Hosting an exchange student provides an incredible and unique cultural exchange experience. Welcoming a high school exchange student into your home allows you to make a lifelong connection and expand your global perspective, all while improving the life of a young person and allowing them to experience American culture. But many people wonder if hosting exchange students as a single parent or single person without children is even possible. Let’s break it down.
Can single individuals host exchange students?
If you’re a single person and wondering, “Can I host a foreign exchange student?” — the answer is yes! One of the biggest myths about hosting an exchange student is that you must be married or have a partner to do so, but that’s not true. Single people can host!
Hosting a high school exchange student as a single parent or person is a great way to make a positive impact on a young person’s life. Plus, while they stay in your home, you’ll get to engage in meaningful cultural exchange — they can learn about your culture while you learn about theirs.
Do you need to have children to host an exchange student?
Just as you don’t need to be married to host an exchange student, you don’t need to be a parent either. Single people and couples without children are all eligible to host an exchange student.
Who can host a high school exchange student?
When people talk about hosting high school exchange students, it’s common to use the term “host family.” That’s because many couples and families choose to host. The truth is we do encourage host families to host, but that’s because we encourage just about everyone to host! (As long as you are interested and able to meet the eligibility requirements.)
It’s important to keep in mind that there is no “typical” host family. Host parents include the following:
- Couples without children
- Couples with children
- Single individuals without children
- Single parents
- Retirees
- Dual income, no kids
- One stay-at-home parent, one working parent
Host family requirements
To host a high school exchange student, you must meet the following criteria:
- Age 25+
- Live within a Local Coordinator’s cluster (service area)
- Able to provide three meals a day, room, and board (bedroom may be shared with another sibling of the same gender and age range)
- If no school buses are available, host parents must provide transport to and from school
Most of all, exchange students need a nurturing home where they feel cared for and are treated as new members of the family. So, if you live alone, this is the perfect opportunity to gain a “son” or “daughter” and grow a global family!
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 parents who are ready to welcome them into their homes. In addition to connecting host parents with exchange students, we offer 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 hosting experience.
Are you a single person interested in hosting exchange students as a single person? AYA is here to help!
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