Host international visitors through our exchange work. Global Ties San Francisco implements the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and other international exchange programs, bringing 700 visitors to the San Francisco Bay Area annually. Through short-term visits to the United States, global professionals experience this country firsthand and build lasting relationships with those they meet. One of the ways we facilitate this process is by directly connecting our visitors with local community members for informal get-togethers.
Global Ties San Francisco seeks individuals, couples, and families of all backgrounds to become international hosts for visitors for a meal or brief homestay. Our Home Hospitality and homestay hosts (“Home Hosts”) open their homes to our guests, providing them a glimpse into American life and genuine hospitality. Whether they prepare a casual dinner or offer a room for a few days, these Citizen Diplomats provide a unique and invaluable component to our exchange programs.
A signature experience for our visitors that is often regarded as the most impactful and enlightening part of their exchange is Home Hospitality — the opportunity to enjoy a meal with local residents. This can look like hosting a few visitors in your home for a casual, homecooked meal or even meeting at a park for a picnic. Global Ties San Francisco will arrange for 2-5 international visitors to join you at your home or other preferred location and coordinate all logistics with you.
Opening your home overnight to an international visitor provides a welcoming window into life in the U.S., creating lasting memories and connections. While less frequent than Home Hospitality, homestays are just as important to fostering mutual understanding. Homestays usually last 2-5 nights and may include hosting some meals.
Most of our 700 annual visitors come through the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), a prestigious exchange program established in 1940. Visitors come from many countries and professional fields. Alumni of the IVLP include more than 500 current and former Chiefs of State or Heads of Government.
The success of our international exchange programs would not be possible without our amazing Citizen Diplomats who open their homes to visitors. Anyone interested in hosting visitors is welcome to engage with us. Hosts need not work or have experience in the same fields as the visitors.
Hosting international visitors must take place in the San Francisco Bay Area. The traditional Home Hospitality location is one’s home, but we welcome creative ideas like co-hosting at a neighbor’s house or arranging a potluck at a park! Homestays must be at your home.
Visitors either speak English or are accompanied by an interpreter.
Global Ties San Francisco will provide you with any applicable dietary, allergy, religious, and pet-related restrictions well in advance. We can also provide information on dietary accommodations you may have questions about.
In most cases, visitors will both arrive and depart via rideshare (Uber/Lyft). Any assistance driving visitors, particularly for homestays, would be discussed in advance.
Since our visitors primarily eat out at restaurants, Home Hospitality provides them an unforgettable opportunity to enjoy a homecooked meal and converse with everyday Americans. That said, we are open to alternative hosting ideas like co-hosting with a friend (they cook, you provide the venue!) or ordering takeout. And remember, this is meant to be informal — no one expects a three-course meal!
Global Ties San Francisco staff will send an email to all vetted hosts announcing an upcoming group available for Home Hosting opportunities. As interested hosts respond, we coordinate all details such as timing, number of visitors, hosting location, and dietary needs.
We offer numerous Home Hospitality hosting opportunities annually, and hope you participate at least once a year. Homestay opportunities are less frequent, though we are open to coordinating more in the future!
Your table or spare room can make a world of difference.
Express your interest in hosting and offer a warm welcome.
