Every year, the United States welcomes foreign exchange students from all over the world. The U.S. hosts more international students than any other country, and thousands of American families are discovering the joys of hosting a foreign exchange student.
If you’re thinking about hosting or want to know how to get started, this complete guide walks you through every step.
What Is a Foreign Exchange Student Program?
Image: host families (4)
A foreign exchange student program helps high school or college students travel abroad to study and live with a host family.
Exchange students:
- Attend a local high school or college
- Experience American culture
- Live in the home of a host family
Program lengths vary — from one week to a semester, or even a full academic year.
Benefits of Hosting a Student
- Earn extra income by hosting
- Share your family’s way of life
- Create lifelong memories
- Invest in a young person’s growth
- Build global friendships and connections
Interested in Hosting?
Fill out the form on our website for more information.
Ready now? Apply here:
https://amp.studentroomstay.com/host
What Are the Requirements to Host a Foreign Exchange Student?
Hosting is accessible to many different types of families — there is no “perfect” host family type.
Image: Example student bedroom
You simply need to provide a clean, safe, and welcoming environment. Programs generally require:
- A private bedroom with a desk/study area
- Transportation to and from school
- 2–3 meals per day
- Laundry access
- Background checks for all adults in the household
What Should I Consider Before Hosting a Foreign Exchange Student?
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Hosting is exciting and meaningful — but it comes with responsibilities. Consider these questions before getting started:
How Long Do I Want to Host?
Programs can last:
- 1 week
- 1 semester
- 1 academic year
Choose the length that works best for your schedule.
Which Type of Student Do I Want to Host?
StudentRoomStay offers:
- High school students
- College students
Their age and independence level will change the responsibilities involved.
Is My Family Ready?
Hosting may impact:
- After-school schedules
- Household routines
- Transportation needs
- Shared spaces
- Morning routines (bathroom, breakfast, etc.)
Make sure all family members are aligned.
Is My Home Ready?
You don’t need a large or fancy home — just:
- A private bedroom
- Closet space
- A desk
- Access to bathroom space
Common areas (kitchen, living room, yard) should be open and welcoming.
Do We Prefer Hosting a Male or Female Student?
Some families prefer the same gender as their children; others don’t mind. Talk together and decide what’s best.
Thinking through these factors helps your family prepare and helps your student adjust smoothly.
Additional Things to Consider
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Some challenges to expect:
- Personality or cultural clashes
- Students struggling to meet house rules
- Support needed for academics or responsibilities
- Extra time for meals, rides, conversation, and guidance
Most challenges can be overcome with patience and StudentRoomStay support.
What Are the Different Types of Programs?
Exchange students typically arrive through one of two programs:
1. Exchange Program (J-1 Visa)
- Cultural exchange focus
- Short-term or up to 12 months
- Host families do not get paid
Great for families prioritizing cultural experience over income.
2. Study Abroad Program (F-1 Visa)
- Academic focus
- Stays from a semester up to multiple years
- Hosts do receive a monthly stipend
Hosting long-term requires more support (meals, transportation, laundry), which is why stipends exist.
This is the most common type of program.
For more details on J-1 vs. F-1 differences, the NFHS provides an excellent guide.
How to Become a Host Family
Image: Happy Group of Students**
When you’re ready to begin:
- Research hosting agencies in your region
- Complete their application process
- Provide references and pass background checks
- Complete a home visit
At StudentRoomStay:
- Initial applications take 10–15 minutes
- Our team follows up with additional questions
- We check references and conduct background checks
- We complete a home visit
- Once approved, we match you with a compatible student
Host family demand peaks in Summer and late Fall.
What Should I Look for in a Hosting Agency?
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Ask these questions before choosing a hosting company:
1. Is the Agency CSIET Certified?
CSIET sets national standards for safe, high-quality exchange experiences.
StudentRoomStay is fully CSIET listed.
2. How Does the Stipend Work?
Ask:
- How much is paid?
- When is it paid?
- Can the company provide references from other host families?
3. What Safety Protocols Are in Place?
Verify:
- Student insurance
- Background checks
- Visa handling
- Emergency procedures
4. What Training and Support Will I Receive?
Good agencies offer:
- Pre-arrival training
- Ongoing support
- Local coordinators
- Fast response times
Ongoing support is often the most important piece.
5. What Are Your Reporting Requirements?
Most programs require monthly progress updates.
StudentRoomStay requires monthly reports with:
- Photos
- Notes on student progress
- Any challenges or accomplishments
Reports take ~15 minutes.
Tips for an Exceptional Hosting Experience
Hosting international students can be broken into three phases:
Step 1: Before Your Student Arrives
- Complete all paperwork and training
- Prepare their room thoughtfully
- Learn their school schedule and calendar
Step 2: When Your Student Arrives
- Give them a full house tour
- Set expectations and rules early
- Encourage English conversations
- Be flexible with food preferences
- Let them rest and recover from travel
Step 3: Once Your Student Has Settled In
- Stay engaged
- Understand cultural differences
- Encourage open communication
- Reach out for help when needed
- Practice patience and perseverance
Just Looking to Rent a Room to Students?
Hosting full-time isn’t for everyone.
Image: Example student room**
If you prefer fewer responsibilities but still want to earn income, you can simply rent your spare room to a student instead.
We can help you list your room and get started.
Become a Host Family With StudentRoomStay
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We hope this guide was helpful. Becoming a host family can be one of the most rewarding decisions you make — and we’re here to support you at every step.
StudentRoomStay offers:
- Industry-leading support
- Full CSIET accreditation
- Safe and trusted homestay services
- Competitive payment rates
- 24/7 assistance
To begin your hosting journey, fill out our quick form and our team will contact you.
