Being a host family involves providing a nurturing home environment for a high school student who will attend a local high school. This includes offering a safe and loving atmosphere, a bedroom, and meals for the student.

No, all host families are volunteers and do not receive payment for hosting. Exchange students bring their own spending money to cover expenses such as school lunches, entertainment, personal items, and souvenirs. Additionally, students come with medical insurance to cover any medical bills in case of accidents or injuries.

All types of families are eligible to host! This includes families with children of all ages, single parents, and empty-nesters.

The commitment ranges from 8 weeks to 10 months, and your family can select the student that best matches your preferences.

Your local coordinator is available at any time to answer questions and support both your family and the student. Additionally, there is a staff member available 24/7 in case of emergencies.

Yes, before your student arrives, you will have a meeting with your local coordinator. During this meeting, you will be provided with information about the student’s country and details about the hosting experience.

Your student will expect to be treated like a member of your family. This includes helping with chores and participating in family activities.

Yes, as a part of your family, they must abide by your rules, including those about chores, curfew, dating, etc.

Hosting an international student allows your family to learn about new cultures and customs, teach a teenager from another country about American culture, expose your children and community to different perspectives, and create a bond with a new “son or daughter” that can last a lifetime.

If a student breaks the law, it may lead to their immediate dismissal from the program.

Exchange students have their own spending money to cover personal expenses, such as school supplies, clothing, snacks outside of the home, and entertainment. Host families are expected to provide room and board and reasonable transportation to school activities.

Yes, it is acceptable for the student to share a room with one host sibling of the same gender and similar age. The student must have their own bed and space for personal items.

No, NWS is the legal sponsor for the student. As the legal sponsor, NWS issues the necessary documents for the student to obtain an exchange-visitor visa to enter the United States and participate in the NWS high school exchange program. NWS remains legally responsible for the student for the duration of the program. However, the host family has permission to obtain medical treatment from a licensed physician for the student when necessary, as a medical release signed by the biological parents is included in the student’s application.

Yes, your exchange student should be invited to attend your place of worship. If your exchange student is of a different religion but is interested in attending your church, temple, or synagogue to learn more about this aspect of our culture, they should be welcomed and encouraged. Arrangements should be made to allow the exchange student to attend the church of his/her choice if so desired.