Host Family FAQs: Who Can Host a High School Exchange Student?

Have you ever wondered who is eligible to become a host family to high school exchange students? Just as there’s no “typical” American family, there is no standard host family. Academic Year in America (AYA) host families come in many sizes, from many walks of life, and from all over the United States. 

Here are just a few examples of who can become a host family to an exchange student: 

Host parents can range in age, from: 

You’re never too young or old to make a difference in the world. Some high school exchange students have older host parents, who may or may not be retired. Younger families (with a parent aged 25 or older) are welcome to become an AYA host family, too. Hosting an exchange student isn’t a huge time commitment, and lots of host parents work full-time and host.  

AYA host families are from all over the United States and include:   

Whether you live in a vibrant metropolis or a quaint small town, families from across the country can host a high school exchange student. AYA has a nationwide network of well-trained Local Coordinators. Host families and exchange students are assigned a Local Coordinator living in their area to screen and select our host families and to provide support throughout the semester or school year. 

AYA host families range in size and include: 

✅ Families with young kids 

✅ Families with older children 

✅ Empty-nesters 

✅ Families with no children at home  

While hosting a high school exchange student can be especially beneficial for families with teenagers and school-aged children, it’s not a requirement to have children of your own living in your home. Families who don’t have children living at home often find it a special opportunity to show off their hometown and to participate in fun local activities with their AYA student. 

Host families are diverse and encompass: 

✅ LGBTQIA+ families 

✅ Blended families 

✅ Single parents 

✅ Single-person placements 

AYA seeks to welcome a broad range of families to the program.   The diversity of our host families adds to the great experiences we offer our students.  All types of families are welcome to participate, including single parents, blended families and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.  

Can you host an AYA high school exchange student? 

There is one thing AYA host families have in common – they all hope to make a positive impact in a young person’s life. If you want to bring the world closer together and promote cultural understanding in your home and community, consider hosting a high school exchange student. It’s a meaningful experience for both host families and international students!