Welcome an exchange student home
“The first moment I stepped into Iowa, I had the best welcome from my host mother and sisters. I felt so welcomed, like I was already a part of the family. They gave me the best transition into a new culture.”
— YES program student from Nigeria
Thank you for your interest in hosting an American Councils exchange student!
American Councils host families are supported by our team and Local Coordinators across the US. During the application process, we are ready to assist with any questions or concerns that arise—from submitting your application to picking up your student from the airport!
Step 1
Submit your Host Family Application,* which includes basic biographical information about your family and community, as well as photos of your home and background checks for all family members aged 18 or older.
Step 2
An American Councils representative in your community will contact your family’s personal references, conduct an in-home interview, and secure school enrollment for the student at an accredited local high school.
Step 3
After your family is approved but before your student’s arrival, your family will attend a Host Family Orientation, facilitated by an American Councils representative. Then, your hosting experience will begin!
Please see our FAQs for more information about becoming a host family. Have additional questions? Our team would love to hear from you!
*If you have completed a full American Councils Host Family Application in 2020 or later, please see our application for Returning Host Families.
“Hosting has been one of the best traditions my family has participated in. We have hosted six students and each of our international daughters has enriched our family in such a unique way. Our own children have benefited so much from the experience as well. Love and laughter transcend all languages and cultures!”
— Host Mom