How to Accept an International Exchange Student
Accepting an exchange student is an enriching experience that allows you to serve as a bridge to allow another person to come to America. Through exchange programs, you can educate a visiting student about American culture: our food, our political history, our pop culture, our natural beauty, our diverse cities, and the everyday realities of American life. At a time when America’s reputation on the global stage is falling , this may be more important than ever.
If you’ve ever thought about hosting an exchange student and want to know how it works, here’s an overview.
Concept
Thanks to the exchange program, students from all over the world have the opportunity to come to America to continue their studies while living with you. Usually, exchange students are in their final grades of high school or college. They will live with you for a certain amount of time, attending a local school, while you introduce them to life in America.
Benefits for you and the student include:
- Making bonds for life
- Opening a window to understanding other cultures
- Has a positive effect on someone else’s life
Who has the right to receive guests
Anyone wishing to host a student must go through a background check as well as your home check. Just like when you apply for adoption or foster care, the exchange program ensures that the home and the people who host it are safe and have all the space and resources they need to live comfortably for their exchange students.
In accordance with the specific criteria set by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, you must:
- Be able to provide an additional family member, including a separate bed, a suitable work area and three meals a day.
- Offer the student a supportive environment while he or she goes through the adaptation process.
- Be interested in teenagers / international students and have a realistic view of life with a teenager. Help your student adapt to your family, US life and culture.
- Introduce the student to your hometown and encourage participation in school and community activities.
- Provide the student with a safe and secure environment to live and study.
Process
First, you will find the exchange program you want to submit and host with your host family. Then you need to:
- Fill out the Host Family Interest form.
- Talk to a representative to ask any questions while they go into detail.
- Complete the application with details of you, your family (if applicable) and your lifestyle in general.
Once accepted as a host / host family, you will work with a representative who will select the student that best suits your daily lifestyle, family dynamics and interests. For example, if you enjoy skiing because you live in Colorado, having a student who also enjoys adventure will benefit both of you.
Background check
You must provide information for a self-conducted background check. You can use IntelliCorp , a virtual way to enter all of your information and send it directly to the exchange program. You will only be accepted as host if you pass a criminal record.
In case of emergency
Exchange students will undergo a full physical examination prior to being accepted into the program. After their physical examination, they will be required to submit a report stating that they are in optimal health and can travel and participate in the program.
Exchange students are provided with a health insurance plan that will cover their costs in the event of a medical emergency.
Search for a program
There are tons of programs and resources on the Internet. Here’s a list to get you started on your student exchange hosting journey: