The Homestay Program provides International and American teams an opportunity to experience other cultures and to make new friends around the world. International teams participating in World Finals may apply for a Homestay where they stay in the homes of American families associated with Odyssey of the Mind.

Be a Homestay Family for an International Team!
Every year is a great year for Illinois teams to get involved in this exciting program! Odyssey teams from around the world will be traveling through our state on their way to and from the World Finals competition in Michigan. Find out more about how you can host students from Germany, Poland, China, Uzbekistan or other countries.

Homestay Program FAQs: Click here for all FAQs

• ALL American teams participating in Odyssey of the Mind may host international teams. Host teams do not have to be a U.S. team competing at World Finals to participate.
• Homestays generally last for the 3-5 days after World Finals. Specific arrangements are made between the International and American coaches.
• The Homestay host team provides lodging, meals, and some planned activities. International teams are expected to pay for their costs for entertainment, meals out, special events, and shopping.
• Transportation costs and arrangements to and from the Homestay host team's city is the responsibility of the International team. Once the International team has arrived, the host family will need to provide local transportation.
• Information for US Host Teams flyer from International Odyssey of the Mind
• Information for International Teams flyer from International Odyssey of the Mind