How to Become an AYA Host Family
AYA Host Family Application Form
Step 1: Apply
Your family will be asked to fill out an application, which provides details about your family members, interests, lifestyle, home and family rules. You will be asked for non-family references who can attest to your suitability as a host family. This application becomes a "letter" to your future student, sent to the student you choose with pictures you provide to introduce him or her to your family and your way of life. Per Federal regulations, all household members over the age of 18 must also consent to a criminal background check. AYA values your privacy and all background and personal identifying information is kept strictly confidential.
Step 2: Family Interview
All family members should be present when the AYA Local Coordinator visits your home. The Local Coordinator must be sure that your family understands the responsibilities of hosting, see the room where the student will sleep and study and determine that all family members agree to share the experience. The Local Coordinator must be able to answer a resounding "Yes!" to the question "Would I place my own son or daughter with this family?"
Step 3: Choose a Student
After you have been accepted as a host family, you will be able to choose the student you would like to welcome into your home. Your Local Coordinator will show you profiles of different students (male and female) and help you find one whose interests and background are compatible with your family's. You may also view student snapshots online.
Step 4: Attend Orientation
In the weeks before your student arrives, you will be invited to a host family orientation conducted by your Local Coordinator. This will be a chance for you and your family to participate in a workshop dealing with expectations and cross-cultural differences. All host families must attend an orientation, and all household members should be present.
Begin the application process!
To apply to host a foreign exchange student, please download the application below. You can either print out the application and complete it by hand, or you may complete the application on your computer before printing out the form.
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You will need a PDF file reader to view the application form. If you do not already have one installed on your computer, please click here to download a free reader.
Completed applications should be sent to:
AYA/AIFS Foundation
River Plaza
9 West Broad Street
Stamford, CT 06902-3788
Applications may also be emailed to ayacompliance@aifs.org or faxed to (203) 399-5259.
To request a copy of the AYA Host Family Application by mail, please request a brochure online, call 1-800-322-HOST(4678) or email aya.info@aifs.org.
Whenever people ask me “how is your host family?” I always had countless things emerge in my mind because the do thousands of things for me. I remember that one winter night I spent the night at my friends house. At 10 o'clock in the evening, my mum and dad came over just to give me an extra blanket just in case I won't get cold. That's maybe just a little thing but it in my heart forever.
Yang from China
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