Can Families with Older Children Host an Exchange Student? 

Families all over the United States can benefit from welcoming a high school exchange student into their home. It’s a great opportunity for host parents and children to build a connection with someone from across the world, all while they learn about a new culture and positively impact a student’s life. If you have teenagers or older children and want to host, you may be asking yourself, “Can I host an exchange student?” Let’s dive in! 

Can families with older children host an exchange student? 

Yes, families with older children can host high school exchange students. Whether your children are two, ten, fifteen, or twenty, it doesn’t matter! As long as you meet all of the host family requirements, you’re eligible to host an exchange student. 

Benefits of hosting exchange students for families with older children 

Every host family will enjoy many of the same benefits when they host an exchange student, such as meaningful cultural immersion and expanding their global perspective. However, for families with teenagers or older children, there are some unique advantages you may not be aware of, including: 

• Student role model: Having older children in the home is often a huge benefit for the exchange students. Your older children can serve as role models for the student and help them learn the ropes of their community and American culture. 
• Instant friends: If your older child is around the same age as the exchange student (15 – 18 years old), then there’s a good chance they’ll become fast friends! Having a friend from the beginning at home is a great way to help the student assimilate and feel welcome in their new environment. Plus, your children will gain a new friend, too! 
• Help with travel plans: If your older children have travel plans or want to study abroad, speaking with someone from another country is a great way to help them decide where to go. They may have visited other countries or can contribute a different perspective. Additionally, once the exchange student returns home, your child will have a local friend in another country who can act as a personal tour guide if they ever choose to visit! 
• Re-engage older children: Parents with teenagers know it can be hard to keep older children interested in spending time with family. Hosting an exchange student is a great way to encourage them to re-engage with the family (and parents!), allowing everyone to enjoy activities together as one big, multicultural family. 
• More attention: If you have children, you know all the time, energy, and attention infants and young children require. While older children still require care and attention, chances are they’re more independent, so you’re not looking after them every minute of every day and have more time to support an exchange student. Plus, your older kids may appreciate how you’ve accommodated somebody new in the home, while still meeting their needs as your children. 

Requirements for families with older children to host exchange students 

Are your children 15, 18, or 30? Their age doesn’t affect your eligibility to host! As long as you can meet these host family requirements, you should be good to go: 

• Live within the Local Coordinator’s service area 
• Can provide an exchange student with room and board 
• Provide transportation to and from school if no school buses are available 

Lastly, and most importantly, host families must provide a warm, caring home for exchange students. A place where they can relax and feel supported. 

Host a high school exchange student with AYA 

Academic Year in America (AYA) is a non-profit organization that connects enthusiastic international high school students with host families ready to welcome them into their hearts and homes. In addition to matching exchange students with host families, AYA offers valuable 24/7 support from professionals at our national office and our on-the-ground Local Coordinators, who are ready to assist you throughout your entire hosting experience. 

If your family with teenagers or older children is interested in hosting a high school exchange student, AYA is ready to help!