. We welcome you to give it a try and see how it goes. Many of our host families have enjoyed the experience so well that they have been hosts for several students over a number of years.

If you feel as though it is not a proper match between your family and the student, we encourage you to consider hosting other students in the future that may have more in common with your family.

Should I plan outings to share our culture?

You are encouraged to include your international student in as many activities as you see fit. Some international students enjoy going out every weekend, while others prefer to stay indoors. Do not feel obligated to plan weekly or monthly trips but encouraging your international student to participate in American culture can benefit them greatly during there time abroad.

What should I do if I have a question or need help?

MLHS’s International Coordinator is happy to help and can offer suggestions or put you in touch with other families that might be able to assist. Host family meetings are recorded and posted on the MLHS website to aid host families with their international student if the International Coordinator cannot assist immediately.

Is there a stipend, and if so, is it taxable?

Host families are compensated to offset the cost of providing room and board, transportation, and involving the student in family activities. Families will be sent a 1099 at the end of the tax year. Though MLHS cannot dictate whether a family's financial advisor will compensate for the international student, it is likely this stipend will become a tax write-off. This monthly stipend is currently $700/month for 10 academic months.

What is expected from a host family?

Students are expected to be treated as a host family's own child. We anticipate a family will provide the student with transportation to school and extracurriculars, 3 full meals a day, a comfortable place to live, appropriate rules and chores to follow, love, respect, and patience. No 2 international students are the same--and they are likely different from your own children. It will take some getting used to, but all students can benefit from their host family, and vice versa.

What can I expect from my student?

Students are expected to take a full course load, follow their host family's rules, participate in extracurriculars, speak English at home and in school, and participate in American culture and customs.

How well can international students speak?

All international students must achieve an acceptable score on an English proficiency standardized test to be accepted. They also must participate in a Zoom interview with the International Coordinator to assess their speaking, listening, and social skills first-hand. Once their stay with you begins, they should make quick progress in improving their English skills. Do not hesitate to use bigger words that may speed up their fluency.

What are the major challenges to host families?

Most involve cultural differences in communication styles or customs. Many families find that, in time, these challenges are resolved with patience and clear communication. Please keep in mind these are children. They too are sinful and require patience and kindness. Many are unaware of the difficulties they may pose given their cultural differences. International students need a family that is Christ-centered to thrive in their new environment.