Frequently Asked Questions - Families

What kind of support will our family and student receive from AYUSA?

A professionally trained Community Representative (CR) will be assigned to work with your family and student for the entire program. Your CR will visit with you and your student monthly, offering advice and support whenever needed. The CR will maintain regular contact with your local high school and complete a quarterly report, evaluating your student's progress in family life, academic achievement and social activity. Your CR, in turn, is supported by a team of dedicated regional and national AYUSA staff, available 24 hours in case of emergency.

How will our student get around?

AYUSA realizes that families are very busy with work responsibilities and extra-curricular activities. Our students are not allowed to drive, but will take school and public buses whenever available. They often purchase or borrow used bicycles and usually make friends who drive. Family members are not expected to be chauffeurs, but to simply offer the student a ride when it is convenient.

What if our student needs medical attention?

Your student is provided with health insurance that will cover any expenses should they require a visit to the doctor. Before a student is accepted into the AYUSA program, they must undergo a complete physical exam and submit a certified report documenting that they are in excellent health.

Will our student speak good English?

Your student will be able to converse with you immediately. Some teens will be almost fluent, while others will have a stronger accent and use smaller words depending on how many years they have been studying English. You will be amazed at how your student's English fluency will improve, often quickly and dramatically, once they are immersed in school and social life.

How much does hosting cost?

Your financial responsibility is quite minimal and mainly consists of room and board for your student, which includes 3 meals a day. Your student's natural parents will pay for all travel costs, program fees and health insurance. They will also provide your student with a monthly spending allowance used for school expenses, social activities, clothing, and other essentials. A $50 per month tax deduction can be claimed for each month you host.

Are we good candidates for hosting?

It cannot be said enough: there is no "typical" AYUSA Host Family. AYUSA students enjoy living on farms, in small towns, suburbs, and big cities. Whether you are a married couple with children at home, a single parent, an empty-nester, or a grandparent, the desire to love and care for a student is all that is needed to host. Every community offers a wonderful opportunity for friendship and learning. Somewhere in the world there is a student waiting to live with a family just like yours!
 

How do we become an AYUSA Host Family?

As a prospective host family, you can look forward to a home visit from the local Community Representative (CR). The CR will give you an overview of the AYUSA program, conduct an interview with all family members, and provide several student profiles from which your family can find a student. Once your family has chosen a student, the CR will complete a reference check and request enrollment permission for the student from your local high school. Upon completion of these last requirements, you will be able to celebrate the joy of welcoming a student into your home!