Host an Exchange Student

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 exchange students coming to the U.S. to study for a semester or an academic year.

WHY SHOULD YOU HOST AN EXCHANGE STUDENT?

Make a young person’s dream of living in America come true.
Positively impact your family and your community.
Experience another culture and share your own.
Learn, grow, and have fun with a brand new family member.
Create long-lasting relationships that your family will have for the rest of your lives.

Watch why CHI's Academic Year Program is so rewarding, to you and to the student you will host.

Why you can trust 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.

Field staff are knowledgeable and experienced, and they work to supervise your program with efficiency, patience, and enthusiasm.

We are a U.S. Department of State-designated, CSIET certified Exchange Visitor Program Sponsor.

how to become a host family for exchange students

Contact CHI through our host family inquiry form, through a Coordinator or through an Administrator to express interest in hosting a student.

FILL A SHORT ONLINE APPLICATION

Fill out a short online application and complete the vetting process.

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.

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!

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.

... 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!

Contact the nearest CHI associate

A caring and knowledgeable CHI associate is ready to answer any question you may have about hosting.

1. Select a timezone

Pacific

Mountain

Central

Eastern

Non-Continental

We are here to help!

Do you have any question about our program?