Hosting a foreign exchange student...what are the steps?

Question

It's just me and my dad. I'm 17 and was wanting to host a foreign exchange student for the spring semester. Is it ok that it's just me and my dad? How do i go about applying for someone to come live with me? What are the qualifications for hosting one? I live in Mcalester oklahoma

Answer 1

You need to go through an agency that has representatives in your area. Ask the conselors at school. The agency will have their own and will enforce government guidelines. Things like criminal background check, clean and safe housing, auto insurance in force, etc.

The exchange student is assessed for academic preparation, English skills, and maturity.

As a single parent, your father may raise a few concerns. To be blunt, there's less supervision by a wife to make sure he isn't diddling the exchange student. Not that he would, but out of thousands of placements, several go south for sordid reasons and the agencies are trying to avoid that.

But go ahead and ask. Whatever the rules are, they are and they will be happy to tell you.

During the selection process, look for them to be a good fit with your situation. But also look out for them. Is your locaiton and family the best fit for them. Or does that person really belong in NYC or Alaska or whereever. Be honest and keep looking until it seems like a great match all around.

Mostly, it is a great cultural exchange and often establishes them as family friends for decades to come. Sometimes there are problems like homesickness, difficulties with the boyfriend back home, or when she hooks up with a local 3-time convicted rapist (really). Then you're off the Women's Center, the chief of police, etc and get it all sorted out.

I'd strongly recommend mandatory everyone-attends dinners twice a week. Otherwise, it is too easy to lose track of where they are at, socially, academically and emotionally.