Host an International Exchange Student-Illinois

Become a Host Family: Make a World of Difference!

Hosting an international exchange student is a rewarding cultural experience that can create lasting memories, meaningful connections, and friendships that last a lifetime. Students ages 14–18 arrive from countries around the world with a dream of experiencing life in the United States, attending an American high school, and becoming part of an American family.

Hosting can fit your family’s schedule and availability.

You can choose the commitment that works best for your household, whether you welcome a student for the first nine weeks, a semester, or a full academic year. Every hosting experience makes a difference and gives a student the opportunity to experience American culture firsthand.

As a host family, you’ll share everyday life with your student, including family meals, holidays, traditions, school activities, and community events. You don’t need to plan extraordinary adventures or have a perfect home. Simply welcoming a student into your daily routine can make their exchange experience unforgettable. Many host families discover that the relationships they build continue long after the program ends.

What Does Hosting Involve?

Our students are carefully screened for the program, have good English skills, carry medical insurance, and have their own spending money for personal expenses such as clothing, hygiene products, cell phones, sports, and other activities.

Host families provide:

• A safe, supportive, and welcoming home.
• A comfortable bed in a shared bedroom or a private bedroom.
• Three meals per day in the home.
• Assistance with transportation so the student can attend school and participate in sports, clubs, and community activities.
• The opportunity to become part of the family and experience everyday American life.

You’re Supported Every Step of the Way!

You are not expected to navigate the hosting experience alone. Your local Area Representative will guide you through the process and remain available to support you, your student, and the school throughout the placement.

Before approval, families complete a host application, background checks for household members ages 17 and older, reference checks, a home interview, and host family orientation. Your Area Representative will help you understand the expectations, prepare for your student’s arrival, and answer questions along the way.

Throughout the placement, Area Representatives provide ongoing support through regular check-ins, including in-person visits and phone calls. If your Area Representative is unavailable, 24/7 emergency support is also available to help address urgent concerns and ensure that students and host families have access to assistance when needed.

Ready to Open Your Home to the World?

Whether you can host for nine weeks, one semester, or an entire academic year, you can help make an international student’s dream come true while creating memories your family will cherish for years to come.

Learn more or start your host family application today!

🌎 Apply at iwanttohost.org

Help us bring the world together, one family at a time!