*This update is a follow-up to the “Temporary Modification to Host Family Interview Process” posting on 4/15.*

Given the arrival of students on the NH20 program and updated guidance from the Department of State regarding their expectations for sponsors’ adherence to normal screening processes, host family applications will no longer be accepted with a virtual home interview acting as a placeholder for a future in-home visit. The interview must be completed in the home in order for the family to be accepted and placement set.

Please take into consideration CDC guidelines regarding mask-wearing and social distancing when conducting interviews and if you feel uncomfortable entering a host family’s home, ensure you speak with volunteer leaders in your area team to find another volunteer who can conduct the interview.

For pending SH21 placements where applications were previously transferred with only a virtual interview, volunteers must conduct a follow-up in-home visit prior to the student’s departure from their home country. A student will not be placed with a family in which an in-home visit has not been conducted. Please note that if different volunteers conducted the virtual and follow-up visits, the volunteer who conducted the in-home visit will not be eligible to do the 30/60-day visit. The volunteer who conducted the original virtual interview may do so.