Hosting is simpler than you might think! You provide a safe, welcoming home, a comfy bed and three meals a day. And you treat your student like part of the family (not a guest). 

EF and the US Department of State also have a few must-haves for host families: 

• Host parents should be at least 25 years old 

• Pass a background check 

• Have a stable, suitable household 

• Be willing to help the student get to and from school 

Not sure if you qualify? Just ask! We'll walk you through it step-by-step.

Get in touch.

Absolutely. There’s no “typical” host family. Our families reflect the diversity of America - some have young kids, some have teens and others are empty nesters or newlyweds. We've had single folks, same-sex couples and grandparents all be wonderful hosts. 

If you’re wondering whether you’d be a good fit, let’s chat it through. 

Get in touch.

Host families are not paid - hosting is all about the cultural exchange. US Department of State rules say host families can’t receive payment, but you may be eligible for a charitable tax deduction. 

It's totally normal to wonder, “What about costs?” As a host, you’ll cover every day basics like meals, snacks and transportation to school. And having an extra teenager in your home will likely increase your household expenses, such as gas, water and grocery bills.  

The student covers their own big-ticket stuff - like flights, health insurance, school fees and cell phone costs, so you’re not on the hook for those. They also take care of their own clothes, toiletries, social outings, insurance and any school activity fees. 

For more, check out our article, “Who pays for what?” 

Our students represent 15 different countries across Europe, Asia and South America. They bring their own unique backgrounds, traditions and perspectives - and they can’t wait to share them with you. 

Learn about our students and their cultures.

Yes! You are in the driver’s seat, but we’re here to help. Our team will work with you to find an exchange student who’s a great fit for your home, lifestyle and the local school. We’ve been matching families and students for over 45 years, so you’re in good hands. 

Start browsing students today! Use our search tool and filter profiles by age, gender, country and hobbies. 

EF students come for either one semester or a full school year. 

If you’re looking for a shorter commitment, ask about being a welcome family! You can host a student for the first 2-3 months of their exchange and help them get settled into the community, all while we work to secure a more permanent place. 

We’ve got your back. If challenges pop up, you’ll have support from your local coordinator, regional team and EF’s full-time staff. Our goal is to help all families and students have a great experience. But if, despite everyone’s best efforts, it’s not the right match, we’ll find the student a new host family.