Have questions? We are here to help! Find answers to frequently asked questions below or contact us for more information.

Jump to FAQs: About Becoming a Host Family - About Hosting - About Our Programs and Students

 WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO HOST?

All types of families are encouraged to apply to host, and there is no “typical” American Councils host family. Families come in all shapes and sizes, including those with and without children at home, young couples, empty nesters, single adults, and single parents.

CAN I HOST AN EXCHANGE STUDENT IF I DON’T HAVE CHILDREN, LIVE ALONE, OR AM AN EMPTY NESTER?

Yes! Host families come in all shapes and sizes and having other children in the home is not a requirement for hosting. If you would like more information or would like to talk to someone on our team about your particular situation, please contact us. 

HOW CAN I APPLY TO BECOME AN AMERICAN COUNCILS HOST FAMILY?

To apply, start the application process here or go directly to our Host Family Application.

If you are interested in becoming a host family but not ready to complete the full application, please submit a Host Family Interest Form. Someone from our team will be in touch with you within two business days.

WHAT IS THE APPLICATION PROCESS TO BECOME A HOST FAMILY?

First, you’ll complete a Host Family Application, which includes references, photos of your home, and a background screening for anyone 18 or older in the home. An American Councils representative will then perform an in‐home interview and secure enrollment for your student at a local high school.

I WANT TO HOST BUT AM NOT SURE THAT I CAN HOST FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR. AM I STILL ELIGIBLE?

Yes! Most American Councils families host for the entire school year, but if your circumstances do not allow for this, it is possible to host a student for a single semester or as a welcome family (approx. 3 months) at the beginning of the school year. Our Host Family Application allows you to indicate the length of time you’re eligible to host.

HOW WILL MY FAMILY BE MATCHED WITH AN EXCHANGE STUDENT?

A Local Coordinator (an American Councils representative in or near your community) or our staff will help you to identify a student who is a good fit for your family. You can also find out more about our current students and their interests through their publicly available profiles, found here. After your Host Family Application is approved, you will be able to learn more about your selected student through their Host Family Letters and other materials.

WHEN CAN I APPLY TO BECOME A HOST FAMILY?

Anytime! There is no “wrong” time to submit a Host Family Application, and the earlier the better! We accept Host Family Applications year-round and encourage prospective host families to apply early. Matches between students and Host Families are typically made between March and June for academic year students (who arrive in late July or August) or in late fall for spring semester students from Malaysia (who arrive in January). 

MY NIECE/NEPHEW/FAMILY MEMBER LIVES ABROAD AND WANTS TO STUDY IN THE US. CAN I BECOME A HOST FAMILY FOR THEM?

No. American Councils students receive J-1 visas to come to the US, and US Department of State regulations do not allow for recipients of J-1 visas to live with family members. Volunteer host families are a central part of our programs, as hosting provides both parties with the opportunity to forge new relationships and gain diverse perspectives by living with people of different cultures and backgrounds!  

WHY AM I REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A BACKGROUND CHECK/ REFERENCES/ IN-HOME INTERVIEW?

In the interest of participant safety and welfare, American Councils requires all staff, Local Coordinators, and host family members aged 18 and older to undergo a background check. Similarly, we require references and an in-person interview with all family members present. These steps help us get to know your family and ensure that students live in a safe and welcoming home environment. They are also requirements of both the US Department of State and CSIET, the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel.

IF I’D LIKE TO HOST OR HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS, WHAT’S THE NEXT STEP?

Apply now or complete this interest form to speak with a staff member.

WHAT ARE A HOST FAMILY’S RESPONSIBILITIES?

In becoming a host parent or host family, you agree to provide meals and snacks, a bed for the student to sleep in, and a supportive environment. Here’s a list of what host families are expected to provide:

• a safe, nurturing and primarily English‐speaking home environment

• a bed (not convertible or inflatable, but students may share a room with sibling of same gender)

• a desk/table where the student can study

• three meals a day with either provisions for lunch or lunch money for school

• the opportunity to participate in your family’s daily life and events

• assistance with arranging transportation to/from school and extra‐curricular events 

HOW LONG WILL THE STUDENT BE IN THE US?

The majority of our students stay in the US for one academic year, arriving in August and returning home in May or June. YES Program students from Malaysia participate in a spring semester exchange, arriving in January and returning home in June.

WHAT WILL MY STUDENT BE PROVIDED WITH WHILE ON THEIR PROGRAM?

American Councils students are provided with a pre‐departure orientation (PDO), travel to/from the US and their host community, a post‐arrival orientation, a mid‐year orientation, and a re‐entry workshop. Each student also receives a monthly stipend, health insurance, and funding for school‐related expenses. An American Councils Local Coordinator in or near the host family’s community supports the student throughout the year, and funding is provided to the Local Coordinator for organizing enrichment activities.

WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT WILL I RECEIVE FROM AMERICAN COUNCILS WHILE HOSTING MY STUDENT?

A professionally trained Local Coordinator (LC) will be assigned to work with your family and student for the entire program. Your LC will provide you with an orientation and will maintain monthly contact with you and your student, including regular in‐person contact. Your LC will be available to offer advice and support throughout the year. The LC will also maintain regular contact with your local high school and complete reports that evaluate your student's progress in family life, academic achievement, and social activity. Your LC and your family are, in turn, supported by a team of dedicated American Councils staff in Washington, DC, available 24-hours in case of emergency.

