When families think about hosting an exchange student and making their time in the U.S. special, they often imagine the big moments: family vacations, sightseeing trips, school events, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. While those moments certainly matter, the truth is that it’s the little things that tend to stay with exchange students the most. Reflecting on their time with their host families, students are just as likely to talk about movie nights, conversations over the dinner table, or someone simply being there for them when they needed support.
Hosting isn’t about offering big, flashy experiences. What’s more important are the small acts of care that help students feel comfortable, included, and at home. And the nominations from the AYA Host Family of the Year made this more clear than ever.
Read on for real host family tips inspired by small acts of care that shaped four exchange students’ experiences during their time in the U.S.
Be There During the Hard Days
Hosting an exchange student is exciting, but it can also be challenging. Students are adjusting to a new culture, speaking a different language (depending on where they’re from), attending a new school, and spending months away from their families and friends. During difficult moments, truly supporting an exchange student can make all the difference.
Isabela from Brazil shared how much the Evangelesta family’s presence meant to her when she was struggling with homesickness:
“I used to cry a lot because I missed my family so much, and my host family was always there for me. Always doing cool stuff and keeping me busy… We went camping, we had movie nights, we went trick-or-treating, we did so much fun stuff. They were the best host family I could have ever asked.”
The outings, movie nights, and shared activities helped Isabella stay engaged and feel supported during a vulnerable time.
For many exchange students, knowing they have people they can rely on is one of the greatest gifts a host family can provide. Sometimes, all that means is offering a shoulder to cry on or boosting their spirits with a fun activity.
Include Exchange Students in Everyday Family Life
Great host families don’t necessarily fill every weekend with elaborate plans. Instead, they make students feel included in everyday life.
Tetiana from Ukraine described how happy she was to be included in the Serhiienko family’s everyday activities:
“They try to make every day special by preparing new meals for dinner and taking me to an activity they wanted us to do together. There’s so much we do together: go to museums, go on walks with dogs, volunteer, have family game and movie nights. We cook together and sing in the car, go shopping and try new foods. I’m really thankful for all my Host Family did for me, and I’m really happy that they chose me to have such an amazing year!”
Do you notice how many of Tetiana’s favorite memories revolve around ordinary moments? Many of them are probably activities you already do as a family. These activities may seem routine to you, but for an exchange student, they create a sense of belonging—and including them goes a long way toward helping the student feel at home.
Don’t Underestimate the Little Moments
Many exchange students arrive in the U.S. with long bucket lists of places they hope to visit and experiences they’d like to have. Host families frequently try to help make those dreams possible. Yet when students look back on their exchange year, they’re often surprised by which memories stand out most.
Johanna from Austria, hosted by the Crowley family, explained it perfectly:
“They took us on all these amazing trips to places like Orlando, Florida, and a concert. I also had a bucket list, and they helped me complete every single point. For example: a pumpkin patch, riding a rollercoaster, rollerblading, etc. They were always here for us whenever we needed something, and they made Ohio feel like home.
Of course we did all these amazing things, but what truly made this experience the best time of my life were the small moments. I just remember laughing about the most stupid thing with them and how we ended up on the floor because we couldn’t sit properly because our bodies were shaking with laughter. I absolutely loved it!”
Johanna’s experience is a reminder that even when big plans are part of their experience, the strongest memories often come from the relationships students build with host families—and the laughter, everyday bonding, and small moments of fun that bring those relationships to life.
Small acts of care can make a world of difference. Consider hosting an exchange student with AYA.
These student stories are a testament to the idea that supporting an exchange student often boils down to simple acts of kindness and inclusion.
You don’t need to plan a perfect year or dazzle them with an endless schedule of thrilling activities. What exchange students remember most is having someone check in on them after school, invite them into family traditions, listen when they’re experiencing challenges, share meals together, and make them feel like they belong.
Sometimes the most ordinary moments turn out to be the most extraordinary part of the exchange experience—for students and host families alike. If you’re interested in opening your home and creating meaningful intercultural connections, consider hosting an exchange student with AYA.
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