FOCUS is “Friends of Overseas Citizens and University Students,” a faith-based coalition of Portland community members, area churches and campus ministries serving Portland State University and area international students and professionals from all religions, worldviews and nations, extending unconditional friendship in the spirit of Jesus of Nazareth.
FOCUS homestays are for Portland State University international students and scholars who wish to experience life in an American home, improve their English skills, and gain a deeper understanding of American culture.
Note: If you are not an PSU student, IELP student, or PSU Scholar, it is unlikely that FOCUS will be able to offer you a homestay. Please contact them before applying. They will review your situation and tell you whether or not you should apply.
Apply at least one month in advance for long-term homestays (one month or longer).
Apply at least two weeks in advance for short-term homestays (one month or less).
FOCUS Website Links:
General Information on Homestays
Contact Information:
Placement Fee:
No cost. FOCUS is volunteer based so there are no fees to apply for a homestay. However, if a student turns down a homestay then FOCUS usually will not find another family for the student.
Payments:
Payments are made directly to the host family (personal check or bank check preferred). A Residency Agreement may be required which specifies the cost, payment due date, what is provided by the host family, and the responsibilities of the homestay guest. The host family and guest will complete this shortly after the student moves in.
Short-term homestay: a homestay of one month or less is considered a short-term stay and the charge will be about $30 per day with meals or about $25 per day without meals. It is a good option for anyone 1. arriving in Portland and needing more time to look for permanent housing or 2. needing a temporary place to stay while waiting to move into a dormitory.
Long-term homestay: a homestay of more than one month is considered a long-term homestay. The homestay fee is set by individual host families. Costs will vary from one host family to another. An average estimate is about $525 or more per month ($650 or more for meals included).
Meal Plan: it's up to the student and host family to decide what food/meals are included and the cost of groceries. If a student prefers the full-meals option, it usually includes breakfast (prepare yourself), lunch (prepare yourself), dinner (prepared by the host) and eaten together most evenings. If a student prefers a flexible meal plan, the student and host will discuss which meals will be provided.
As a baseline, the homestay always includes:
utilities (heat, electricity, water, high-speed internet access)
private room
optional meal plan decided with your host
Commute Time: Students will most likely need to commute 30 to 60 minutes by public transportation from the home to Portland State University.
Medical & Accident Insurance: You are required to carry health and accident insurance. Most likely you will be purchasing insurance through your school. Or, if you will be using insurance from your own country, be sure to bring necessary policy and contact information clearly written in English.