WHAT ARE THE STUDENTS’ RESPONSIBILITIES WHILE ON THEIR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM?

With the support and guidance of their Local Coordinator, all American Councils students are required to do the following:

• Submit a monthly online report to American Councils

• Maintain a B average at school with no grade below a C

• Join a leadership or service club at school

• Perform at least 30 hours of volunteer community service

• Abide by all host family rules (curfew, chores, house rules, etc.)

• Make at least three cultural presentations during International Education Week in November

• Attend required orientations, workshops, and organized enhancement activities

CAN STUDENTS WORK OR DRIVE WHILE IN THE US?

Students may choose to take on informal jobs such as babysitting or cutting grass, but nothing that requires a Social Security number or that is considered full or part‐time. Students are not permitted to drive while in the US.

WHAT IF MY STUDENT PRACTICES A DIFFERENT RELIGION, HAS DIETARY RESTRICTIONS, OR COMES FROM A DIFFERENT FAMILY STRUCTURE THAN MY FAMILY?

Hosting an exchange student is a great way to learn about other countries and cultures, and most host families find that hosting a student from a different background can be a valuable learning experience for both themselves and the student! If challenges related to cross-cultural communication arise during the exchange period, your Local Coordinator (supported by our Washington, DC-based team) will be there to assist you and your student. If you have concerns about hosting students with dietary restrictions or other differences, please reach out to our team for more information about our available resources.

WHAT HAPPENS IF OUR FAMILY NEEDS TO TRAVEL AND CANNOT BRING OUR STUDENT WITH US?

In these situations, American Councils works with families to make arrangements for the student to stay temporarily with a neighbor, family friend or school friend, or with the Local Coordinator.

WHAT HAPPENS IF A STUDENT’S PLACEMENT WITH OUR FAMILY DOESN’T WORK OUT?

If a student and host family have a misunderstanding, the American Councils Local Coordinator provides counsel and support. If a host family has an insurmountable difficulty or an unexpected change in family life, the Local Coordinator will work with American Councils’ national office to arrange for another placement for a student.

WHO WILL BE AVAILABLE TO ASSIST US IF THERE’S AN EMERGENCY SITUATION?

If you host a student with American Councils, our team will work with you, your Local Coordinator, and your student to ensure a successful exchange experience for everyone. Your Local Coordinator (an American Councils representative who lives within 120 miles of your home) will be your first resource if issues arise. You will also be able to contact American Councils staff by calling our 24/7 emergency line, if needed.

IF WE ATTEND CHURCH OR OTHER RELIGIOUS SERVICES REGULARLY, CAN WE EXPECT OUR STUDENT TO ATTEND WITH US?

In their Pre-Departure Orientations, American Councils prepares and encourages all students to view religious institutions in the US as an opportunity to better understanding their host family and a source for volunteer opportunities, as well as a place for cultural exchange and socializing. Many students do attend religious services and/or youth groups with their host families; however, it is against program policy for students to be proselytized to, convert, or be “forced” to attend religious services while they are on program.

ARE HOST FAMILIES PAID?

No. US State Department regulations do not allow for the compensation of families for hosting an exchange student on a J-1 visa. Host families are eligible for a $50 tax deduction for each month that they host a student in their home. Students are provided with a monthly stipend and funding for school‐related items are intended to help offset expenses.

WHAT ARE THE FLEX AND YES PROGRAMS?

The Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) and Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) programs are highly selective, merit-based exchange programs sponsored by the US Department of State. Participants undergo a rigorous application process, and, to date, more than 40,000 students have participated in these programs. Read more about these programs and why we believe in the power of scholarship exchange here.

HOW ARE STUDENTS SELECTED?

Students participate in an open competition and are awarded merit‐based scholarships based on English language ability, academic performance, an interview, writing samples, a teacher recommendation, and the demonstration of qualities that indicate they will be successful on a cultural exchange. Approximately 1 in 50 applicants is selected to participate.

WHAT COUNTRIES ARE AMERICAN COUNCILS STUDENTS FROM?

Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program participants come from:

Armenia, Azerbaijan, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan

Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program participants come from:

Albania, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Egypt, Gaza, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Israel (Arab Communities), Jordan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kuwait, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Malaysia, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Suriname, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, and West Bank

HOW ARE AMERICAN COUNCILS STUDENTS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER EXCHANGE STUDENTS?

American Councils students are participants of merit‐based scholarship programs funded by the US Government. The students have been selected for participation after a rigorous application process, and their selection demonstrates English ability, academic achievement, personal merit, interest in cross-cultural exchange, and readiness to serve as an ambassador of their countries. Additionally, all students receive cultural orientations before departing from their home countries and after arriving in the US. While in the US, American Councils students are actively involved in school life and activities, perform community service, make cultural presentations, and participate in enrichment activities organized by their Local Coordinator. Upon their return home, students become members of the alumni network in their home country, where they apply the skills and experiences they gained in the US.

WHAT IS THE FINANCIAL BACKGROUND OF THE STUDENTS?

The student selection process is merit‐based, not need‐based. Most students come from what are considered middle class families in their home country. Some students may come from more modest families or wealthier families. Some students may bring a credit card or their own laptop, though most students will only bring limited extra cash from home.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?

We would love to hear from you! Let us know how we can help you determine if hosting a scholarship exchange student is right for you.