Experience the gift of hosting
The Academic Year Program
Do you like to travel and to experience new cultures?
Why not bring the world into your home by hosting a high school exchange student?
Our Academic Year Program is a cultural exchange between American host families and international students coming to the U.S. to study for a semester or an academic year. We are a U.S. Department of State-designated, CSIET certified Exchange Visitor Program Sponsor. We believe shared experiences bring people together and bringing people together changes the world.
Help us change the world – become a host family today!
Why host?
Hosting a student for 5 to 10 months means:
Making a young person’s dream of living in America come true.
Positively impacting your family and your community.
Experiencing another culture and sharing your own.
Learning, growing, and having fun with a brand new family member.
Creating long-lasting relationships that your family will have for the rest of your lives.
Why CHI?
What makes our program special is the emphasis on connection and cultural exchange. CHI strongly believes in the power of the homestay experience to promote trust and understanding among nations and to build a more peaceful world.
We also truly care about your experience. Our national field staff provides a strong network of daily support for families and students. They are knowledgeable and experienced, and they work to supervise your program with efficiency, patience, and enthusiasm.
How it works
1.
Make Contact
Contact CHI through our contact form, through a Coordinator or through an Administrator to express interest in hosting a student.
2.
Apply
Fill out our online application and complete the vetting process.
3.
Wait for Placement Information
Once we’ve received your completed application, we will get to work matching you with an exchange student that’s just right for your family. We will provide a host family orientation and help you prepare for an exciting experience for you and your family.
4.
Your Exchange Student Arrives
Once your student arrives, we will support your family and your student to assure you both have the best experience possible. Your role is to provide three meals a day, a welcoming home environment, and the kindness of an open heart to a brave young student!
5.
Monthly Updates
We will be available whenever you have a question and will be in touch at least once a month to make sure you and your student have a great experience and always feel supported.
6.
... and Repeat!
We hope you will have a wonderful experience and will choose to host again! Many of our host families continue to host throughout the years. Once your application is in our system, hosting again is easy!
You can expect to:
Receive an orientation and materials to help you prepare for this exciting experience before your exchange student arrives.
Provide three meals a day and a welcoming home to your exchange student for five to ten months.
Meet on a regular basis with your Coordinator who will provide you with the support and knowledge to make this experience the best it can be!
A caring and knowledgeable CHI associate is ready to answer any question you may have about hosting.
Contact the nearest CHI associate
We are here to help, whether you have questions about our program or are ready to get started!
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