Twin Cities Host Program

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Host An International Student for 3-5 Days

The Twin Cities Host program is a short-term volunteer opportunity that matches local host families with newly arriving international students. MAST students start their exchange program by attending a two-day orientation at the University of Minnesota. Twin Cities Hosts open up their hearts and homes to MAST International exchange students for 3-5 days during the orientation. In return, host families make an international acquaintance that could become a life-long friend. Our students greatly appreciate the reassuring welcome that a Twin Cities Host provides upon their arrival in the U.S.

Interested? Fill out our Twin Cities Host Interest Form

Have questions? Contact us!

What does volunteering entail?

  • Meet students at the Minneapolis/Saint Paul International Airport when their flight arrives (generally over the weekend).
  • Provide lodging and meals over the weekend and during orientation. MAST provides lunch for students during orientation. 
  • Provide transportation to and from the University of Minnesota - Saint Paul Campus for orientation on Monday and Tuesday.
  • Provide transportation to the airport, train station, or bus station upon completion of orientation, if you are available to do so.
  • Introduce MAST students to American culture and serve as a bright start to the USA experience!

MAST typically hosts one orientation per month; host families can opt into the months they wish to host. We send out a schedule of all orientations to Twin Cities Hosts at the beginning of every year.

Orientation Schedule

Saturday &
Sunday

Pick your student up from the airport and enjoy spending time with them!

Monday

8:15 AM: Drop off your student at the U of M Saint Paul campus

4:00 pm: Pick up your student from orientation

Tuesday

8:15 AM: Drop off your student at the U of M Saint Paul campus

4:00 pm: Pick up your student from orientation if they depart Wednesday. (Some students will depart to their internship sites directly from orientation on Tuesday.) 

Wednesday Drop off your student on campus or at the airport/train station/bus station, depending on your availability. 

 

Matching Volunteers and Students

MAST International receives arrival details for MAST International exchange visitors approximately two weeks prior to each orientation. At this time, MAST International sends out an email with a list of arrival details to Twin Cities Hosts interested in hosting. We try to match up people the best we can, and if there is no one that seems like a good fit, volunteers are not required to host.

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