Requirements are more flexible than most people assume. Here's what virtually every reputable program asks for, and what they don't.
What programs require
- A bed for the student, their own room, or a shared room with a same-gender child of similar age.
- Meals, three meals a day (the student may help and often loves to cook with you).
- A safe, supportive home, a welcoming environment where the student is treated as family.
- Background checks, all adults in the home are screened, for everyone's safety.
- Basic stability, enough household income to care for your family; the student brings their own spending money.
What programs do NOT require
- You don't need to own your home.
- You don't need to be married or have children.
- You don't need to speak the student's language.
- You don't need a large or fancy house.
Different programs have slightly different rules (for example, some require you to live within a set distance of a partner school). We check the fine print for the programs serving your area so you don't have to.
Become a host family in your state
Hosting is arranged locally, so the programs that place students near you vary by state. Start with your state, then fill out the free match form:
become a host family in Texas · become a host family in California · become a host family in Florida · become a host family in Ohio · become a host family in North Carolina · become a host family in Pennsylvania · see every state →
Frequently asked
Do you need a spare bedroom to host an exchange student?
Is there an income requirement to host?
Do all family members get background checked?
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