Host an International Exchange Student!

Would you like to create a lifelong bond with a future leader from the other side of the world? Would you like to have an enriching and rewarding experience adding a young person to your day-to-day family life? Would you like to make a lasting impact on the life of a young person? Consider becoming a volunteer host family. By hosting an exchange student, you'll be a cultural ambassador for your country and help shape America's image.

American Councils is looking for families and individuals to host high school international exchange students during the 2026-27 academic year on a merit scholarship funded by the U.S. State Department. Designed to support person-to-person diplomacy and foster greater cultural understanding between our countries at a time of growing tension, the YES and FLEX program will bring exchange students who have outstanding academic records, speak English, and have a strong interest in learning about U.S. culture. Students arrive with medical insurance and receive a monthly stipend for their personal needs.

Families and individuals as diverse as America itself can host exchange students. We ask that you be open to new cultural perspectives while providing a comfortable bed, a quiet place to study, daily meals, support, conversation, and guidance as the student adapts to American life.

It's difficult to explain the joys of hosting an exchange student in a few words, but this Kroger ad does a great job at highlighting the lifelong bonds our families make with their exchange students: https://youtu.be/pQPdl3v_3iE (note: we do not own the rights to this video or music)