Can Families with Young 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 young children and want to host, you may be asking yourself, “Can I host an exchange student?” Let’s dive in! 

Can families with young children host an exchange student? 

Yes, families with young children can host high school exchange students. Whether your children are infants, toddlers, or school-aged children, it doesn’t affect your eligibility to host! You can host an exchange student as long as you meet all the host family requirements! 

Benefits of hosting exchange students for families with young 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 young children, there are some unique advantages you may not be aware of, including: 

• Role models: AYA exchange students are carefully screened and selected high school students from around the world. All are mature young people who are passionate about cultural exchange and coming to the U.S. to learn more about American culture and traditions. As such, they make excellent role models for young children. 
• Early language learning: While all AYA students have at least 3 years of English study, many are multi-lingual. Host families can select students from other countries who speak different languages to give their young children early exposure to a second language. 
• Build a global perspective early on: Young children are impressionable, so exposing them to another culture is a great way to lay the foundation for a well-rounded and understanding child with a global perspective. 
• More fun! Young children love having older kids around, and your exchange student can also enjoy playing with them. Hosting a high school exchange student is a great way to bring more fun into the household, for children and parents alike!  

Requirements for families with young children to host exchange students 

Thanks to the above benefits, families with young children are excellent candidates to host a high school exchange student. If you can meet these host family requirements, you should be able to host: 

• Live within the Local Coordinator’s service area 
• Can provide an exchange student with room and board (while exchange students can share a room with another child, they must be the same age and sex) 
• Provide transportation to and from school if no school buses are available 

Lastly, and most importantly, host families must welcome the exchange student with open arms and provide a caring home environment where they 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 young children is interested in hosting a high school exchange student, AYA is ready to help!