How to Host a Foreign Exchange Student [For Non-Traditional Families]

We use the term “host family” a lot when we’re talking about how to host a foreign exchange student, but what does that phrase really mean? At AYUSA, we believe that what makes a great host family isn’t the number of people in the house, the ages of your kids (if you have any at all), or whether you fit a certain mold. It’s about having an open heart, a welcoming spirit, and a willingness to share your daily life with a student from another part of the world.

In fact, the best part about opening your home to a foreign exchange student is that you don’t need to be part of a traditional family to do it. Whether you’re a single professional, an empty nester ready for a new chapter, or part of a unique family setup, you’re not just welcome at AYUSA—you’re encouraged!

In this guide, we’ll explain how to host a foreign exchange student. We’ll cover:

1. Who can host (hint: almost anyone!)
2. Why hosting is such a valuable experience
3. How AYUSA makes your hosting journey easier
4. Common concerns host families have (and why you shouldn’t worry)
5. How to host a foreign exchange student with AYSUA.

At AYUSA, we’re dedicated to supporting every host who joins our program, regardless of the size or makeup of their family. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped host families bring a fresh perspective into their home, make lifelong connections, and experience the joy of helping a young person grow and thrive in a new culture.

Read on to learn why you might be the perfect host family, or start your AYUSA hosting application today!

Why Host a Foreign Exchange Student?

Whether you're living alone, newly retired, part of a non-traditional family, or somewhere in between, the experience of hosting a student can enrich your life in ways you might not expect. Here’s a closer look at why so many people, from empty nesters to single professionals, are saying yes to this unforgettable journey.

Emotional, Cultural, and Personal Benefits

Welcoming a student into your home brings a daily dose of fresh energy, new traditions, and meaningful relationships. Many hosts describe feeling like they’ve gained a new son or daughter, like the Mitchells, an AYUSA host family from Bloomington, Illinois, who hosted 15-year-old Hanna from Germany. Here’s what they had to say about their memorable year with their exchange daughter:

“She has been an amazing big sister to our daughter Caitlyn, who is 11 and an only child. From playing basketball or soccer with her, to cooking with her, to goofing around, to telling her “No, I don’t want to play right now,” she has helped our daughter mature and know what it is like to have a sibling. I don’t think we could have asked for a better big sister for Caitlyn. It melts our hearts when Hanna gives Caitlyn a hug before she catches the bus to school or holds her hand as they walk together.”

As a host family, you'll find yourself celebrating your student’s victories, supporting them through challenges, and sharing your own culture in simple, authentic ways. While your student learns about American life, you’ll get a firsthand look at their customs, food, language, and way of thinking. It’s like traveling the world without ever leaving your living room! International exchange students also benefit U.S. communities, schools, and the economy.

Make a Difference in a Student’s Life

For a young person arriving in the U.S., a welcoming home means everything. You’ll be their first glimpse of American culture up close, and act as their guide, their cheerleader, and sometimes even their biggest comfort during moments of homesickness or when facing challenges at school.

By opening your doors, you're giving a student the chance to experience new opportunities, build confidence, improve their English, and form memories that will last a lifetime. Many former students say their host families helped them grow into more independent, open-minded adults, and in some cases, those bonds have led to lifelong international friendships.

Who Can Host a Foreign Exchange Student?

One of the biggest myths about hosting a foreign exchange student is that you need to fit a traditional mold, but at AYUSA, we know that's just not true. What matters most is that you can offer a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment where a student can thrive.

Some of our most incredible host families don’t look anything like the old stereotype of a mom and dad with two kids in a suburban home. Single adults, retirees, and families without children can all make wonderful hosts. If you’re thinking, “Could I really do this?” the answer is almost certainly yes! Let’s dive into who can host and what we look for in a host family.

AYUSA’s Eligibility Criteria

Hosting a foreign exchange student through AYUSA is simpler than you might think. Here’s what’s required:

• Be at least 25 years old
• Pass a background check and home visit
• Provide a stable, caring home environment
• Offer three meals a day
• Have somewhere for the student to sleep and study
• Include the student in family activities and help them engage in school and community life

You don’t need a huge house, a big family, or even years of parenting experience—just an open heart and a commitment to helping a student feel at home.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DHvvctrRx0b/

Yes! We Love These Hosts:

As we mentioned, AYUSA host families for international students come in all shapes and sizes. Many of our hosts are:

