Which foreign exchange student company do you suggest being a host family for?

Question

I am interested in being a host family for a foreign exchange student for the 08-09 school year. There are so many companies out there on the net to use, I don't know where to start. Does anyone recommend a particular program/company, or vice versa, have any ideas on who to steer clear of?

I've looking into the following:

YFU, Center for Cultural Exchange, SEA, AYUSA, EF Foundation, AISE. I did read some negative comments on another site regarding YFU. I really would like any feedback that you may have - thank you!

Answer 1

Hi! Bonjour! Ciao! (and whatever other language you may learn from this)

I know that it is not losted above, but I highly recommend hosting for AFS( American Field Service).

www.afs.org

I have been involved with them for the past 3 years and it has been a wonderful experience.  The students that have come to the US through that organization have been very nice and t has been wonderful to learn from them. They do little checks on the family and student to make sure that both are happy.

It is interesting that you should say that about YFU because I have heard that too.

It is great that you want to be a host family.  There should be more people like you out there willing to open there home to others. Exchanging information about cultures is truly a lot of fun and it is a very rewarding opportunity. I really believe that understanding each other's cultures is the way to creating peace in the world.

This will most likely be one of the best

experiences of your life.

Good luck and Best Wishes to you!

Answer 2

I too would recommend AFS.  I was an exchange student through them to Uruguay twenty years ago.  I think they are like the original exchange organization.  They had a great orientation and debriefing.  They also provide a resource person / counselor to each student they place.

Answer 3

My family hosted students for over 5 years with AFS. We've had a very good experience with them. They seem to really care about their students and their host families. They do a thorough analysis prior to matching students with their host families. If any problems arise, their counselors and volunteers try to address the situation in a variety of ways. AFS offers a lot of support and a nice sense of community. I hope you find the right agency for you. It's a very lovely experience.

Good luck!