Helping You Explore Like a Local
Hadiqa and Amy, Fulbright Scholars from Pakistan enjoying their time in Scottsdale, AZ.
Our Mission
Our mission is to help create a more peaceful world through personal connections. As we have gotten to know various international students more deeply, we have come to love and treasure them as friends. This mutual exchange of understanding and affection has transformed our lives, and we want to share that transformation with others.
We want to help international students and scholars really understand and appreciate their host country. We want to help local hosts embrace and enjoy other cultures. We do this by connecting traveling students with local hosts who can make them feel welcome and at home (as much as possible, at least!) and foster a richer, more authentic experience of the country as they explore with limited time and funds. Since we know and love our own city and nation (despite their flaws!), we can discuss their difficulties honestly and reveal their beauty to visitors. |
Nic and Kathryn hosting Eduardo from Mexico and Mathias from Argentina.
Our Site
This site is where the magic begins. If you're a visiting scholar or international student, browse our Destinations to discover hosts in fascinating cities, some of which you might not have considered as a "tourist destination." Contact us with any questions you might have.
If you're a host, check here to be sure your information is up-to-date, and upload interesting information about your own neighborhood and city. (Students: don't trust clickbait-driven travel blogs and self-serving advertisements. Talk to your hosts about where to go, what to do, and don't-miss activities!) |
Friendships Beyond Borders - Farooq from Pakistan accompanying Nic to a trip to Kazakhstan.
Our Distinctives
"Isn't this just a more modest version of Airbnb or Couchsurfing.com?" Well, yes and no.
We are similar in that we connect travelers with inexpensive short-term lodging, and the initial contact between traveler and host is made online. But that's where the similarities end. Host-A-Scholar caters specifically to international students and visiting scholars who are in the country on local government- or school-sponsored scholarships, or by special invitations. Host-A-Scholar recruits particularly friendly and knowledgeable local hosts, and requires a thorough and personal vetting process. Host-A-Scholar connects those scholars and hosts for a deeper reason than making money: we want to forge international friendships, cultural understanding and exchange, and ultimately move our world in a more peaceful and cooperative direction. |
T E S T I M O N I A L S
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"My stay at Kathryn's redefined not only the student living experience of a home-away-from-home, but also reinforced the power of being part of a global community." —Niraj, from India
"Me and my husband were able to visit Bonnie. She is a very nice lady and she gave us a feeling as if we were staying at our grandmas home, because there was always food on the table, towels for use, water and other essentials that one might not carry with them for traveling. Overall we had a great time." ---Sara and Rizwan, from Pakistan "Chad and Karen were wonderful hosts. I had a great time staying at their place in Seattle. The house was beautiful, cozy, and well-located. Karen and Chad were very friendly and helpful, and they shared great tips on where to go and what to do in the city. I would definitely recommend staying with them if you are ever in Seattle!" ---Ulugbek, from Uzbekistan "I have had the amazing chance of staying with Host a Scholar multiple times over the past few years. I look forward to many more for amazing company, wholesome conversations, and hang outs. If you are looking for a welcoming place, Kathryn and Nic make sure you have that offered!" --Amy, from Pakistan
"I learned so many new things! We played games at the dinner table, games I had never played before!" —Wawan, from Indonesia "I have enjoyed every single time I stayed at Kathryn and Nic's place in LA. They are great hosts and have always gone above and beyond to make me feel welcomed and at home. Staying in the house with them and other fellows from all over the world, having fun and sometimes insightful conversations and game nights are some things that I like the most about their home and definitely something that I have missed at other hostels or shared places in the US." ---Pooja, from India
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