Think you missed your chance to host an exchange student this school year? Think again!
As summer comes to an end and families prepare for a new school year, there’s still time to open your home to an international exchange student.
In fact, late summer is one of the best opportunities to make an impact by helping one of our remaining available students realize their American dream.
Hosting an exchange student is about so much more than what you give. It’s an opportunity to welcome someone from another country, experience cultural exchange from the comfort of your own home, and make a meaningful difference in a young person’s life. In return, you’ll get memories and experiences that you (and your family) will carry with you for the rest of your lives.
Here are three reasons it’s not too late to say YES to hosting.
1. There’s A Hosting Opportunity for Every Family
One of the biggest misconceptions about becoming a host family is that you have to commit to hosting an exchange student for an entire school year.
While many families choose to welcome an international exchange student for the full academic year, that’s not always a requirement.
At iE-USA, families can volunteer as a Welcome Family, providing a temporary home for an exchange student during the first few weeks of their experience in the United States while they wait to move in with their permanent host family.
Becoming a Welcome Family is a great option for families who . . .
- Want to experience cultural exchange without committing to a full school year
- Are looking for a short-term volunteer opportunity
- Have always wanted to host an exchange student but aren’t sure a year-long commitment is right for them
- Want to help an international student feel comfortable during their first weeks in the United States
- Would like to learn more about what hosting really looks like before considering a longer-term commitment.
Your time as a Welcome Family may only last a few weeks, but your impact can be significant.
You’ll be among the first people to welcome your student to the United States, and you can help them get settled, introduce them to your community, and make those first days away from home feel a little less overwhelming.
And who knows – you may discover you love hosting so much that you’re ready to welcome an exchange student into your home for the entire school year! 😉
2. Hosting is a Meaningful Way to Make a Positive Impact
These days we’re all looking for ways to make the world a little brighter. If you’re looking for a volunteer opportunity that makes a real difference, consider opening your home to an exchange student.
Unlike many volunteer opportunities, hosting doesn’t require you to spend your weekends attending events or adding another major out-of-home to your schedule. Instead, you can make a difference through doing what you’re already doing, everyday!
This looks like sitting around the dinner table to talk about your day, sharing your favorite family traditions, cheering on your school’s football team together, or even sharing your favorite local ice cream drive-thru.
While you’re living everyday life together, your exchange student gets to share their own culture, traditions, language, food, and experiences with your family.
That’s the heart of cultural exchange: learning from one another!
You don’t need to be an expert in international cultures or an experienced traveler, have a huge house, or plan elaborate activities every weekend to be a great host family.
What exchange students need most is a welcoming, supportive family that is excited to include them in everyday life.
3. You Can Make This School Year Unforgettable for an Exchange Student
Imagine arriving in a new country, meeting your new school, learning a new routine, and adjusting to a completely different culture all at once. Talk about overwhelming!
For an international exchange student, the beginning of the school year can be exciting, but it can also feel like . . . well, like “a lot.”
That’s why finding a caring host family is so important.
When everything else is new and unfamiliar, host families like you provide a place to call home.
In return, for many host families, one of the most rewarding parts of the experience is watching their exchange student grow more confident and independent throughout the year. In just a few weeks or months, what started as a student from another country can turn into a true member of your family.
It’s not too late to say YES!
Maybe you’ve thought about hosting an exchange student before but assumed you missed the deadline.
Maybe you’re looking for a meaningful way for your family to volunteer together.
Maybe you’re interested in cultural exchange but aren’t sure that a full-year commitment is right for your family.
There’s still time to get involved.
Ready to say YES to something meaningful this school year?
Open your home. Share your everyday life. Welcome a student from another country. And discover how an exchange student can become part of your family.
Learn more about becoming an iE-USA host family and find out how you can make a difference this school year.
