Answers to Questions You Might Be Thinking! 

Who can host? Host families come in all sizes and shapes.  Single parents, couples without children, empty nesters, families with young children or teenagers… all are invited to apply!

If we don’t have a teenager, won’t an exchange student be bored?  ACADEMIC students:  No, because the international students go to school all day, and participate in after-school activities, just like everyone else.  The exchange students have plenty of interaction with American teens.  SUMMER students: Possibly?  It depends on what you have going on in your neighborhood.  Talk to us about your specific situation!

What if we have younger kids?  No problem!  It’s often lots of fun for families to have an older “sibling” join them. 

Can we host two? ACADEMIC: Yes!  The students must speak different languages, and agree to having two in the house. SUMMER:  No.  since all are from Spain, they would end up speaking too much Spanish.  However, often families host with friends/neighbors–which makes the experience more fun for everyone!

I don’t know if we have room in our house?  A private bedroom is not required, and students can share a room with host sibling (as long as they are less than four years apart in age). They do need their own bed.  Bunk beds are fine! 

Can we choose our own student? Yes!  ACADEMIC:  We can search for you (for example, a boy, 15, plays soccer, likes animals).  We can hold this student for you, while you complete the entire application process.  Once you are cleared, you have the complete application.  SUMMER: You can see complete applications of available students, usually from March through early June.

What do hosts provide? Housing, three meals a day, transportation to activities,  and loving support.  

Are there activities planned?   Yes!  And hosts can come, too! ACADEMIC:  We normally have monthly gatherings and two or three trip possibilities. SUMMER: Each week, there are two outings. Six Flags and Boston are highlights!

What about medical needs?  All students have health insurance.  They all have complete physicals before they come, and they have complete vaccination records to share with the school.

Are host families paid? No, it is all voluntary. Students pay for their own expenses. 

When are the students here?  ACADEMIC:  (full year) end of August – mid June (semesters are also an option)  SUMMER:  end of June through third week of July–3 1/2 weeks!

Can I host for a shorter time?  Yes, you can be a temporary host, who hosts while another family is unable (perhaps they are traveling or have a family obligation).

Can students travel with their host families?  Yes (with a few limitations). 

Where would we go to pick up our student? ACADEMIC: Students come into the airport closest to you. Hosts pick up their students and return to the airport with them at the end. SUMMER: For the summer program, typically the students are within an hour radius from Brattleboro:  Keene and Hinsdale, NH….  Brattleboro, Wilmington, Halifax, Dummerston, Guilford, Putney, Vernon, VT… Greenfield, South Hadley, Northampton, Amherst, Springfield, MA…

What if it doesn’t work out?  If the situation really is not working out, and you’ve tried to work through it unsuccessfully, the student will be placed with another family.  Students can’t do drugs, drink alcohol, drive, or have low grades; they are sent home.  In a lot of ways, these students can’t do the things that cause parents the most concern!

How do I get started?  Follow the links below!