When you host an exchange student, you welcome a new member of your family. When your student leaves, you will have a "son" or "daughter" in another country.

Not only will you get to share your American culture, but you will also learn about a new culture and country from your student! Through hosting you will broaden your world without leaving home.

The daily routine that may seem mundane to you, will seem extraordinary through the eyes of an exchange student. Hosting is a great way of discovering or rediscovering everything your local area has to offer!

Amanda
Host Mom from Indiana

Bill and Carol
Host Parents from Texas

Over 35,000 students compete annually in multiple rounds of testing to earn a FLEX scholarship, which provides for them to spend an academic year in the United States living with a volunteer host family and attending a U.S. high school.

While in the U.S., FLEX students gain leadership skills, learn about American society and values, and teach Americans about their home countries and cultures. FLEX students perform community service in their U.S. communities and act as ambassadors of their home countries. Many are inspired by this spirit of volunteerism to develop and implement innovative projects in their home countries, using the skills and ideas they gained while on program. FLEX students are naturally curious and enthusiastic citizens of the world.

The YES program was established by Congress in October 2002 in response to the events of September 11, 2001. Through the U.S. Department of State’s Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program, high school students from countries with significant Muslim populations live and study for an academic year in the United States.

YES students serve as “youth ambassadors” of their home country, promoting mutual understanding by forming lasting relationships with their host families and communities. Applicants compete for YES scholarships through a rigorous, merit-based selection process. While on program, participants live with American host families, attend high school, and engage in community service and civic education activities.