Host Families
Share Your Home,
Change the World.
Host Families Step-by-Step
There are four steps to becoming a Host Family and sharing your home. The hardest is perhaps taking the first step, but YFU USA will be your partner throughout your host family experience. Click on the map to learn more.
Deciding to Apply
Apply online or
via fax.
YFU conducts an interview in your home, which completes the application process.
Deciding to Apply
Choose Student
Working together, you and YFU select a new family member based on common interests.
Choose Student
Student Exchange
Experience cultural exchange while sharing your home. Your new family member attends school in your area.
Student Exchange
DEPARTURE
Exchange forges lifelong memories and relationships. Your family gains an enhanced global perspective.
DEPARTURE
Step 1: DECIDING TO APPLY
The first step is learning more about YFU and what it means to be a YFU Host Family much of which we’ve tried to help explain on this website. You can learn more about hosting by calling your YFU office 1-866-4YFU.USA or submitting an information request form or completing an online application and we will call you! After you submit your application or inquiry, a representative from YFU USA will contact you to answer any questions you may have. Once your application is received a YFU USA representative will review your application and schedule an interview. The interview is done in your home with your entire family.
Step 2: CHOOSE STUDENT
You are an active participant in the selection of your exchange student. The selection process takes into account interests and activities that you, your family, and a student have in common. Once you select your student, you will receive an information packet about your student and information about the YFU USA Host Family orientation.
Step 3: STUDENT EXCHANGE
Typically, this step begins when you pick up your student at the airport and welcome them into your home. This may be for a year, semester, or an arrival period. As a host family, you provide a caring, supportive, and warm family life for your exchange son or daughter.
Step 4: DEPARTURE
Although the exchange program ends when your student’s returns home, the relationship and experiences gained throughout the duration of the program make a lasting impact. Exchange creates lifelong memories between you and your YFU student that often continue after exchange, through an ongoing relationship and perhaps even a visit to their country.
