How do you become a host faimily for a foreign exchange student?

Question

How do you become a host faimily for a foreign exchange student?

Answer 1

http://www.ayusa.org/host_families/hf_ma...

http://www.cci-exchange.com/host.htm

http://www.foreignexchangestudent.com/

Your local high school might have connections, too.

Happy hosting!

Answer 2

The first thing you need to do is find a CSIET certified program (www.csiet.org). However, that's quite a long list and can be rather daunting. So, check with your high school counselor for a recommendation too. An exchange organization is only as good as it's local representatives. Your counselor will know which groups the school likes to work with! Generally, you'll find AFS, Aspect, Rotary and YFU are reputable everywhere; ASSE in many places; and that AYUSA (INTRAX) has problems.

Once you have gotten one or two recommendations, contact the organization. THey will send someone out to your house for an interview process. Remember, this process goes both ways. They are interviewing you to see if you are suitable, but you are interviewing them to see if you wish to host with them. YOU are in the driver's seat here! Pick the one you feel the most comfortable with.

Here are a couple of "red flags" to look for in the interview process.

1. Are they promising you a student at the interview? This is a big no-no, unless the interviewer is a personal friend who has known you long enough and well enough to know that you will pass the background checks. Even then, they should say that a placement is CONTINGENT upon a check. Sometimes when friends or acquaintances are the organization representatives, they will have an idea of one or two students they feel would fit your family, school and town. That's ok -- as long as they don't GUARANTEE the placement.

2. Do they live further than 125 miles? If so, that's a federal law no-no. Your rep MUST live closer to you than 125 miles. Frankly, I recommend the same town ... or one very close by.

3. Ask the rep how many kids they are in charge of. If they say more than 3-4, you may have problems getting the attention you will need as a host family -- especially a first time host family. Also ask them if they get paid. Some organizations are volunteer and some are paid. Both can be fine, but they should be up front if they are getting paid "by the head" to place a student!

4. Have they looked at your home and where the student will sleep? This isn't a "white glove" examination (I certainly don't count out a host family for dust bunnies) but a good rep will make sure of a happy and healthy environment for the student.

5. Has the rep explained your personal and financial obligations to the student? Basically, that's room and board, a willingness to provide some transportation, help with homework, and support the student emotionally.

Hope this is helpful!

Good luck and happy hosting!