Hosting an Exchange Student II

The first step in hosting an exchange student is to make contact with an exchange program. There are several out there from which to choose, but there are a few things to consider when searching. Keep these tips in mind when researching exchange student programs and making the decision to host a student from another country.

~ Do you have the space in your home for an exchange student? The programs we've worked with require the student have his/her own bed. The bedroom may be shared, but only by same-sex children with no greater than five years' age difference between them.

~Do you believe you can afford to feed another child? The students generally pay for their own lunch at school, but you, as the parent, are responsible for all other meals and snacks. The IRS allows a $50 tax credit for each month a family hosts an exchange student from another country through an accredited program.

~In addition to meals, and a place to sleep and study, you are required to provide transportation, both to and from school. Students should be encouraged to participate in after-school activities and community activities. Generally, students are not allowed to drive, except in a drivers' ed course, or for practice to earn their driver's license. 

~Could you and the other members of your family be open to a student of another culture and language? The companies' screening process includes a statement of the students' morals, expectations, and grades. The students come with knowledge of English, but are usually limited for the first month. After that, they are usually fluent!

~Could you be open to a student of another religion? Students come from all parts of the world. Some have their own religions and some have no religious background at all. We have never seen our role as host parents as a way to impose our religion on our students. Most of the time they attend church with us, and we answer any questions they may have. Sometimes, we let them sleep in on Sunday, and we attend church with only our biological children. Christmas celebrations and other religious holidays are wonderful times to build memories while imparting some of our religious beliefs to our students.

~Would you be willing to host for a semester, whole year, or just a summer? There are a variety of programs for your own particular needs.

~Do you have the desire to learn about our world through person to person contact with a youth from another culture?

~Do your own chidren have the tolerance for another sibling? The difference between adding a teenaged child from another country to your existing family, and adding a newborn is significant!

With these tips in mind, carefully consider whether you have the resources to host a foreign student. It can be a very rewarding experience for the family and the student.