As the 2025 – 2026 academic year comes to a close and exchange students prepare to return to their home countries, AYA is excited to announce the 2026 Host Family of the Year winners. The AYA Host Family of the Year recognizes families whose dedication to cultural exchange goes above and beyond—families whose former students still call them “mom” and “dad” years later, who attend their sports games and performances, and approach cultural exchange with an open heart.
Nominees are submitted by the exchange students themselves and by AYA Local Coordinators who witness these relationships firsthand. This year’s nominations were filled with stories of extraordinary care, and while the competition was fierce, we’re proud to introduce this year’s winners.
Read about the 2026 winners of the AYA Host Families of the Year—and what these families’ efforts mean to high school exchange students from around the world.
Grand Prize Winner: The Hoffman Family
Oregon | Nominated by Fateen from Bangladesh
When Fateen arrived in Oregon from Bangladesh, he wasn’t sure what to expect. What he found was a family that treated him as one of their own—from day one.
The Hoffman family includes host brothers Eyan and Justin, both of whom wasted no time making Fateen feel at home. Eyan took him fishing, patiently taught him how to tie knots, and never made him feel embarrassed about what he didn’t know. Justin always made sure Fateen felt included and even generously gave him his iPhone. And together, the three of them cooked meals and bonded like real brothers.
The Hoffman parents also had a profound impact on Fateen. His host dad brought humor and wisdom to the household and was understanding when Fateen accidentally ran up a substantial phone bill by placing an international call to Bangladesh. His host mom “is one of the warmest people I know,” Fateen explained. “Every day, she asks me how my day was in a very gentle and caring way, which always makes me feel at home… she always listens and understands me without judging.”
According to Fateen, what set the Hoffmans apart was the way they made him feel like the latest addition to their family, rather than an outside observer:
“They don’t just host me—they treat me like their own. They care in small ways every day, support me when I struggle, and make me feel like I truly belong. To me, they already are [Host] Family of the Year.”
Runner-Up: The Starr Family
Ohio | Nominated by Greta from Germany and LC Cathy
Shortly after Greta arrived from Germany, she had to go through one of the harder experiences an exchange student can face: needing to switch host families shortly after arriving. But once she moved in with the Starr family, everything changed for the better:
“From the very beginning, I was welcomed like one of their own children—they took care of me, worried about me, and made everything possible that could be possible: from basketball, football, and ice hockey games, to family celebrations and church on weekends, all the way to traveling across the United States.”
The Starr family truly made Greta feel like she belonged, often saying, “It feels like she has always been there.” They took a genuine interest in her life, attending her sports games, with her host dad capturing the moments on camera and sharing them proudly. They drove Greta 20 minutes to school each morning and picked her up after practice. When she was sick, they brought her medicine and tea. Even while navigating serious family challenges of their own, they never once let Greta feel like less than a priority.
Local Coordinator Cathy, who hosted Greta before the Starr family stepped in, emphasized how warmly they welcomed her:
“The Starr family has a warmth that can be felt immediately… When I moved Greta there, it was immediate respect and love. They have been there for her to grow emotionally and spiritually.”
Talk about a star host family!
Honorable Mentions
This year’s honorable mentions represent the full breadth of what it means to open your home to an exchange student. Each of these families was nominated by a student whose life was transformed by their care.
The Guild Family
New York | Nominated by Johanna from Germany
The Guilds made Johanna feel like a member of their family from the get-go. At her soccer games, they would be on the sidelines, cheering the loudest; win or lose, she knew they were always there to cheer her up:
“No matter what kind of day I had, I was always happy [and] excited because I knew I could come home to my wonderful host family. I really love the small moments my host family makes special. Going grocery shopping, driving in the car, or staying home and playing games are moments I enjoy so much because I [get to] spend this time with my host family. We always laugh together and have the best time.”
The Kilgore Family
Nebraska | Nominated by Chanel from Switzerland
Chanel came to Nebraska from Switzerland and found everything she could have hoped for in a host family. By her own calculation, her host parents spent a total of 80 hours just driving her to and from school and club activities, a number that speaks to the family’s dedication to ensuring Chanel had the best possible experience. Chanel shared:
“They are not just providing a place to stay, they are giving me a home, support, and memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. They include me in everything, treat me like their own child, and make even the smallest moments special.”
The Smith Family
Louisiana | Nominated by Sina from Germany
The Smith family came into Sina’s life at one of the hardest moments during her exchange year—when she discovered it would be unexpectedly cut short. While saying goodbye to her favorite teacher after hearing the news, her host teacher-turned-host-mom offered Sinaa home on the spot:
“She hugged me and told me that she will open her heart and home for me. I have never experienced so much kindness and gratitude in my entire life.”
What followed were weeks of cooking crawfish and pastalaya, visiting an LSU baseball game, enjoying karaoke with her host sisters, and preparing for prom with a host mom she now considers family.
The Keegan Family
Georgia | Nominated by Antonia from Germany
The Keegan family offered Antonia warmth, fun, and personal inspiration. Her host parents started a foundation supporting women’s education—and watching their generosity extend beyond their own home gave Antonia a model for who she wants to be:
“What I admire the most about both of them is not only how they treat me, but also how they give back to others. Together, they founded a foundation that helps women to complete their school education, something life did not give them the opportunity to do. The dedication to helping others is truly inspiring and shows the depth of their kindness and generosity.”
To the 2026 Host Family of the Year winners (and all past, current, and future host families!), we thank you for setting a stellar example of what it means to open your home and support high school exchange.
These celebrated host families prove how a little generosity and kindness can go such a long way. By opening their homes to high school exchange students and truly welcoming them into their families, they’ve provided an experience that these young students (and their own families) will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Interested in making a high school exchange student’s dream of coming to the U.S. come true like these host families did? Learn more about what hosting involves and how AYA supports every family throughout their journey.
Leave a Reply