Host Families

FIEA seeks families that are enthusiastic about our student exchange program and are willing to host our exchange students wholeheartedly. Host families need to provide a safe and loving home for the exchange student and should

enjoy sharing their thoughts and experiences with the new student.

Why do people host international exchange students?

Most families host our students simply because they enjoy being exposed to new things and new ideas. Some families host because they want to expand their family or want to expose their children to other cultures. Others families host to fill the void that they feel when their own children go away for college or move away from home for good. By opening their homes to a young student from another country, families have the opportunity to share themselves and their love while gaining broader views of the world and friendships that last a lifetime.

Imagine the excitement of sharing your life with someone who has never experienced your family's favorite things. Your family can teach your exchange student about your favorite American pastimes. You could take your new exchange son or daughter to see a ballgame, to a museum, or to your own family picnic!

In return, you will look at your family's everyday activities in a new light, through a new pair of eyes. Your exchange son or daughter will make your family activities special, exciting, and more memorable! By hosting an exchange student, you will broaden your entire family's perspective of the world. Hosting is a great educational opportunity for your family and lots of fun too!

Top 10 reasons to be a host family!

Hosting is a fun and exciting activity that the family will enjoy and participate in.
Hosting will expose you to interesting new customs and other ways of life.
Hosting will expose you to other cultures and languages.
Hosting will give you a first-hand chance to interact with someone of another culture.
Hosting offers new insights and appreciation for different cultures.
Hosting leads to life-long friends in other parts of the world.
Hosting offers a taste of a faraway place from the comfort of your own home.
Hosting gives you a larger family!
Hosting is an interactive learning experience for your children.
Hosting provides a chance to promote better understanding of American people and the American way of life.

How can I get more information on hosting an international exchange student?

Here are further resources to get you acquainted with what it takes to host an international exchange student.

I’ve read enough -- Sign me up!

If you would like to become a host family, simply fill out the application above and fax or e-mail it to us!

Forte International Exchange Association
National Press Building
529 14th Street NW, Suite 270
Washington, D.C. 20045, U.S.A.

Tel: 202-628-8226
Fax: 202-296-8685