What's the best way to become a host for a foreign exchange student?

Question

I'm a single male, no spouse or children, who lives in St. Paul, Minnesota. I own a house and have an extra room. What's the best agency to use to become a foreign exchange student host? How long is this usually for? Do any agencies offer financial help for food, etc.? Have any other single people done this before?

Answer 1

I was a single Mom with a 13 year old hosting an Italian exchange student. What a lot of people don't realize is that they're all in your city together, so there was like 50 "kids" who all end up at one house or another(even though they have been placed in different homes,they almost always want to spend the night together) I personally welcomed them crashing here because my guy was only 15. But when you do this you have to realize they llive differently and you have to kind of respect that. Like in Italy they don't eat until like 10:00 pm then they go out, then they go out for coffee and get home around 4:00 But it was SO worth it, I love my Nicola, and Fabrizio, and AnnaNicola (the pretty one) And keep in touch with them, so yes do it It will be really rewarding but also be prepared for lots of driving and please be patient! Here's an ad for foriegn exchange in your area

Answer 2

When I was in high school my family hosted 5 students from different countries. The program we went through was Open Door. They had somebody come into our home and do an interview with each family member to try in determine which student was right for us. The shortest length was only 30 days in the summer and the longest was about 10 months through the school year. The high school I went to also only had a certain number of spots for these students from abroad so that might be a factor also. The program did not offer any help for food and what not but the children had to come with their one spending money. I remember a single lady hosting also when we did. The experiences varied from each student but we keep in touch with 3 of the 5 still today. I wish you the best of luck with this and when my daughter gets older I will give her the option for our family to host!

Answer 3

Instead of hosting a foreign exchange student you might contact your local college or university and host a foreign student. They are generally more independent but would still require some assistance due to language and culture. Some of the other things people have said might still apply but they should be slightly more mature. Most of the students try to get their driver's license and own car after they have been here for a few months unless of course, they can't afford one.

Answer 4

My dad was an area representative for many years. He has had over 30 exchange students living in his home (before he married my mom)and our home. He worked for AISE (American intercultural student exchange). The students arrive in August and leave in June. You have to provide food and shelter. The students have their own money for clothes, entertainment, trips and that kind of thing. If you qualify for food stamps you can get those, thats the only way I know to get help with the food.

You get a choice of your student, within reason. Many single people have done this. This is a most rewarding experience!

Answer 5

You would have to apply directly through your community's high schools by making an application to that school's foreign exchange program. It used to be called the American Field Service Exchange Student Program. Simply call the administrative offices of your high school and tell them that you would like to apply to this program as a foreign exchange student host.

Answer 6

I did this as a single female many years ago. Given the right student, it would be a wonderful experience. I happened to get one who just wanted to get to "The States" because her brother was a foreign exchange student here and she ultimately ran away to be closer to him. (Minnesota to Arkansas)

I went through Education First, and I know they didn't screen me at all. I emailed them asking if a single woman could do that, and they overnighted profiles of four young women within the week. I ruled two out right away because they didn't want cats, and my second choice arrived like the following Wednesday.

She was sick when she arrived. She didn't tell me. Her mom's boyfriend finally got me on the phone and explained it to me in broken English. I got her to the doctor...nerves, I think.

The next topic (about two weeks after she arrived) was that her cousin was coming to visit. I told her it was too soon. My dad went out to the airport to get her. (Ham Lake to the MSP Airport) and they ran away together in a cab that night.

The agency was very good about not blaming me and they tried to place a young man from Sweeden with me. I might have been interested had it been a girl.

Answer 7

Tell your rules up front about the major no nos so you don't get surprised later on. Involve them in your family events. Take them to many things around your area. Have a sense of humor and patience. Dont assume they don't understand because they don't speak well. Give them the freedom to explore the city in there free time or after school.

Answer 8

I am thinking of doing the same thing I am going at it through my church and they have two different programs there is a flex program that the students are coming on a scholarship and their parents HELP pay these kids are between the ages of 15 and 18 they stay for 10 months

then there is the other program that the kids parents pay for everything they stay for 5 months they are also between the ages of 15 and 18

hope that this helps
Dani

Answer 9

I've seen ads for becoming a host for a foreign exchange student in the newspaper. I would imagine you could ask the superintendent of schools if they have any more information on this program. Or, maybe you could just put your name in the hopper with the superintendent of schools (saying you'd like to offer this). I honestly don't know if thre is a stipend or not. I would imagine you'd have to submit an application and be approved though before you could do this. My thought is that It's probably for the school year, like maybe you apply in June for their arrival in August . I would guess they would arrive a couple of days before school starts (in time to get books and supplis). Iwould wonder who would provide transportation to get them to and from school and who would protect them in these days when security is needed.

Answer 10

I have had several(22) foreign exchange students. It is great and it is bad. I am single but I had already raised my kids and was living alone. I actually only had three to live the entire school year with me but I became a good spot for the troubled kids to come to! I would keep some for ovenight or up to 6-8 wks until another home could be found.Some didn't have homes yet when they came and others couldn't get along with the host parents or were having trouble in school, etc. You really have to be careful if you do it and are single, so much can be blamed on you and with you just trying to help. My first was German girl who didn't like to bathe often and I had a time to get her to because her room began to smell. She was from a great family, it is just the way they do things. We had a great year until I found out that she received coke leaves from a German friend in another country and had tried them in my house! I didn't allow her to go on a band trip and boy did she get mad! I could have had her sent home because drugs are a big rule to break in the program. Her parents got mad also! I told them she could finish the year out but that I could not trust to send her on a trip with our school band. I could have been in trouble for drugs in my mail-a felony or in my house! You do not get money for food or expenses on most programs because that would intice unwanted families to do it so they could get extra money. I know of some of the cases where it happened. You need to think long and hard about this. If you get one you will be taking them back and forth to events because they cannot(!) drive,feeding them,dealing with teachers, taking them to the dr.if needed, having to deny sexual attacks(yes it happens if the kid is mad at you or having trouble and wants to go home.)having other teens in your home and maybe when you are not there. I came home from work one day to find a housefull having a pancake party! Do you know how sticky a bunch of teenagers can get a house! I didn't mind though because it was clean, though sticky, fun! Ask lots of questions and be sure of your time and how much you can afford emotionally and financially. Best wishes because they can be a blessing. One of my yr long Japanese girls found salvation!