HOMESTAY

ABOUT EARTHCORPS:

EarthCorps (EC) is a Seattle-based nonprofit organization that believes all people and nature can thrive together and seeks to build a global community of leaders through local environmental service.  Putting our mission into action looks like an intensive (six-month/year-long) training program that unites young adults (ages 18-26ish) from across the United States and around the world to learn skills in community building, environmental restoration, and reflective practice.  

EarthCorps is committed to becoming a more liberated and anti-racist organization. Through a lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion, EarthCorps is building a network of leaders who have the cultural competency and skills to build a new future, while restoring vital lands and waters and connecting people to nature. This work is ongoing, and the organization is committed to being transparent with program participants about our work, as well as including their input to drive the direction of the organization towards a healthier, welcoming, and sustainable community for us all.  

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM:

EarthCorps international participants are passionate, hardworking, and driven to solve the environmental threats affecting our world. They come to Seattle for a six-month training program for hands on experience through work improving Puget Sound parks, shorelines and salmon streams. EarthCorps’ international participants are roughly aged 22-26, proficient in English, and eager to be training full-time at EarthCorps. 

EarthCorps seeks out international candidates that have some environmental training but are still beginning and developing their career in environmental work. The process is extremely competitive, with about 20 applications for every spot. In 2025, EarthCorps plans to have 5-6 international participants. 

Since 1993, EarthCorps has had international participants from more than 80 countries around the world. In recent years we’ve had participants from Rwanda, Ghana, Brazil, Lithuania, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and more! Each year is different and has a unique blend of cultures join us! 

ABOUT HOMESTAYS:

Host families have the unique and special opportunity to engage in cultural exchange, get to know a brilliant young environmentalist, and build a global family. Homestays also act as a critical emotional and social support during challenging times in the international participant’s cross culture experience. 

This is a volunteer position that receives a stipend to help cover the expenses associated with room and board. Serving as a homestay is a rewarding way for people commit to the development of the next generation of global leaders. 

The homestay family will provide adequate sleeping quarters to meet the needs of the international participant including bedding and privacy.  The homestay family will make available a variety of well-balanced food choices taking into consideration participant allergies and dietary preferences.  While the participant may help with household duties, chores must not interfere with EarthCorps activities.   

Homestay families receive an orientation, handbook and ongoing, personal support from EarthCorps staff to address any homestay issues including dealing with cultural differences and language barriers. 

HOMESTAY DEMOGRAPHICS:

EarthCorps homestay families come in all shapes and sizes. Some have children, others do not. Some are younger, while others are more experienced. Some are extremely busy with many activities. Some are single people, and others are unmarried partners. As long as you qualify and want to open your home to an international participant, we will consider you to be a homestay. EarthCorps is enthusiastically looking to find queer and/or hosts of color. 

EarthCorps is committed to finding the right match for our international participants. Do you have a strong connection to a particular country, language or culture? Let us know! 

COMMITMENT:

The first day of the program is June 10 and the last day is December 12. International participants typically arrive a few days/weeks before and after the program. 

We are ideally looking for homestays that can host the entire 6 months but may consider homestays that can do at least 3 months. However, interim or short-term homestay options are also available. The application process is the same. 

REQUIREMENTS:

• Furnishings: Homestays must provide international participants with a private & furnished bedroom. 

• Location:  Host families must live within a 30-minute bus or bike commute from Magnuson Park.  EarthCorps is located at Sand Point Magnuson Park. Participants must be able to arrive at our office by 7:30am, so easy access to a bus route is important (participants receive a bus pass). Bus routes that go near Magnuson Park are the 62, 31, 32, 75, and 74 lines.  

• Culture: Homestays should be committed to antiracism, justice work, and cultural competence. 

STIPEND:

The homestay family is eligible to receive a stipend of up to $1,100/month from EarthCorps to support the room and board of the international participant. This amount may be prorated if a participant is in the home less than one full month. Homestay support money may be considered miscellaneous income and EarthCorps must provide information to the IRS about payments over $600 in a tax year made to homestay families. EarthCorps will provide a Form 1099-misc for tax purposes.    

EarthCorps homestay stipends will be paid from the date of an international participant’s arrival through the end of the participant’s program. EarthCorps may extend the stipend for up to seven days after a participant’s program ends, but not longer.  If a homestay wishes to host a participant beyond seven days after the program, they may do so at their own expense, but are not expected to host. 

APPLICATION:

To apply, complete the homestay application. 

As a part of the homestay selection process, EarthCorps will visit you in your home and interview you to learn more about your hobbies, interests and preferences. We are committed to finding the right match for EarthCorps’ international participants and homestay families! 

You can also email elizabeth@earthcorps.org for more information.