I’ve been a coordinator for exchange students for over 20 years, and let me tell you—if I had a nickel for every amazing host family who decided to start hosting in August, I’d… well, I’d have a lot of nickels!
Some of my favorite hosting stories didn’t start in the spring with color-coded calendars and long checklists. They started when the summer was winding down, the back-to-school sales were in full swing, and families said, “You know what? Let’s do it.”
Why August Hosts Often Have the Best Stories
After two decades, I’ve seen all kinds of families say yes—big families, empty nesters, single hosts, you name it. And yes, quite a few in August. Most of these families hadn't intended to host. They simply heard about the need and chose to be the solution.
Here’s why late-summer decisions can be so much fun:
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The timing is just right. You don't have to host all year. A 6–8 week Welcome Family commitment is perfect for trying hosting without jumping straight into a full year.
- Skip the long wait. Saying "yes" in August means you don't have to wait for months to meet your special new family member. Your student will arrive asap to start school.
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You get the “firsts.” First family dinner, first walk through the neighborhood, first “why are there so many types of milk in your grocery store?” moment. It's the ultimate game of Show & Tell.
- You become a hero! It's true. To the student waiting for a host family, you are the hero of their story when you say yes.
What Is a Welcome Family?
In case you’re new to the idea, a Welcome Family is a short-term host family who welcomes the student for the first few weeks of their exchange. This allows the student to come and start school while the coordinator searches for a permanent host family.
You help them get settled, start school, begin making friends, and experience life here during those first 6–8 weeks.
And you’re never on your own—your local coordinator will check in, answer questions, and cheer you on the whole way.
Things I’ve Learned from Hosting (and from Hundreds of Families I’ve Worked With)
After 15 hosting experiences of my own—and working with hundreds of host families—I can tell you this:
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You’ll learn as much as your student. Every single time, I’ve come away with new recipes, new traditions, and new ways of seeing the world.
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Your everyday life is fascinating to someone else. I’ve had students light up over everything from s’mores to Saturday morning yard sales.
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Laughter crosses every border. Even when the language is new, a good laugh (and sometimes a funny misstep) connects people instantly.
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Those “firsts” never get old. First grocery trip, first school football game, first trip to Walmart—I’ve done them 15 times, and they still make me smile every single time.
- A few weeks might not be enough for you. We are super grateful for welcome families, and respect their limited commitment. However, many of them discover hosting to be so much fun that they ask to keep the student all year. (The answer is: Yes, you can!)
Why Now Is a Wonderful Time
Students are excited to meet their host families and begin their exchange year.
If you’ve ever thought, “Maybe someday,” I can tell you from experience—someday might be right now.
After 20 years, I’ve seen how those first weeks can create bonds that last for decades. And I’ve seen how a simple yes can open the door to friendships, laughter, and life-changing memories—on both sides.
So, if you’re ready for an adventure that starts right at your own front door, if you're ready to be the one who makes a dream come true …
Let’s talk.