• Single adults: Single adults make fantastic host parents! As long as the student has their own space and you can provide a supportive environment, you’re exactly the kind of host we welcome. Single hosts often build a strong, one-on-one relationship with their students, acting as friends and mentors.
• Empty nesters: Your kids may have flown the coop, but your nurturing spirit is still very much needed. Hosting a student can bring a refreshing sense of energy and purpose back into your home. Many empty nesters find that the experience fills a space they didn’t realize they missed, and they often stay in touch with their student long after the international student exchange ends.
• Families with or without children: Whether you have young kids, teenagers, or no children at all, you can host. Some students love becoming part of an active household with siblings to bond with, while others thrive in quieter homes where they can form close relationships with their host parents.
• Retirees and older adults: Think you’re "too old" to host? Think again! Retirees often have the time, patience, and life experience that create a deeply enriching environment for exchange students. With record levels of retirees in America, we’re seeing more and more older adults express an interest in hosting.
• Working professionals: If you have a busy work schedule, don’t worry—you can still host successfully. Students attend school during the day and are encouraged to participate in sports, clubs, and community events, so your work-life balance can absolutely accommodate hosting.
• Other non-traditional households: Families come in all shapes and sizes, and at AYUSA, we celebrate that diversity. Same-sex couples, multi-generational households, and blended families can all make incredible hosts. What matters most is offering love, support, and a welcoming home where a student feels included, respected, and valued.

What Does Hosting a Student Involve?

If you’re thinking about hosting a high school exchange student, you might be wondering what day-to-day life will look like. Here’s a breakdown of what’s involved when you host with AYUSA.

Basic Responsibilities

At its core, hosting is about providing a safe, caring environment. Some of the basics you’ll be responsible for include:

• Meals: Providing three meals a day (this doesn’t mean you have to cook every day or spend too much time on meal prep—cereal for breakfast and simple lunches are totally fine!).
• A place to sleep and study: Your student needs their own bed and a quiet spot to do their homework, but they don’t necessarily need a private room.
• Transportation help: While students often take the bus, ride with friends, or walk, hosts help with occasional transportation needs like school events or doctor’s appointments.
• Inclusion in family life: Students should be welcomed into your regular life, whether that’s grocery runs, movie nights, family dinners, or Sunday morning pancakes.

You’re not expected to entertain 24/7 or take big vacations. You’re simply inviting the student to be part of your daily rhythm as they study abroad in the USA.

Cultural Exchange

Hosting a foreign exchange student is a two-way cultural experience. During their academic year in America, you’ll introduce your student to American traditions, holidays, and ways of life, and in return, you’ll learn about theirs. This might mean:

• Sharing holidays: Introducing them to Thanksgiving traditions or helping them share their own cultural celebrations with your family.
• Trying new foods: Cooking together and swapping recipes from each other’s home countries. Students love trying American staples like barbecue, hot dogs, or clam chowder!
• Exploring your community: Showing them local sights, community events, or even just your favorite coffee shop.

You don’t have to understand much about their culture before they arrive—the beauty is learning and growing together during the exchange student program.

Communication and Support

Good communication is the foundation of a successful exchange experience. Students might have moments of homesickness, cultural confusion, or nervousness, and that’s completely normal. As a host, you’ll:

• Check in regularly, as simple conversations around the dinner table can go a long way
• Set clear expectations for curfews, chores, and house rules
• Offer patience and encouragement—adjusting to a new country is a big deal!

And don’t worry, you’re never alone. AYUSA provides ongoing support through your local Community Representative (CR), who checks in with you and the student throughout the year. If you have questions, concerns, or just want some advice, help is always just a phone call or text away.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DDkocTxBKZQ/?img_index=1

Common Concerns, and Why You Shouldn’t Worry

It’s completely normal to have a few doubts when you first start thinking about hosting an international student. You might wonder if your lifestyle, your schedule, or your home situation makes you a “good fit.” Here’s a look at some of the most common worries and why they shouldn’t hold you back.

"I live alone—will the student feel lonely?"

Not at all! In fact, many students thrive in a one-on-one environment. Living with a single host can actually make it easier for a student to build a strong connection, feel heard, and adjust more quickly to American life. You’ll be their biggest cheerleader, mentor, and guide, and you’ll probably find that your house feels anything but lonely once your student arrives.

"I work full-time—will I have time to host?"

Absolutely. Many host parents work full-time jobs. Students are busy too—they’ll be at school during the day, and involved in sports, clubs, or after-school activities. Hosting fits naturally into your existing life. It’s about including your student in your daily routine, not adding a second full-time job. Dinner chats, weekend errands, and quiet evenings at home are all part of the experience.

