Hosting an Exchange Student, Let’s Make the Deal!

So how do we ask a family to open their homes and hearts to enjoy an Exchange Student Experience?

Most potential host families think they have nothing to offer these world travelers, when actually you have the one thing that cannot be bought: the opportunity to be a part of an American family – not a guest, but a member! This is a one-of-a-kind adventure; no two students will experience the same home-stay. No hotel or dorm room can offer what a host family has to give. Once a family who hesitates to commit because they think they have nothing to offer accepts the idea that they have the key to making a dream come true, they often think, “Hey, we can do this!”

People are social by nature; it is always more fun to join in than to be left out. If you feel you would be missing out and would not be part of this incredible journey, then you are the perfect family – make the choice to join in!

April can seem too far away to make a commitment in July. However, it is important to understand, that we have made a commitment to families in a distant country to find the very best host families in our communities. It is always comforting to our partners to know we have great families waiting. Also, the best possible way to make students feel welcome and their families supportive of this great adventure is when we have Host Family Forms waiting to be matched with students. If we can match a student with a family as soon as their application arrives, it can make the difference in welcoming a new family member or having a guest. If it was your child traveling, wouldn’t it be important to you to have time to get to know the French, Japanese, Spanish, or Chinese Host Family before your child arrives at their door? I can’t imagine any family who would not think this important. Early commitment on the host family part makes it possible for the family on the other side of the world feel good about what we do and that their child will be well cared for. I think every parent can relate.

Also, the good thing about making the commitment early is that it guarantees you the best possible student selection.

I feel it is my part to be sure that no student misses this exciting adventure. You are the key to the promise I made to these young travelers to recruit the best possible host families. It’s a win-win experience, and here is “the deal:” You will be the memory that will last a lifetime for them; they will be the memory that will last a lifetime for you! This is where I break into “God Bless America,” … and you sign up to host! :-)