When you think about hosting an exchange student, you might picture a student living with your family for an entire academic year. They arrive in August, just before school starts, and leave in June at the end of the school year. While this is the most common scenario, many other exciting hosting experiences exist. Let’s dive into the various types of hosting and find the perfect fit for your family!
Full Academic Year Hosting
Hosting for a full academic year is the traditional and most immersive experience. Students typically arrive in August and stay until June. This gives your family the chance to truly bond with your exchange student and share a full range of experiences, from holidays and spring break to sports and school events. Imagine the memories you’ll create together!
Winter Year Hosting
Winter year hosting is similar to the full academic year, but with a twist. These students arrive in January and stay until December, aligning with the academic calendars of many South American countries. This type of hosting allows your family to enjoy spring and summer breaks together, making it perfect for those who love to travel and explore during the warmer months.
Semester Hosting
Not ready to commit to a full year? Semester hosting might be the perfect option. Host families can choose to host for either the fall or spring semester. This shorter commitment is ideal for families new to hosting or those with busy schedules. It’s a great way to dip your toes into the hosting experience without a long-term commitment.
Arrival Family Hosting
Arrival Families play a crucial role in the exchange process. They host students for up to 12 weeks while Local Coordinators find a permanent host family. This is a fantastic option for families who want to help students transition smoothly into their new environment. You might even decide to become the student’s permanent host family!
Emergency Hosting
Sometimes, unexpected situations arise, and an exchange student may need to leave their host family’s home quickly. Emergency host families step in during these critical times, providing a temporary home while a new permanent host family is found. This type of hosting is best suited for experienced host families who can handle rapidly changing situations with empathy and care.
Specialty Short-Term Hosting
For those who prefer a shorter hosting experience, specialty short-term programs are a great option. These opportunities can last a few weeks and are often tied to specific programs or events. For example, YFU offers the USA For You program, and our partner, Challenger Sports, provides short-term hosting for international adult soccer coaches. This experience is great for those interested in hosting, but who want to experience a shorter, less intensive program before committing to long-term hosting with a teenager.
Hosting with Challenger Sports
Challenger Sports runs soccer camps nationwide and brings young adult coaches from all over the globe to North America. These coaches stay with host families for just one week at a time during the summer. In return, your child can attend a free Challenger Sports soccer day camp, or you can receive a $100 rebate. The best part? You’ll create lasting connections and friendships with these international coaches.
YFU USA is proud to partner with Challenger Sports. Together, we help youth grow their skills, expand their minds, and make meaningful connections with host families nationwide. To learn more about hosting with Challenger Sports and to apply, click here.