International Student Services

Reed’s International Friendship Program is a non-residential friendship program.

In 2023, ISS changed the name of this program to INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP PROGRAM (previously called the Host Family Program). The term “host family” can be somewhat misleading for those new to the program. Reed's international students and language scholars mostly live on campus and therefore there is no expectation that host families will provide room and board. 

This cooperative effort between the Office of International Student Services and volunteers in the local community seeks to bring together international students and scholars with local hosts who will befriend them, introduce them to the local community, support their experience at Reed, and enjoy the opportunity for cultural exchange.

Watch our international friendship Program Video

Local hosts in Portland provide a home away from home for students whose families are often very far away and play an important part in helping international students adjust to Reed and the U.S. The relationship begins when local hosts and students and scholars communicate over the summer and welcome their student or scholar to Portland. Many hosts offer to pick up their student/scholar from the airport, bring them to campus, and/or help them settle into their residence halls. During the school year, local hosts and students/scholars establish and define a relationship that works for both sides. Most get together at least once per month. ISS also organizes on-campus events to bring international visitors and their local hosts together as a group.

The program is structured for students in their first year. Many local hosts and students stay connected beyond the first year and throughout a student's time at Reed. However, there is no obligation for the local hosts after the first year.

If you are interested in learning more about Reed's International Friendship Program, please visit our FAQ page, or contact us.

Application Form 2024-2025

Thank you for your interest in joining our International Friendship Program!  Sign up here:

New host or a previous host before the 2023 International Friendship Program application

Returning host from the 2023 International Friendship Program application