Exchange students speak English and come to the US because they are interested in our culture, language and perspectives.  They are looking to make American friends and learn first-hand about our country.  This year, we had two exchange students join us - one from Russia and the other from Thailand. 

These students become your sons and daughters for the school year and beyond.  (They are not guests, visitors or tenants.)   Hosting a student is a great experience.  By the time they leave at the end of the school year, they are a part of your family.

Host families "adopt" these students for the school year, making them part of their families and sharing a interesting cultural experience.  Yes, you will be living with a teenager and you will have to set rules, explain differences, and manage expectations.  On the other hand, host families will learn from the exchange student about his/her country and culture and get to know this young person first hand.
 
The exchange student pays to come here and pays for incidentals such as clothing, toiletries or medical expenses.  Host families receive $4,500 as an incentive and to help cover expenses incurred while hosting (extra groceries, family outings to the movies or a restaurant, or coming on the family vacation). 

If you are interested in learning more or want to apply to host an exchange student for 2017-2018, please call Ms. Short as soon as possible.  The district phone number is (518) 624-2221