Host a Student

CETUSA’s high school cultural exchange program provides international students the opportunity to attend a U.S. high school for a semester or school year while living with an American host family. Host families are volunteers who provide a safe and caring home environment for students during their exchange program.

Organized cultural exchange programs began to grow after World War II, as a way to build peace and mutual understanding across nations through cultural immersion and international friendship.

Students hope to be included as a part of their host family and to live as American teenagers. Host families gain exposure to a new culture and enjoy sharing their traditions and community with a new family member!

“We choose to host exchange students to broaden the horizons of our young children. We want them to know that the world is big with many wonderful cultures. Our boys have embraced that. They love looking at the map of the world to point out where our exchange students call home.”
– Kelly L.

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Host Family Responsibilities

Host families promote global understanding by opening their homes and hearts to an exchange student. A high school exchange year is not intended to be a vacation, but rather a culturally immersive experience in which exchange students experience daily life in the U.S.

Host families are responsible for:

  • Providing a separate bed for the student and place to study.
  • Providing family meals.
  • Providing transportation to activities and events.
  • Guiding and encouraging their new “family member” as they adapt to their new surroundings.
  • Sharing U.S. culture and their own family traditions.

Students pay for their own personal expenses through a monthly allowance provided by their natural parents. All students have insurance coverage for the duration of their program. CETUSA carefully selects and prepares students so that host families can be confident their student is motivated, proficient in English, and excited to join your family and community! Additionally, host families are supported by a CETUSA local coordinator who lives in the host family’s local region.

Host Family Benefits

There are so many great benefits of hosting an exchange student.  Here are just a few:

  • The opportunity to learn first-hand about another culture.
  • The chance to become even closer to your own family while developing a lasting connection with your new exchange son/daughter.
  • The potential for future travel opportunities, or exchange programs for your own children. (Also looks great on college and employment applications!)
  • The opportunity see your own culture and traditions with fresh eyes.
  • The fullfillment that comes with helping a young person grow into a more confident, mature and adaptable adult.
  • Hosting creates so many opportunities for fun, and lifelong memories!
inbound HS Rebecca Emery