Families interested in hosting a foreign exchange student can be matched with students from more than 60 countries through the company Ayusa.

All high school foreign exchange students are fully insured, bring their own spending money and are proficient in English – and all high school exchange programs are regulated by the U.S. Department of State.

Volunteer host families provide foreign exchange students a nurturing environment, three meals a day and a bedroom (either private or shared with a host sibling of the same gender).  Each host family and student is supported by a professionally trained community representative who works with the family and student for the entire program.  All interested host families must pass a criminal background check and a home visit by an exchange organization.

Interested host families are required to fill out an application, pass a background check and interview with a local exchange program representative in their homes. Once accepted to a program, host families can view profiles of students to find the right match for their family.

Ayusa is currently accepting applications for families to host an exchange student for the 2012-2013 school year.

1.888.552.9872 or www.ayusa.org