Be a host family to a high school exchange student„Academic Year in America

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does my family need to qualify? The most important qualifications are an open mind and an interest in new experiences.

How will my family benefit? You will learn about another culture firsthand. You will discover another way of looking at your world and the world at large. You will make a life-time friend.

What if a member of my family wants to travel or study abroad? Every host family receives a scholarship after their hosting year. The scholarship can be used on certain study abroad programs by any member of their immediate family.

What if our family would like to travel to visit our student? Families who host students in consecutive years earn a travel voucher worth up to $500 toward the cost of an airline ticket to the student's home country.

Who are the AYA Local Coordinators? They are women and men who enjoy working with young people, who are open-minded and sensitive and who believe deeply in the value of cross-cultural exchange.

How does the program support my family through the year? Our Local Coordinators live near the students they place and supervise. They are available throughout the program year for advice and support. In addition, our national office has a toll-free line available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Why should we choose the AYA program? Simply, our standards are very high. The students we help to realize their American dream are carefully selected. Our Local Coordinators are well trained and the expertise of our national office spans more than 20 years. AYA is the program of choice for families who want to enjoy the best possible hosting experience.

How to become a host family | AIFS Foundation | AYA home page