For the first week of the program, students will reside together during the orientation period. The orientation will culminate in a host family reception where students and families will meet for the first time and begin the semester together. From then on, participants will live with host families in Tucson until the end of the semester.
The homestay placements are typically with immigrant families who predominantly speak Spanish in the household. The homestay is an enriching experience where students and families alike learn and grow. Members of the host families haver personal insight into the issues explored in the program and offer students new perspectives on life in the borderlands.
Participants will be asked to complete a questionnaire about their preferences and the program will then match the students with the families. Some participants prefer more independence and others prefer a more family oriented experience.
The homestay has the potential to be a very important learning experience during the semester, and we see your living experience as an essential part of the overall educational program. Many Border Studies students have made long lasting friendships with their host families over the years.
Recent students have said the following about their experiences with the host families:
"My host parents were wonderful in general but also flexible and generous about sharing their space."
"We had great times shopping and cooking and watching movies"
"They were the greatest, most welcoming and loving family ever. I felt so included in family activities from the very start."
