Hosting a high school exchange student is an experience like no other—it allows you and your family to experience the incredible benefits of cultural exchange while impacting a young person’s life. You may think that hosting a foreign exchange student requires a big house in the suburbs or the country, but that’s not the case. Read on to find out if you can host an exchange student in a big city.
Can I host an exchange student in a big city?
Yes, if you live in an urban environment or metropolitan area, you can host an exchange student. As long as you can meet certain host family responsibilities, you can host an exchange student, whether you live in a small town, rural community, or a big city!
Benefits of hosting an exchange student in a metropolitan area
No matter where you live, hosting an exchange student will offer you and your family amazing benefits like cultural immersion, a broader global perspective, and a lifelong connection with a young person. In addition to these benefits, hosting in a big city offers other unique advantages:
- Access to cultural experiences: Big cities often have museums, concerts, theaters, art exhibits, and other cultural experiences that host families can enjoy together with their exchange students. These offerings allow your student to better immerse themself in American culture and take full advantage of their time in the U.S.
Furthermore, big cities often have larger international communities, allowing the chance for your exchange student to introduce you to their local food or culture within your own city.
- Walkable and welcoming: Cities tend to be more walkable than smaller towns and rural communities thanks to their higher density, with schools, parks, stores, and fun activities often within walking distance of home. Additionally, many foreign exchange students, especially those from Europe, may be more used to walking around their community at home rather than driving—so being able to walk around an American city can make the transition feel more familiar for students.
- More networking and social opportunities: Thanks to larger international communities and more social events, families in cities can easily connect with other host families, local organizations, and international student groups, enriching the hosting experience for host families and exchange students alike.
Requirements for hosting a foreign exchange student in a big city
If you’re wondering how to host an exchange student in an urban area, the requirements are the same as for any other family. To host an exchange student, you must meet these requirements:
- Live within the Local Coordinator’s service area
- Provide transportation to and from school if no school buses are available
- Provide daily meals (breakfast and dinner), a bed, and board
If you live in a city apartment and want to host an exchange student, you may be thinking that space could be a concern. Keep in mind that your high school exchange student can share a bedroom with a child of the same age and sex, as long as they have their own bed.
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 you live in a big city and want to host an exchange student, AYA is here to help!
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