Become a Host Family

Opening The World Through Youth Exchange ...

Becoming a Host Family

Exchange programs are founded on the belief that a more profound knowledge of other societies and cultures help to build stronger relationships between countries, governments, and peoples. In the wake of the September 11th attacks on the United States, Global Insights reaffirms its commitment to the ideals of international exchange and the pursuit of mutual understanding through promoting policies and programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study in the United States. The U.S. is fortunate to count among its staunchest friends abroad those who have experienced our country and our values through in-depth exposure as exchange students and scholars. Each year, nearly 25,000 students participate in exchange programs, enriching our communities with their cultures, while developing a lifelong appreciation for ours. The goodwill these students bear for our country will in the future constitute one of our greatest foreign policy assets. And the key element required to make these exchanges possible is American families eager to open their hearts and homes to a young person from abroad.

Share in this rewarding experience by joining the growing number of families who are hosting an exchange student! When hosting a Global Insights exchange student, your family will embark on an exciting cultural journey that can change the way you view the world. While you provide your student with a once in a lifetime opportunity to share in the daily life of an American family, your student will bring to your family a fresh outlook on life and insight to their own native country. Your family will "adopt" your exchange student as a member of the family during the exchange experience and you will each learn invaluable lessons from one another. You will share the ups and downs of daily life and as time passes, your family and student will grow closer and develop a bond that will span the globe and last a lifetime. Before you realize it, it will be time to say "goodbye" and if you are like most host families and students, you will stay in touch for years to come. Some host families later visit their exchange student's home country, meeting his/her natural parents and getting to know the country first-hand. Hosting is truly a unique and exciting experience in global education!

In the months and years ahead, Global Insights will continue to promote increased international understanding through its exchange programs. We are grateful to our current program participants and invite you to join in this effort to promote world peace - one student at a time!