Host Family Responsibilities: 5 Things You Need to Host an Exchange Student

Families across the country will open their hearts and homes to international high school exchange students for this upcoming school year. But what does a host family need to provide and what are their responsibilities?

Here are 5 things that a host family needs to host an exchange student with AYA:

1. An open heart and mind.

AYA is proud to work with volunteer host families and individuals from diverse backgrounds all over the United States. If you are sincerely interested in helping a young person grow and learn about American culture, get in touch with us to learn more about hosting an exchange student!

2. Room for one more at your kitchen table.

Host families provide three meals a day — breakfast, lunch, and dinner — for their new family member. Preparing and sharing family meals together is a great way to bond and create new memories, and exchange cultures!

3. A bedroom and a bed.

Exchange students need a comfortable place to rest, store their belongings, and make themselves at home. Don’t have a spare room? No problem! An exchange student can share a room with another child of the same gender who is relatively close in age.

4. A quiet place to study.

Your exchange student will attend a local high school and is eager to succeed! Students will need an area in the home where they can focus on learning, like a desk, kitchen table, or a quiet nook.

5. The willingness to share your daily life.

As a host family, an important part of your responsibilities will be sharing your values, routines, and simple every day experiences with your exchange student. It’s the little things that count, like cooking a meal together, going for a walk, or watching your favorite movie — all ways to share your life and family. Plus, you’ll get to experience your life through the fresh eyes of a student.

Short on time but still want to host an exchange student?

If you can’t commit to a full semester or school year as a host family, you can still welcome an exchange student into your heart and home for as little as 4 weeks as a short-term family as their permanent placement is finalized.