Host families are families who allow an exchange student to stay in their home. It is required that host families provide a safe and caring environment for the student.

    They also provide love, friendship, support and guidance. The student is required to have his or her own bed. Having a private room is not required, but encouraged.

    There is no typical host family. Any family can host as long as each family member has a strong desire to open the home to the student. The student will be an extension of the family, not just a visitor. Our host families come from all areas of the U.S. and represent different socio-economic backgrounds. They live in urban, suburban and rural areas, and include single parent and two parent families. While some of the families who host do not have children, most do have children. If the host family has teenage children, the exchange student can attend the same school.

    To assist host families, Local Representatives and an Area Director are available to give guidance. As with anything new, flexibility, understanding and communication with all family members are aspects of a positive hosting experience.

    Hosting an exchange student, for most families, is not very expensive. It is necessary to provide all meals eaten inside the home. Generally this includes breakfast, dinner and snacks during the week. This usually does not include school lunches. The student is responsible for meals eaten outside of the home. If the family has a meal at a restaurant, the student is encouraged to offer to pay for his/her meal.

Apply to Host

Department of State Letter to Host Families