Hosting an international student is a life-changing experience for the entire family that lasts well after the time of the exchange. When you open up your heart and home to an exchange student, you are doing much more than making their dream come true!
You are:
- learning about your student’s culture and traditions
- modeling cultural acceptance for your own children
- making a positive and meaningful impact on your exchange student, family, school and community
- eligible for a grant for iE’s German and Spanish Summer Immersion Programs (for U.S. host siblings 14-18)
WHO CAN HOST?
Host families come in all different shapes and sizes, including families with and without children, single parents, empty nesters or same-sex couples. And, you can live anywhere – the suburbs, the city or in the country! What matters most is that you provide a safe and caring environment for an exchange student to live. Your love, guidance and support will mean the world them!
Got questions about how it all works?
Want to hear from an actual exchange student?
Join one of our no-strings-attached free webinars to learn more about:
- the mission of hosting and student exchange — why does it exist?
- the requirements for host families and how it all works
- a real exchange student’s perspective
Our webinars are hosted every other Thursday at 7 p.m. CT.
Indicate interest in attending FREE Hosting info webinar
Once you hit submit, one of our team members will reach out to you with information on how to join one of the upcoming information sessions.
What’s Involved?
HOST FAMILY PROVIDES:
- A permanent bed for the exchange student. Students may share a room with a host sibling of the same gender and similar age.
- Three meals a day. Students are responsible for paying for their own hot lunch at school, if desired.
- Reasonable transportation to events and school activities, etc.
- A willingness to include the student in your day-to-day activities such as family dinners.
STUDENT PROVIDES:
- Their own spending money for all personal expenses, including school and sports fees, personal entertainment, clothes, souvenirs, etc.
- The cost to have a U.S. cell phone plan while on exchange in the U.S.
- Their own medical insurance to cover injuries and illnesses while they are on exchange in the U.S.
- A willingness to be an active part of your family, their host school, and their host community.
iE PROVIDES:
- A local coordinator who provides ongoing support and guidance for the student and host family throughout their exchange experience.
- Orientations for all students and host families.
- An emergency line answered by an iE staff member 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Monthly email communication including timely and helpful suggestions, reminders and important information.
How do I become a Host Family?
Complete an iE Host Family Application
Provide iE information about you, your family and your community. Select portions of your application will be visible by the exchange student you ultimately decide to host.
Background Check
Anyone 18 years of age and older living in a host family’s home must complete a Criminal Background Check through ClearStar’s secure online portal. This background check confirms one’s criminal history versus a financial credit check. There are no costs associated with obtaining this criminal background check.
Host Family Interview
An iE representative who lives near you will come to your home to meet with your family to discuss the details of hosting an iE student, plus answer any questions you may have. This visit also provides iE an excellent opportunity to see firsthand where an exchange student would be living to ensure it meets the hosting requirements.
Select Your Student
Once your application has been submitted and approved, your local coordinator will help you select a student that is the best fit for you and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When can I start communicating with my student?
Once a student’s placement is finalized, the host family and student can begin communicating with each other via email, phone, etc.
Can I host more than one student at a time?
Yes! A host family may host two students in their home at the same time, which is called a double placement. The students must be from different countries and speak different native languages.
Will hosting disrupt our family life?
Students are eager to be an active part of your family. The goal of their exchange is to experience what the day-to-day life is like for a student in America. Therefore, we recommend that you do not to change your routine.
Do I get paid to host an exchange student?
No, most of our host families are volunteers.
If you are looking for a paid opportunity with iE, consider becoming a local coordinator.
Realistically, what is our financial commitment?
The only expenses for your family will be the costs of including another person in your regular activities, including meals, housing and reasonable transportation.
How are iE exchange students chosen?
A thorough application and vetting process occurs to ensure iE’s students are qualified and prepared to live and study abroad. In addition to academic requirements, teacher references, and English proficiency exams, iE staff conduct a lengthy home interview with each potential student and their natural parents prior to accepting them into our program.
When is my student notified of their placement?
Click here to find out more information.