"I don't have teenagers at home—will it be awkward?"

Not at all! Whether you have young kids, grown kids, or no kids at all, you can still create a great environment for hosting international students. What students need most is a caring adult presence, not a built-in group of peers. Plus, sharing life with someone from a different generation often leads to fascinating conversations and fun new traditions for both of you.

"I'm not a traditional family—will I qualify?"

Yes, yes, yes! AYUSA proudly welcomes all types of households, including single adults, same-sex couples, blended families, retirees, and roommates. If you can provide a safe and supportive home, you absolutely qualify. What matters most in foreign exchange student programs is kindness, patience, and a willingness to open your heart and your home. Diversity in host families helps make the exchange experience even richer for students.

"I'm older—will I be able to keep up?"

You don’t have to be running marathons or attending every high school football game to be a great host. Students appreciate wisdom, patience, and a calm, welcoming environment just as much as action and adventure. Many older hosts find that sharing their life experience, hobbies, and traditions with a student is deeply rewarding, and students often bring a wonderful sense of contagious youthful energy!

How to Host a Foreign Exchange Student with AYUSA

Ready to open your home and your heart? Hosting a student with AYUSA is a straightforward and supportive process designed to help you feel confident every step of the way. Here’s what the student cultural exchange journey looks like.

Filling Out the Application

The first step is easy: start your hosting application. This gives us a chance to get to know you—your household setup, interests, and lifestyle. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about finding a great match. You’ll share basic information like who lives in your home, your hobbies, pets, and the kind of student you might feel most comfortable hosting.

We’ll review your application to make sure you’re a good fit for the program, then perform a background check. Each adult member in your household needs to pass a criminal background check, because safety is the top priority for everyone involved.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DGbPWZXSMl0/?img_index=1

Home Visit and Interview

After your application, a local AYUSA CR will schedule a home visit. No need to stress—your house doesn’t have to look like a magazine spread! The goal is simply to make sure your home is safe, welcoming, and ready for a foreign exchange student.

The visit also includes a casual interview where you can talk about your motivations for hosting and ask any questions you have about the study abroad program. It’s a great opportunity to connect personally with your local support person, who will be there for you throughout the program.

Choosing Your Student

Once you’re officially approved, the fun part begins—selecting your student! You’ll get access to student profiles, which include their interests, hobbies, family background, and a personal letter. Whether you’d love to host a soccer fan, a budding artist, or a future scientist, there’s a student who will feel right at home with you.

Pre-Arrival Communication

After you’ve selected your student, you can start building a connection even before their exchange year in the USA begins. Many hosts and students exchange emails, texts, or even video calls in the weeks leading up to the arrival date.

This early communication helps ease nerves on both sides and starts laying the foundation for a strong, trusting relationship. Simple things, like sending pictures of your home, introducing family members (even the furry ones!), or talking about what a typical day looks like, can make a huge difference.

Welcoming Your Student Home

Arrival day is one you’ll never forget! You’ll meet your student at the airport and bring them home to start this incredible new chapter together. In the beginning, little things matter: giving a house tour, showing them where to find snacks, explaining how the laundry works.

Patience, kindness, and a little humor go a long way. Remember, it's a big adjustment for both of you, and it’s completely normal to take a little time to settle into a new routine. When it comes to house rules and expectations, we recommend having a written list you can give to your exchange student—it can be a lot of information for them to take in when they first arrive!

Ongoing Support Throughout the Program

You’re never on your own during the student exchange program. AYUSA provides year-long support through your local CR, who checks in regularly (with you, your exchange student, and the school), offers advice, and is always available if you need help or just want to talk something through.

Yes, YOU Can Host an AYUSA Foreign Exchange Student!

If you’ve ever wondered whether you could host a foreign exchange student, the answer is a resounding yes. You don’t have to fit a traditional mold, and you don’t need a big house, a bustling family, or a “perfect” lifestyle. What matters most is that you have an open heart, a willingness to share your life, and the excitement to welcome a young person into your home.

At AYUSA, we believe that amazing hosts come from all walks of life—single adults, empty nesters, retirees, working professionals, and everyone in between. Every household has something unique to offer, and every exchange student brings their own spark to the experience. Plus, we’re here to help you throughout the whole incredible, life-changing process!

So if you’ve been thinking about it, take the leap. Open your door. Start your AYUSA hosting application here.