Open your home. Share your world. Change a life.
Thinking about becoming a host family? Here are answers to the most common questions about hosting an international high school exchange student through Host Family info request form
💬 General Questions
What does it mean to host an exchange student?
Hosting an exchange student means welcoming an international high school student into your home for a semester or school year while they attend a local school and experience everyday American family life.
Why do families host exchange students?
Families host because it creates meaningful cultural exchange, lifelong friendships, and unforgettable memories while giving a student the chance to grow through life in the United States.
Who are the students?
Our students are international high school students who are excited to experience life in America, attend a local high school, improve their English, and become part of a host family’s daily life.
🏡 Host Family Requirements
What do host families provide?
Host families provide a safe and welcoming home, a bed, meals, guidance, and inclusion in daily family life.
Do I need to have children to host?
No. Families of many kinds can host, including couples without children at home, single parents, retirees, and empty nesters.
Do we need a large house to host?
No. You do not need a perfect home or a large house. What matters most is providing a caring, stable, and welcoming environment.
Can an exchange student share a bedroom?
Yes, in many cases a student may share a room with a same-gender sibling close in age, depending on program guidelines.
💵 Costs & Finances
Do host families get paid?
No. Host families volunteer because they want to make a difference and welcome cultural exchange into their home.
What expenses do host families cover?
Host families typically provide housing, meals, and inclusion in regular family activities.
What does the student pay for?
Students usually bring their own spending money for personal expenses, school items, activities, and other personal needs.
🎓 School & Daily Life
Will the student attend our local high school?
Yes. Exchange students attend a local high school during their stay.
Do exchange students speak English?
Yes. Students are expected to have workable English skills and a desire to keep improving while living in the U.S.
Can students join sports and clubs?
Often yes. Many exchange students enjoy participating in school sports, clubs, arts, and community activities depending on school policies and availability.
Are students included in family activities?
Yes. Hosting works best when students are included in normal family life like meals, outings, traditions, and everyday routines.
🛡️ Safety & Screening
How are students screened?
Students go through an application and review process before placement. This helps ensure they are prepared for the exchange experience.
How are host families screened?
Host families go through an application and vetting process that may include background checks, interviews, references, and home review.
Will we have support during the exchange?
Yes. Host families receive support throughout the program and are not expected to navigate the experience alone.
❤️ Commitment & Fit
How long is the hosting commitment?
Most placements are for one semester or one school year.
What if we are nervous about hosting?
That is completely normal. Most host families start with questions. Hosting is not about being perfect. It is about being open, kind, and willing to share your home and culture.
What if the placement is not the right fit?
If challenges come up, support is available to help work through concerns and determine the best next steps.
✨ Getting Started
How do we get started?
The first step is to complete the Host Family information request form on Host4Peace and learn more about available students.
Can we choose a student?
In many cases, families can learn about available students and request more information about students they feel connected to.
🤝 Ready to Make a Difference?
You do not need a perfect home — just a willing heart.
Hosting an exchange student is a powerful way to build global understanding, create lifelong memories, and welcome a young person into your family story. Host Family info request form