Douglas Olsen
Hosting an international exchange student can be a rewarding experience for both the host family and the student. Exchange programs promote cultural exchange and understanding, allowing students to experience a new way of life and giving host families a chance to learn about another culture without leaving home. International exchange students come from a variety of countries and backgrounds, eager to immerse themselves in the American high school experience and share their own culture with their host families. Host families open their homes and treat exchange students as members of their family, providing them with a room, meals, support, and a glimpse into American life.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Exchange Student's Origin | Students come from a variety of countries and cultures, with some organizations offering over 90 countries, while others offer 60 or 13. |
| Host Family Composition | All types of families are encouraged to apply, including single parents, couples without children, families with small children, or empty nesters. |
| Host Family Responsibilities | Providing room and board, transportation, a supportive environment, and treating the student as a family member. |
| Student's Preparation | Students undergo a screening process, arrive with spending money, and have health insurance. |
| Host Family Benefits | Experiencing a cultural exchange, building international connections, and receiving tax deductions. |
| Support System | Organizations provide local coordinators, volunteers, webinars, and 24/7 support hotlines to assist host families and students. |
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What You'll Learn
How to apply to become a host family
There are several organisations that can help you to become a host family for an international exchange student. These include Greenheart Exchange, International Student Exchange (ISE), and AFS-USA. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply to become a host family:
Step 1: Find the Right Organisation
Start by researching and finding an organisation that suits your needs and preferences. Consider factors such as the organisation's reputation, the countries they operate in, and the support they offer to host families. Examples of organisations include:
- Greenheart Exchange: This organisation has placed over 25,000 international exchange students with host families in the USA. They encourage host families and students to volunteer and give back to their communities.
- International Student Exchange (ISE): ISE brings exchange students from all over the world together with volunteer host families in the USA. They have over 40 regional offices and host families in all 50 states.
- AFS-USA: With over 75 years of experience, AFS-USA has a vast network of volunteers throughout the USA. They offer support and resources to help host families and students adjust to life together.
Step 2: Complete the Initial Interest Form
Once you've chosen an organisation, the next step is to express your interest by completing their initial interest form. This form will collect basic information about you and your family, and it will help the organisation understand your motivations and suitability for hosting an exchange student.
Step 3: Application and Screening Process
After submitting the interest form, you will receive a more detailed host family application form. This form will allow you to provide detailed information about your family, household, and lifestyle. Be as thorough as possible to help the organisation match you with a compatible exchange student. The more they know about you, the better the match will be.
During this stage, the organisation will also conduct a screening process, which may include background checks and home checks to ensure the safety of the exchange students. Be prepared to provide any necessary documentation and consent for these checks.
Step 4: Matching and Selection
Once your application is accepted, you will work with a local representative or coordinator from the organisation to select the best exchange student for your family. They will assist in finding a compatible match based on factors such as lifestyle, family dynamics, hobbies, and interests. This process ensures that the placement is mutually beneficial for both your family and the exchange student.
Step 5: Preparation and Support
After being matched with an exchange student, take advantage of the resources, tips, and trainings provided by the organisation to prepare for the student's arrival. These resources will help you and the student adjust to life together and set the stage for a positive experience. Stay in close communication with the organisation's staff, volunteers, and other host families to address any questions or concerns.
Remember, each organisation may have slightly different processes, so be sure to follow their specific guidelines. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to becoming a host family for an international exchange student, fostering cultural exchange, and creating lasting connections.
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Preparing for the student's arrival
Establish Communication:
Start by building a connection with the student before their arrival. Use email, social media, or international messaging apps to initiate conversations and get to know each other. This early dialogue will help the student feel welcomed and ease their transition into your family and community.
Prepare Living Space:
Ensure you have a suitable living space for the student. This includes providing a separate bed, a quiet and appropriate study area, and daily meals. It is important to treat the student as a family member, integrating them into your daily routines and household chores.
Understand Responsibilities:
As a host family, you will be responsible for the student's transportation to and from school and other activities. Be prepared to assist with school enrolment and ensure you are aware of any necessary paperwork or procedures. The student's program or organisation should provide support and guidance in this area.
Encourage Cultural Exchange:
Embrace the opportunity to learn about the student's culture and share your own. Host families are expected to welcome the student as a family member, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. Be open to new experiences and ideas, and encourage the student to share their traditions and customs with you.
Practical Considerations:
Ensure the student has adequate health insurance and has undergone any necessary medical examinations before their arrival. Familiarise yourself with emergency contact procedures and any support services provided by the exchange program. It is also beneficial to be aware of the student's spending money arrangements and any personal expectations they may have.
By following these steps and staying in close communication with the exchange program coordinators, host families can create a warm and welcoming environment for their international exchange student, setting the foundation for a meaningful and rewarding experience for all involved.
