Host Family Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I get accepted as a host family?
  After you agree to host you will fill out a Host Family Application that includes a high school profile, a community profile and a background check release form. Along with the application we ask that you provide two references. Your local coordinator will conduct an in-home visit with all members of your family present.
• Do I get to choose my student?
  Yes, you get to choose your student from many different countries and profiles. You have the choice of hosting a boy or girl and can choose your student based on different hobbies and interests.
• From what countries do the students come?
  The students come from a wide range of countries, including Brazil, Germany, China, Hungary, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Poland, Thailand, Turkey, Russia, Egypt, the Philippines, and Saudi Arabia.
• What ages are the students?
  The students range from 15 to 18 years old.
• Where will my student sleep?
  Your student may have his/her own room or may share a room with a child of the same gender who is at least within 4 years of your student's age.
• Will my student come with his/her own spending money?
  Students are expected to have their own spending money for personal expenses (school lunches, supplies, clothes, entertainment).
• Do the students have medical insurance?
  Each student comes with his/her own medical insurance as well as an insurance card. This will not cover vision or dental unless it is an emergency.
• How will my student get to and from school?
  Your student can either walk, be driven to school by a family member or a friend with a driver’s license, or take the bus.
• Are the students allowed to participate in after-school activities?
  Absolutely! The students are encouraged to join clubs and organizations to enhance their experience while living in America.
• Are the students allowed to drive?
  The students are not allowed to drive any vehicles while they are on the exchange program. They are, however, allowed to take a Driver’s Ed. class as long as they do the driving portion with a licensed, certified, and insured instructor.
• How long is the student’s stay?
  Students arrive in August for the 10-month full academic year or for the 5-month fall semester program, or in January for the 5-month spring semester program.
• Is there a tax deduction for the host family?
  Yes, the tax deduction for the host family is $50 a month for each full month that your student is with you. AYA will send out letters in January regarding this issue.
• Does AYA offer any funding for cultural activities that the student participates in?
  AYA recently launched a new program that offers students $300 per year to be applied toward cultural events throughout the year. This stipend can be used to take your student to a local fair, for admission to a museum, for a special school trip or to help with the costs of a weekend trip. The Cultural Activity Fund is designed to reduce the cost of taking your students to cultural events during their stay in the U.S.
• What if I just do not “click” with my student?
  Each student has a Local Coordinator, usually the person who places the student. The LC’s role is to offer support to the student as well as the host family. We want the experience to be a positive one for both the host family and the student. If a personality conflict exists, the LC will work with the student and host family to see if a resolution can be made. If we are unable to do so, the student will be replaced as soon as a new host family can be arranged.
• What happens if my student has behavior or academic problems during his/her stay in my home?
  If any problem should arise, the LC will step in and work with the student and family to decide what action is deemed necessary. The students have strict rules about behavior and academics. They are all aware of the rules and the consequences of not abiding by those rules. They have signed a contract promising to abide by the rules. The AYA national office adheres to a disciplinary process in which the student can be issued a warning letter, placed on probation, or disqualified from the program.
• Will I, as the host family, be in contact with my Local Coordinator throughout the year?
  Yes, you are encouraged to call your LC anytime with any questions or concerns you may have. The LC is required by AYA to be in monthly contact with the host family and student. The LC also is required to do bi-monthly reports on each student he/she is supervising. Many LCs organize student and host family functions throughout the year in order to stay in touch.
• I have more questions!
  Call Academic Year in America at 1-800-322-HOST or email sjacaruso@aifs.com.
  

—Becki Smorynski, Local Coordinator, TX