Can I Host an Exchange Student for a Semester? 

Hosting a high school exchange student is an experience that will stay with your family and your exchange student for a lifetime. It’s an opportunity for you to take part in a meaningful cultural exchange program to expand your global horizons while making a positive impact on a young person’s life. While the benefits are undeniable, hosting for a full academic year isn’t possible for every family—so you might be wondering, “Can I host an exchange student for one semester?” Let’s take a closer look. 

Can I host an exchange student for a semester? 

Yes, you can host an exchange student for just one semester with AYA. Some high school exchange students sign up just for a fall or spring semester exchange program—perfect for families who are unsure or unable to host for a full academic year! 

Not only can you just host for a semester, but there are also a few short-term hosting opportunities for families who want to test the waters or don’t want to commit to a full school year. 

Benefits of hosting an exchange student for a semester 

You can enjoy these benefits when you host an exchange student for a fall or spring semester: 

• Smaller commitment: Hosting for a single semester is an excellent way to see how you and your family like hosting, without committing to a full academic year. If you love it (and we’re sure you will!), then next fall you can host for a full year! 
• Work around seasonal conflicts: Hosting for a single semester opens the door to our exchange program for families who can’t host for a full year. There are a number of reasons you may be unable to host for a full academic year—work or travel commitments, a baby on the way, major renovations to your home, or guest room occupancy. For example, if a family member comes to stay in your one available guest room every spring, a fall semester program is a perfect workaround! 
• Opportunity to host back-to-back students: If you host an exchange student for fall semester, you’ll have the chance, if you choose to do so, to host another one during spring semester—that’s two exchange students every year! Want even more hosting opportunities? You can host two exchange students at once! 

Host family responsibilities 

Host families come in all shapes and sizes. As long as you are interested in cultural exchange and meet our host family requirements, you should be eligible. To host a high school exchange student, you must meet the following criteria: 

• Age 25 or older 
• Live within 60 miles of a Local Coordinator 
• Provide room and board (with their own bed, but exchange students may share a bedroom with a child of the same age and sex) 
• If no school buses are available, host parents must provide transportation to and from school 

Most importantly, host parents must make their high school exchange students feel welcome and cared for. Whether you’re hosting for a semester or a full academic year, you should provide your student with a safe and supportive home environment. 

Host an 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. 

No matter how long you want to host an exchange student, AYA is here to help!