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What to expect during the exchange
Exchange students are eager to learn about life in the US and experience the iconic American high school experience. They are open to everything the US has to offer and keen to share their own culture with their host families. Exchange students come from a wide range of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds and countries all over the world.
Host families should expect to provide room and board, a quiet place to study, meals, and support to their exchange student. They should also be prepared to treat their exchange student like a family member, not a guest. This includes involving them in household chores and daily routines, as well as transportation to school and extracurricular activities. Exchange students are expected to follow the same rules and contribute to the family dynamic just like any other family member.
Host families should be aware that the exchange student's natural parents remain their legal guardians, and the student's program takes legal responsibility during the course of the exchange. Exchange students are required to have health insurance and a complete physical exam before their arrival. Host families should also ensure that the student knows how to contact their family and support networks back home, as well as local support in their host community.
The duration of the exchange can vary, with some students staying for a short-term or semester exchange, while others may commit to a full year. Host families should be prepared for the possibility of extending their hosting duration if they initially sign up for a shorter period.
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The benefits of hosting an international exchange student
Hosting an international exchange student can bring about a wide range of benefits for both the host family and the student. Firstly, it encourages cultural exchange and promotes cross-cultural friendships. Exchange students bring a wealth of international perspectives and renewed energy into the host family's home and community. This not only enriches the host family's lives but also contributes to positive international relations.
Secondly, hosting an exchange student can foster mutual understanding and respect between people from different cultures. By learning about each other's customs, traditions, and ways of life, stereotypes can be broken, and a more peaceful and inclusive environment can be created. This is especially beneficial for children in the host family, as they gain a broader perspective on the world, learning more about geography, communication, and international cultures.
Thirdly, hosting an exchange student can provide a rewarding and life-enriching experience for the host family. They get to welcome a new "son" or "daughter" into their home and form lasting relationships that span the globe. This can lead to lifelong connections and the creation of a second family in another part of the world.
Additionally, host families can also benefit from practical advantages. For example, exchange students bring their own spending money and are provided with health insurance. Host families are not expected to provide an allowance or cover medical expenses. Furthermore, host families are eligible for tax deductions for their contribution to international exchange programs.
Finally, hosting an exchange student can be a rewarding role for those who are extroverted and passionate about cultural exchange. It provides an opportunity to make a positive impact on a student's life, helping them navigate a new culture and gain valuable experiences that contribute to their personal growth and development.
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Support systems for host families and exchange students
There are a variety of support systems in place for host families and exchange students. Firstly, host families can avail themselves of the support provided by the exchange organisation. For example, organisations like AFS have a network of almost 3,000 volunteers across the US, many of whom have first-hand experience as they have either hosted exchange students or studied abroad themselves. These local volunteers and coordinators can provide support and guidance to families, students, and schools throughout the exchange process. Organisations like Greenheart Exchange also provide a strong support system for students and host families, encouraging cultural exchange and volunteering opportunities.
Host families can also benefit from the support of other host families who are part of the exchange program. For instance, EF Exchange Year offers "welcome families" who host students for the first 2-3 months of their exchange while a long-term host family is finalised. This can help students acclimate to their new community and school, and provide a smooth transition for the host family.
Exchange students also have access to support systems to help them adjust to their new environment. Exchange organisations often provide webinars, tips, and resources to help students settle into their host family and community. These organisations also facilitate cultural exchange opportunities and activities for students to get involved in their host community. Students are also usually provided with a 24-hour emergency support phone number and are encouraged to stay in contact with their family and support networks back home.
Additionally, host families and students can support each other by establishing open communication and getting to know each other before the student's arrival. This can help create a smooth transition and foster a sense of family during the exchange. Overall, the support systems in place aim to ensure a positive and enriching experience for both host families and exchange students.
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Frequently asked questions
You will learn about another culture and language without leaving home. You will also create a life-long relationship with your new "son" or "daughter", and when your student returns home, you’ll have a friend in another country.
Host families may include single-parent households, parents with adult children, or families with small children. You must be able to provide for an additional family member, including a separate bed, a suitable study area, and three meals per day. You must also be interested in teenagers/international students and have realistic expectations of what life with a teenager is like.
You can get in touch with organisations such as ISE, Greenheart Exchange, AFS-USA, or EF. They will provide you with information and a host family application. You will then be able to work with a local representative to select an exchange student.
Organisations such as ISE, Greenheart Exchange, and AFS-USA have local coordinators or representatives who support host families, students, and schools throughout the exchange process. They also provide 24/7 hotlines in case of emergencies.
Host families are expected to treat exchange students as part of the family and provide them with a room, meals, and support. They are also responsible for transporting students to school and other activities, as exchange students are not allowed to drive.
