Host Family FAQ

How do I host an exchange student through CETUSA?

To get started, submit the information request form at the bottom of this page. A CETUSA local coordinator in your area will reach out to you answer your questions. If you decide that you’d like to host, the local coordinator will help you submit a host family application and view the profiles of available students.

The application includes a criminal background check, reference checks, and an in-home interview. The entire application process typically takes about one week. Once your application is approved, your local coordinator will help you select a student from 20+ countries who fits your family’s hobbies, interests, and personality!

What is expected of me as a host parent?

Host welcome their exchange student as a new family member and care for them as they would their own child. The high school exchange program is not intended to be vacation for the student, but rather a culturally immersive experience in which an international student experiences daily life in the U.S. Host families must provide:

• A separate bed and place to study
• Three meals per day (students can make their own meals)
• Basic transportation to school activities and events

Who can host an exchange student?

CETUSA’s host families come from various backgrounds. CETUSA welcomes:

• Households with or without children
• LGBTQ+ households
• Retirees
• Single parents and/or non-traditional households
• Households in all 50 states

Why do people host? 

Below are just a few of the reasons!

• The opportunity to experience another culture from home
• The rewards of providing a young person with a transformative experience
• The joys of sharing one’s own local culture and family traditions
• The renewed sense of daily adventure that comes from seeing daily life in the US through new eyes
• The desire to promote cross-cultural understanding and connection in one’s own community

What is the student responsible for?

All students:

• Have their own health and travel insurance for the duration of their program.
  Host parents are not responsible for their student’s medical expenses.
• Pay for their own school expenses, personal expenses, and recreational expenses. Students are required to have a monthly budget of at least $250 from their natural parents.
• Must abide by CETUSA’s Standard of Conduct.

Are the students like family members or boarders?

Our students expect and hope to be part of your family, and we ask that you treat them like your own child.

How expensive is it to host a student?

The only expense of hosting a student is typically a slight increase in groceries. Students have their own travel and health insurance, and have a minimum of $250 per month from their natural parents to cover their personal expenses while they are in the United States. 

What happens if it’s not the right fit?

CETUSA is committed to being your partner before, during, and after your exchange year. We have procedures and processes in place to address any challenges that may arise. For urgent situations, we provide a 24/7 emergency line. If the issues cannot be resolved, your local coordinator will work to relocate your student.

Can I host more than one student?

Yes! You can host up to two students at a time, as long as the students do not speak the same native language. Hosting two students may be a great idea if you do not have other children. Additionally, you get to experience two cultures!

How long do host families host an exchange student?

Many host families select a student to host for a 10-month exchange program (or the duration of a school year). However, many students come to the U.S. for a single semester. When you select a “semester-only” student, your hosting duration lasts about 5 months.

CETUSA also accepts applications for “Welcome Families” who may choose to host a student for 6-8 weeks while a permanent host family is finalized. Many of our “Welcome Families” love hosting so much, they choose to become the student’s host family for the full duration of the student’s program. However, this is not required.

What support would I receive as a host parent?

CETUSA is a CSIET-certified and US Department of State authorized cultural exchange organization, that has coordinated cultural exchange experiences for high school students and host families since 1995! As a host family, you benefit from several layers of support and guidance to ensure a rewarding exchange experience!

• A CETUSA local coordinator who lives within 60 miles of your address will help you select your student and understand the program. He/she will also provide you with a Host Family Handbook and Orientation. Your local coordinator will check in with you and your student every 30 days and is available to provide additional support as needed throughout the duration of the program.
  
  
• In addition to the CETUSA local coordinator, host families have an additional layer of support through their area’s Regional Manager, as well as a 24/7 Emergency Phone Number that is continually staffed by a CETUSA employee.