When families consider hosting an exchange student, one of the most common concerns is uncertainty. What happens if an exchange student struggles with homesickness? What if a placement changes, or difficult circumstances arise during the exchange year?
The reality is that exchange programs bring together children, families, schools, and communities from different backgrounds, so unexpected host family challenges can occasionally occur. Fortunately, host families and exchange students never navigate these situations alone. With the support of AYA Local Coordinators, staff at our National Office, their U.S. high schools, and host communities, exchange students and host families are usually able to work through challenges together.
In many cases, overcoming those challenges strengthens the bonds formed during the exchange program and paves the way for relationships that last a lifetime.
Discover how flexibility, understanding, and support can lead to meaningful outcomes—even when hosting may not go exactly as planned.
Navigating Adjustment Periods
Moving to a new country can be exciting, but it also requires adjustment. Exchange students leave behind their families, friends, language, and familiar routines, often for the first time in their lives.
Some exchange students experience homesickness and culture shock during their first weeks in the U.S. While some negative feelings may be unavoidable at the start, having a supportive host family can make the transition much easier.
Isabela from Brazil described how the Evangelesta family helped her through moments when she missed home:
“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.”
After this initial period of homesickness, Isabela became extremely close to the Evangelstas and even noted that her five months with them “were the best months of my life!” In fact, once she returned to Brazil, Isabela ended up missing her former host family just as she’d missed her real family while she was in the U.S.:
“They were the best host family I could have ever asked. I love them so much and I miss them every day!”
Isabela and the Evangelesta family are a great example of how a rough adjustment period can lead to a meaningful connection that makes it all worth it!
Sometimes an Exchange Student Placement Change Leads to the Right Fit
While every exchange program begins with the hope that a placement will be successful, occasionally a student may need a new host family after they’re already in the U.S. When that happens, AYA works closely with Local Coordinators and host families to ensure the exchange student has a safe and supportive place to continue their experience.
Greta from Germany experienced an exchange student placement change shortly after arriving in the U.S. When the Starr family chose to take her in, they made a deliberate effort to help her feel secure and welcome in their home. Local Coordinator Cathy Tierney recalled that within the first week, both Greta and the Starr family reported that they were getting along exceptionally well.
Greta reflected on the impact of the Starr family’s unwavering support:
“From the moment I first set my foot in my new home, I felt HOME. Even the little things gave me that sense of family… What touched me the most was… my host father protected me like his own child.”
Greta isn’t an isolated case either. For many exchange students, a difficult situation can lead to an unexpected opportunity. Sina from Germany faced the heartbreaking news that her exchange year would end early. But before she returned to Germany, a local high school teacher stepped forward and offered her a place in her home; Sina shared:
“I would have never expected that one of the hardest moments of my exchange year would lead me to the place where I feel most loved and at home. I am so glad and thankful it went that way.”
She later described the impact her new host family had on her experience:
“My host family makes me feel so loved and included. They treat me like their own daughter and try to make everything possible for me to collect unforgettable experiences and to live my dream. I enjoy every moment with them and I wish I could stay forever.”
As Sina and the Smith family, Greta and the Starrs, along with so many other AYA participants have discovered, unplanned circumstances can sometimes lead to lasting connections that changes the lives of everyone involved.
Communities Stepping Forward
Successful exchange programs frequently depend on communities that are willing to help when circumstances shift. Every year, some families volunteer to serve as temporary host families or welcome families while a permanent placement is identified. Others open their homes to additional students when unexpected needs arise.
Vicki from Germany praised the Tichy family for welcoming a second exchange student who needed a new placement shortly before the school year began:
“While most families spend months preparing to host one student, the Tichy family proved that their capacity for kindness has no limits. This year, they didn’t just open their doors to a student from Germany; they stepped up in a moment of crisis to welcome a second student from Spain who needed a new placement.”
Reflecting on the experience, Vicki added:
“Hosting one student is a commitment; hosting two… is a heroic act of cultural ambassadorship.”
Similarly, Local Coordinator Marilyn Andrews recalled how the Vermillion family stepped forward to host two exchange students who needed last-minute placements:
“This school year there were students… who [still] didn’t have host families [in August]. I asked the Vermillion family if they could host. They gladly accepted and took two students.”
Showing Up During Difficult Times
Challenges don’t always involve exchange students. Sometimes host families themselves experience unrelated personal difficulties during the exchange year. Even as they navigate their own issues, many families remain committed to providing a welcoming and supportive home for their exchange students.
Local Coordinator Debbie Odom in Colorado shared the story of the Burianek family, who experienced a significant family tragedy while hosting Amelia:
“They went through a really tough family tragedy… right after they had chosen Amelia. Even with everything they were facing, they still stuck to that commitment, and it’s become something really special. Amelia, just like the students before, became part of their family. They’ve even stepped up as a backup family for other students.”
The Starr family also experienced family tragedy while they were hosting Greta:
“Even while they were going through serious family challenges, like a hospitalization of one of the grandchildren and preparing for a funeral from my host dad’s dad, they never once neglected me.”
Although every situation is different, stories like this demonstrate the resilience, generosity, and dedication that many host families bring to the exchange experience.
Understanding Goes a Long Way
Not every challenge during an exchange year is major, and not every problem requires a sweeping solution. Sometimes the best support comes from simply being patient and understanding when things don’t go according to plan.
Johanna from Germany appreciated the way the Guild family approached the inevitable misunderstandings and mistakes that can happen when people from different cultures live together:
“Even when things or dishes didn’t [go] like originally planned, they were never mad at me, and we always laughed about it. They took their time to listen, and they cared about how I feel.”
The Impact of Seeing It Through
One reason so many host families continue to host after experiencing challenges is that they can see the difference their support makes. For a high school exchange student coping with homesickness or dealing with a sudden change of plans, having a caring adult and a supportive family can provide stability during a pivotal moment in their life—and pave the way for an unforgettable exchange year in the U.S.
In many cases, encouragement from host families helps exchange students build confidence, develop resilience, and discover strengths they didn’t know they had.
As these stories demonstrate, some of the most meaningful relationships come about during challenging moments. Years later, many former exchange students still remember the host families who stood by them when they needed support.
The relationship between the Starr family and Greta is a perfect example of this, as Local Coordinator Cathy Tierney explained:
“Greta is going home with a very warm heart for this family and a much more mature young lady because of the love they have shown her, including the extended family. This is a relationship that will last many generations to visit her in Germany and for her and family to come to the U.S. for family weddings and [visits].”
Host an exchange student with AYA and make a difference in an international student’s life.
Every high school exchange experience is unique. While some include host family challenges such as homesickness, adjustment periods, or placement changes, those experiences often reveal the strength of the support systems surrounding exchange students.
Through the commitment of host families, Local Coordinators, staff at our National Office, along with local schools and host communities, exchange students and host families are able to overcome obstacles and build meaningful relationships along the way.
If you’re interested in making a difference in a young person’s life, AYA can help you find an exchange student who’s a great fit for your family—while providing trusted support throughout your experience.
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