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 introduce several student profiles for your family to choose from. Your family/student match can be celebrated after the CR completes a successful reference check, and receives enrollment permission from the local high school.

Are we good candidates for hosting?
AYUSA students enjoy living on farms, in small towns, suburbs and big cities. Every community offers a wonderful opportunity for friendship and learning. Whether you are a married couple with children at home, a single-parent, an empty nester or a grandparent, as long as you have some extra love to go around, that's all you need! Somewhere in the world there is a student waiting to be matched with a family just like yours!

How much does hosting cost?
Your financial responsibility is quite minimal. If you can afford food on the table, that's basically enough. Your student's natural parents will pay for all travel costs, program fees and health insurance. They will also provide the 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.

Will our student speak good English?
Your student will be able to converse with you immediately. Some teens will be almost fluent, others will have a stronger accent and use smaller words, depending on how many years they have been studying English. Immersed in school, your student's fluency will improve, oftentimes quickly and dramatically.

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 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.

What if our student needs medical attention?
Your student is provided with health insurance that will cover any expenses, if they should 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.