--- title: Who Can Be a Host Family? description: Discover the rewards of hosting an exchange student and learn who is eligible. From families with teenagers to empty nesters, anyone can provide a warm and supportive home. Embrace the cultural exchange and make a difference in a young person's life. Subscribe to our blog today! image: https://blog.icesusa.org/hubfs/host%20families%20at%20the%20airport2%20(2).jpg --- [![ices@2x](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/ICES_Logo_%20sm_wht.png?width=77&name=ICES_Logo_%20sm_wht.png)](https://www.icesusa.org/)   - [INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS](https://www.icesusa.org/international-student-exchange-programs/) - [HOST A STUDENT](https://www.icesusa.org/host-a-student-overview/) - [AMERICAN STUDENTS](https://www.icesusa.org/american-student-exchange-programs/) - [WORK WITH US](https://www.icesusa.org/student-exchange-careers-and-partnerships/) - [ABOUT US](https://www.icesusa.org/about-us-overview/) - [CONTACT US](https://www.icesusa.org/contact-ices/) - [BLOG](https://blog.icesusa.org) [Let's Talk](https://blog.icesusa.org/contact)subscribe ### I’d like to learn more about Campaign Creators! read # Who Can Be a Host Family? By [Kari Owens](https://blog.icesusa.org/author/kari-owens) ![](https://blog.icesusa.org/hubfs/host%20families%20at%20the%20airport2%20(2).jpg) As we near the end of August, you may notice an abundance of posts and ads seeking [host families](https://blog.icesusa.org/why-i-host-exchange-students) for exchange students. Sound intriguing? Fun? Educational? It is all of the above! But the big question is: *Who is eligible to host an exchange student and what are the requirements of hosting?* Host families are incredibly diverse, accommodating a wide range of individuals and situations. There is a high likelihood that YOU are eligible to be a host family! Regardless of whether you have teenagers, young children, are a single parent, empty nester, or even retired, hosting an exchange student promises to be a truly fulfilling experience for everyone involved. Now, let's dive into the fascinating world of our diverse host families.   ## Families with Teens ![family with teens](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/family%20with%20teens.jpg?width=643&height=464&name=family%20with%20teens.jpg) Families with teenagers in the home often make great host families because they can provide a peer group for the exchange student. This allows them to easily integrate into the local community and school, making new friends and experiencing a true cultural exchange.   ## Families with Young Kids ![young kids holding hands with teen at airport](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_9788.jpg?width=622&height=395&name=IMG_9788.jpg) On the other hand, [families with younger children](https://blog.icesusa.org/host-family-spotlight-the-boohers) also make excellent host families. Young kids are naturally curious and open-minded, and they can learn so much from having an exchange student in their home. It can be a wonderful opportunity for them to expand their horizons and develop a global perspective from an early age.   ## Single Parents ![mom and teens greet exchange student](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Germans2.jpg?width=586&height=439&name=Germans2.jpg)Single parents can also make fantastic hosts. It can be a great way to introduce new experiences and cultures into your family dynamic. You have the chance to provide a nurturing and supportive environment for the exchange student, while also learning from their unique background and perspective.   ## Families with No Kids ![couple with exchange student](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/couple%20with%20exchange%20student-1.jpg?width=586&height=399&name=couple%20with%20exchange%20student-1.jpg) Having children is not a prerequisite for being a host family! Whether you are childless by choice or simply haven't started a family yet, hosting an exchange student can still be an incredibly enjoyable and fulfilling experience.  The beauty of hosting lies in the opportunity to open your home and heart to someone from a different culture, fostering cross-cultural connections and broadening your perspectives.   ## Large Families ![large family with welcome signs](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/large%20family.jpg?width=610&height=513&name=large%20family.jpg) Exchange students are drawn to the excitement and activity of a large host family. The bustling household offers a daily adventure of learning from various family members, from late-night chats with older siblings to playful moments with the younger ones. This energetic environment creates an instant circle of friends, fostering connections and unforgettable memories.    ## Empty Nesters ![Empty nester couple with exchange student](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Empty%20nester-1.png?width=681&height=487&name=Empty%20nester-1.png) [Empty nesters](https://blog.icesusa.org/empty-nesters-are-they-good-host-parents) or retired individuals often have the time and stability to provide a warm and welcoming home for an exchange student. It can be an exciting new chapter in your life, filled with shared adventures and meaningful connections. Plus, having a young person in the house can bring a renewed sense of energy and purpose.   ## Host Family Requirements The basic requirements for [hosting an exchange student](https://blog.icesusa.org/how-to-become-a-host-family-step-by-step-guide) are simple. The host family must pass a criminal background check, ensuring the safety and well-being of the student. Additionally, it is important to have a clean and suitable living environment, providing a comfortable space for the student to call home. While a bed for the exchange student is necessary, they can even share a room with a host sibling, fostering a sense of family and camaraderie.   ## Exchange Student Responsibility Exchange students themselves come fully prepared. They arrive with medical insurance and spending money to cover personal expenses such as school fees, lunch, clothing, entertainment, phone bills, and toiletries. As a host family, you are responsible for providing room and board, creating a warm and supportive environment where the student can truly feel like a part of your family.   So, if you've been considering hosting an exchange student, now is the perfect time to take the leap. You have the opportunity to open your home and your heart, to create lifelong memories and friendships, and to make a difference in a young person's life. Embrace the adventure, embrace the cultural exchange, and embrace the joy of being a host family. You won't regret it.   | Not ready to be a long-term host family?  No problem!  We are currently looking for [welcome families](https://blog.icesusa.org/welcome-family) to host for 4-6 weeks. This short-term committment allows a student to come and start school while we find a permanent host family. It's a world of fun, and it will change a teen's life--and maybe yours too! [![Learn more about being a Welcome Family](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/5594019/a31490a3-6ef3-4678-b467-1d5e6472027f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5594019/a31490a3-6ef3-4678-b467-1d5e6472027f) | | --- |     Tags: [Host Families](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/host-families), [Cultural Exchange](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/cultural-exchange), [Host an exchange student](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/host-an-exchange-student) ### Related Articles ## [Why January Is the Best Time to Say Yes to Hosting](https://blog.icesusa.org/why-january-is-the-best-time-to-say-yes-to-hosting) *( read )* Topics: [Host Families](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/host-families), [Cultural Exchange](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/cultural-exchange), [Host an exchange student](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/host-an-exchange-student) ## [How Different Cultures Celebrate the New Year](https://blog.icesusa.org/how-different-cultures-celebrate-the-new-year) *( read )* Topics: [Host Families](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/host-families), [Cultural Exchange](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/cultural-exchange), [Host an exchange student](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/host-an-exchange-student) ## [Winter Break Bucket List](https://blog.icesusa.org/winter-break-bucket-list) *( read )* Topics: [Host Families](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/host-families), [Cultural Exchange](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/cultural-exchange), [Host an exchange student](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/host-an-exchange-student) ### Subscribe to The Chronicles of Marketing Newsletter ### Posts by Tag - [Cultural Exchange (141)](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/cultural-exchange) - [Exchange Student (106)](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/exchange-student) - [Host Families (97)](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/host-families) - [Host an exchange student (78)](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/host-an-exchange-student) - [Youth Exchange (68)](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/youth-exchange) ## Subscribe to Our Blog Today! ![Boris_ICES_Ads](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Boris_ICES_Ads.png?width=749&height=698&name=Boris_ICES_Ads.png) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Kari Owens", "url" : "https://blog.icesusa.org/author/kari-owens" }, "dateModified" : "2023-09-08T11:35:39.780Z", "datePublished" : "2023-08-29T18:18:07.000Z", "headline" : "Who Can Be a Host Family?", "image" : [ "https://blog.icesusa.org/hubfs/host%20families%20at%20the%20airport2%20(2).jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.icesusa.org/who-can-be-a-host-family", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject" }, "name" : "International Cultural Exchange Services" } } ```