Question 1

What is required of a host family?

Accepted Answer

Host families provide the student with room and board, and are expected to treat their student as a member of a family, not as a guest. Students cover their own travel costs, health insurance, school expenses, cell phone, and spending money. EF and the U.S. Department of State also designate certain requirements of all host families. For example, host parents should be at least 25 years of age or older, pass a background check and have a stable and suitable household. Let us know if you are interested and we will help you determine if your family meets our program requirements!

Question 2

Does EF place students with single people, same-sex couples, retirees, empty nesters or families without school aged children?

Accepted Answer

Yes! There is no 'typical' host family. Our families represent the diversity of American culture, and we encourage families of all shapes and sizes to host.  Some families have young or teenage children, while others may be empty-nesters or newlyweds. We've had single people, same-sex couples, and grandparents all be wonderful hosts.

Question 3

Are host families paid?

Accepted Answer

Host families are not paid. According the U.S. Department of State, host families cannot receive financial gain from their participation in a student exchange program. This rule is designed to ensure that host families are participating in the program for the right reasons. However, in recognition of their role as citizen ambassadors, host families may be eligible to receive a charitable tax deduction on their tax return.

Question 4

Where do students come from?

Accepted Answer

EF exchange students come from 15 countries across Europe, Asia and South America. They hail from a diverse set of communities and backgrounds which help to offer an interesting breadth of students to choose from.

Question 5

Can I select the student I want to bring into my home?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our exchange coordinators and full-time staff will work with you to find a great student match. We have spent more than 40 years matching students to their American host families and high schools. If you have an idea of what type of student would fit best in your family, let's talk about it!

Question 6

How long will the student be with my family?

Accepted Answer

EF exchange students come to the U.S. for either one semester or one school year.

Question 7

What if it doesn't work out?

Accepted Answer

We are committed to making sure that our exchange students and host families have a great experience. If problems ever arise, you can rely on your local exchange coordinator, regional coordinator, and full-time EF staff to be there for you. In the rare case that we can't all resolve the issue together, we will find the student a new home.

EF referral program guide

Steps to refer a Host Family

Host family referral resources

Steps to refer a new IEC

IEC referral resources

Spread the word about our referral program