Hosting an exchange student is an incredible way to bring cultures from around the world into your home—both host families and exchange students gain so much from the shared experience of cultural exchange. If you live in a rural community and you’re interested in hosting, you may be wondering, “Can I become a host family if I live in the countryside?” Below, we’ll address this question, along with the benefits and requirements of hosting in a rural area.
Can rural families host exchange students?
Yes, rural families can absolutely host exchange students! Academic Year in America (AYA) offers our exchange program to a number of rural communities across the U.S. For your rural community to be eligible, you must be within 60 miles of one of our Local Coordinators!
Benefits of hosting exchange students in small towns
Whether you live in a big city, suburban town, or a rural community, hosting an exchange student offers long-lasting benefits for host families, exchange students, and the community at large. However, hosting exchange students in a small, rural town offers some unique benefits, including:
- Strong, small-town community: Rural communities often have a strong sense of community where people all know one another, and everyone takes part in local events. Hosting an exchange student in a small town provides a welcoming and supportive environment for an exchange student where they can easily get to know community members and learn about American culture.
- Cultural learning experiences: Rural communities often have less cultural variation than larger towns and cities. Many of your community members are likely born and raised nearby and may not have much exposure to other cultures. Hosting an exchange student is a fantastic way to bring different cultures and ways of life into your community to expand everyone’s cultural horizons.
- Broader local perspectives: Hosting an exchange student will give you and your community access to a new viewpoint, allowing everyone who meets your student to broaden their perspective and learn more about the world outside their small town. Plus, it gives locals an international connection, strengthening their ties to other countries and the rest of the world.
- Unique traditions: For the exchange students, going to a rural community allows them to dive deep into local traditions and take part in events and activities they might not find elsewhere.
Don’t take our word for it—hear real families explain the benefits of hosting in a small rural town!
Requirements for hosting exchange students in rural communities
Regardless of where you live, the requirements to host an exchange student include:
- Live within 60 miles of a Local Coordinator
- Provide daily meals (breakfast and dinner) and their own bed (exchange students may share a bedroom with a child of the same age and sex)
- If no school buses are available, families must provide transportation to and from school
Additionally, host families need to provide a warm, welcoming home where exchange students feel safe and 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 you live in a rural community and want to host an exchange student, AYA is here to help!
Leave a Reply