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.
Frequently asked
Do you need a spare bedroom to host an exchange student?
Not always. Many programs allow the student to share a bedroom with a host sibling of the same gender and similar age. Some require a private room. We can match you to programs that fit your home setup.
Is there an income requirement to host?
There's no specific salary requirement, but you need enough stable household income to care for your own family. The exchange student brings their own spending money and has insurance covered by the program.
Do all family members get background checked?
Yes, accredited programs run background checks on all adults in the household. This is a standard safety step that protects both the student and your family.
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