Are you interested in becoming a host family and making a students dream come true? This presentation will show you how to become a host family, what is expected, and answer some frequently asked questions regarding hosting exchange students.
2. iseusa.orgInternational Student Exchange - How to Become a Host Family
What you will learn in this presentation:
How do you become a host family?
What is expected of a host family?
What are host families financially responsible for?
Do the exchange students speak English?
3. iseusa.orgInternational Student Exchange - How to Become a Host Family
How do I host a foreign exchange student?
1. Contact International Student Exchange and complete our host family interest form
2. We will then send you more information, as well as our host family application. This will allow you to tell
us about your family, household and lifestyle.
3. Since safety is our priority, all potential host families must pass a background check and home check.
4. Once accepted, you will be able to work with a local area representative to select an exchange student.
4. iseusa.orgInternational Student Exchange - How to Become a Host Family
Am I a good host family candidate?
Do you have a spare bedroom, welcoming attitude, and desire to make a positive impact in a child’s life? If so,
odds are you’d make a great host family! Our host families come from all over the United States and represent
the diversity that the country is known for. They live on farms, in bustling cities, and everywhere in-between.
Families with children, families without children, empty nesters, and single individuals have all had successful
hosting experiences.
5. iseusa.orgInternational Student Exchange - How to Become a Host Family
What makes a successful host family?
While successful host families may come from all walks of life, they share many of the same traits. They are
welcoming, patient, understanding, and committed to their student’s success and well-being.
Read some tips and tricks from families that have done it!
6. iseusa.orgInternational Student Exchange - How to Become a Host Family
What are the benefits of hosting an exchange student?
There are countless benefits to hosting an exchange student. Below you will find some of the great benefits
that come along with being a host family.
1. Experience and learn about a new culture
2. Create a lifelong friend
3. Have a positive impact on your family and local community
To read more about the impact you can have as a host family, check out awesome blog article! How You and
Your Family Have the Power to Make a Global Difference.
7. iseusa.orgInternational Student Exchange - How to Become a Host Family
Do I get paid to host an exchange student?
No, all of our host families are volunteers. Families are eligible for a tax deduction for hosting a student. If you
are looking for paid opportunities within the ISE exchange program, consider becoming an Area
Representative.
8. iseusa.orgInternational Student Exchange - How to Become a Host Family
How long does the exchange program last?
Programs run for 5, 10, or 12 months. The 5-month programs can start in either August or January, the 10-month
program begins in August, and the 12-month program begins in January.
9. iseusa.orgInternational Student Exchange - How to Become a Host Family
When is the application deadline for host families?
ASAP – the earlier you apply, the more likely it is that you’ll find a compatible student in your area. Host families
should have their application finished at least one month before the start of your program, so you have time to
get to know your student a bit before his or her arrival.
10. iseusa.orgInternational Student Exchange - How to Become a Host Family
What are host families financially responsible for?
ISE exchange students arrive with their own money for personal expenses, social outings, and other activities.
Host families are not required to provide any cash allowance.
11. iseusa.orgInternational Student Exchange - How to Become a Host Family
What do host families provide for their students?
A bedroom, three meals a day, and – most importantly – a warm, nurturing environment to learn about
American culture and to share their own.
12. iseusa.orgInternational Student Exchange - How to Become a Host Family
Do host families cover medical expenses for exchange students?
No. ISE exchange students arrive with their own insurance. Any costs incurred by the student for medical care
is the responsibility of the student’s natural parents or the student’s sponsoring agency.
13. iseusa.orgInternational Student Exchange - How to Become a Host Family
Can I host more than one exchange student?
Yes. Some families prefer the experience of hosting two exchange students at a time. To host two students, the
students must come from different countries and speak different native languages.
14. iseusa.orgInternational Student Exchange - How to Become a Host Family
What are ISE exchange students like?
ISE exchange students are 15-18-year-old high school students from over 40 countries around the world. Their
program acceptance is based on their English skills, demeanor, adaptability, and eagerness to experience
American culture.
16. iseusa.orgInternational Student Exchange - How to Become a Host Family
Are exchange students treated like “guests”?
No, ISE exchange students expect to live as members of your family. This means respecting family rules,
helping with chores, and participating in family gatherings and activities.
17. iseusa.orgInternational Student Exchange - How to Become a Host Family
What if there is an issue or emergency?
Our representatives are experts in making compatible student-host family placements and conduct monthly
check-ins to keep the program running smoothly. If a problem arises, your representative is there to help you
solve it. ISE also employs a full-time program support staff at our headquarters and operates a 24/7 hotline for
students and families for additional assistance.
18. iseusa.orgInternational Student Exchange - How to Become a Host Family
What If I want to Get Involved but Can’t Host at the Moment?
Of course! We are always looking for people to join our incredible team of Area representatives. They help
recruit new host families, work with local schools, and provide guidance and support throughout the year.
