I would like to host a foreign exchange student visiting the US -- which programs are most reputable?

Question

How much do international students pay to participate in a US exchange program? Are student selected by merit or is it simply a pay-to-play program?

Answer 1

I can answer your question as it relates to high school students. First, it is entirely volunteer -- you do NOT get paid to host. You provide room and board to the students.

To find a reputable program, make sure it is CSIET listed (www.csiet.org). However, that is rather a daunting list! So, check with your local high school and see what programs they recommend. Some schools only allow certain programs (ours is like that). Programs are only as good as their local representatives. Generally speaking, AFS, Aspect, Rotary and YFU are accepted and reliable most everyplace. ASSE is good in most places. AYUSA/INTRAX has difficulties and I don't recommend that one.

Once you get a "short list" of programs -- contact them.

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 few "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.

On to more of your question. Most international students will pay $8,000-$10,000 USD for their exchange. This covers flights, orientations, insurance, administration, support, etc. (Rotary is cheaper, and set up differently.) There is a certain amount of "pay to play" -- however many students are "scholarship students" where some of their trip is paid for. All students must meet minimum standards set by the organization -- and our federal government requires a minimal English ability. In reality, most student that come are gymnasium (highest level of high school for Europeans) or the  same idea for other countries.

Hope this is helpful!

Good luck and happy hosting!