Student Exchange Alliance 

HOST FAMILY FAQ’s

HOST FAMILY Frequently Asked Questions about the Hosting Experience.

SEA-USA provides answers to families FAQs -- Questions and answers about student exchange and the Hosting Experience. What have you always wanted to know about hosting? Detailed Answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

SEA, Student Exchange Alliance, is a programming leader in student exchange.  

Q: How much do HOST FAMILIES receive for HOSTING a STUDENT?

A: Families DO NOT receive compensation as a volunteer HOST FAMILY. Instead, they receive many blessings and benefits by hosting.

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Q: Do STUDENTS coming for EXCHANGE in the U.S. speak English?

A:It is required that all students must be able to function in their classrooms while an exchange student. SEA partner program students are screened abroad as well by their acceptance committee in America. While students do speak English, some cultures will be more proficient in the beginning.

 

Did you know that exchange students with the SEA Alliance of programs come from over 60 different countries?

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Q: Do EXCHANGE STUDENTS have responsibilities?

A: EXCHANGE STUDENTS are expected to adapt to the HOST FAMILY’S lifestyle and ground rules and to participate in family activities. Our students know that this program is not a trip or a tour, but an academic home stay that requires work and effort that will result in learning. Students are expected to help out with family chores.

 

Exchange students are living out their dream by coming to America.  Meet some of our students to see the types of high quality students we provide through the Student Exchange Alliance.

 

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Q: What do the EXCHANGE STUDENTS bring money for?

A: EXCHANGE STUDENTS have their own pocket money, provided by their natural families. The students will take care of their own phone bills, school lunches, school expenses and recreation such as movies and bowling.


Exchange students love to get together with other students and have fun!       

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Q: What if my EXCHANGE STUDENT gets sick or needs medical attention?

A: The SEA Alliance Programs are covered by full medical insurance with a small deductible. Any liability is the responsibility of the organization.  If in doubt, call the information hot line or your AREA REPRESENTATIVE. A copy of your student’s physical exam is in his application package.    

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Q: What happens if the student and family relationship does not work out?

A: If a EXCHANGE STUDENT and HOST FAMILY have a misunderstanding, the local representative and his/her immediate supervisor provide counsel and support with guidance from the National Office. If a HOST FAMILY has an insurmountable difficulty or an unexpected change in family life, the Program Representative will arrange for another placement for the student.

 

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Q: How old are the students who participate?

A: EXCHANGE STUDENTS are 15-18 years old when they enter the U.S. The high school that the EXCHANGE STUDENT attends will determine what grade the student will enter from the student application.

Our schools can benefit from student exchange by using foreign exchange students as resources in the classroom.

 

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Q: Do I need to secure a visa for my visitor?

A: No. EXCHANGE STUDENTS enter the U.S. on what is called a J-1 exchange visitor visa, secured with a DS 2019 form issued by participating programs. The Program assumes all responsibilities for visas, visa issues and any other travel documents.

 

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Q: What is required of the HOST FAMILY?

• Have an understanding of the responsibilities involved.
• Have two or more HOST FAMILY members, married or related by blood (single people may host with prior approval from natural family).
• Have principal family members over the age of 25.
• Provide the EXCHANGE STUDENT with a bed and a place to study. AN EXCHANGE STUDENT may not share a bed. An EXCHANGE STUDENT may share a room, but only with a host sibling of the same gender who is within five years of the student's age.
• Provide breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for the EXCHANGE STUDENT. The EXCHANGE STUDENT is prepared to buy lunch on school days.
• Be financially secure and able to assume the costs of HOSTING a teenager.  Many families do enjoy supplying the extras at times of their choice.

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Q: Are we good candidates for HOSTING?

A: EXCHANGE STUDENTS enjoy living on farms, in small towns, suburbs and big cities. Every community offers the opportunity for friendship and learning. Whether you are a married couple with children at home, a single parent, an empty nester or a grandparent, as long as you have some extra love to go around, that's all you need!

Complete a no obligation Hosting Pre-Application and a local representative will assist you in your selection process.

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Q: How much does HOSTING cost?

A: Your financial responsibility is quite minimal. If you can afford food on the table, that's basically enough. Your EXCHANGE STUDENT’S natural parents will pay for all travel costs, program fees and health insurance. They will also provide the EXCHANGE STUDENT with a monthly spending allowance used for school expenses, social activities, clothing and other essentials. A $50 per month tax deduction can be claimed for each month you host.

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Q: How will our EXCHANGE STUDENT get around?

A: The Alliance understands that you are very busy with work responsibilities and extra-curricular activities. Our EXCHANGE STUDENTS are not allowed to drive, but will take school and public buses whenever available. They often make friends who drive. HOST FAMILY members are not expected to be chauffeurs, but to simply offer the EXCHANGE STUDENT a ride when it is convenient.

 

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Q: What kind of support will Program give the HOST FAMILY and EXCHANGE STUDENT?

A: A professionally trained Local Representative will be assigned to work with HOST FAMILY and EXCHANGE STUDENT for the entire program. Your AREA REPRESENTATIVE will visit with you and your student monthly, offering advice and support. The AREA REPRESENTATIVE will maintain regular contact with your local high schooland complete a quarterly report, evaluating your EXCHANGE STUDENT’S progress in family life, academic achievement and social activity. Your AREA REPRESENTATIVE, in turn, is supported by a team of dedicated regional and national program staff, available 24/7 in case of emergency.

 

Want to earn money by working as a local representative in student exchange?        

Fill out our information request form and get started

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Q: My family isn't a "traditional" family, is it still possible to host?

A: Of course! Our HOST FAMILIES come in all shapes and sizes. HOST FAMILIES may include single parent households, parents with adult children ,families with small children, or many other varieties.

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Q: Am I the EXCHANGE STUDENT’S legal guardian?

A: No. The EXCHANGE STUDENT’S natural parents remain legal guardians. The EXCHANGE STUDENT’S program takes legal responsibility for the EXCHANGE STUDENT during the course of the program. Each EXCHANGE STUDENT’S Certificate of Health contains a medical release form so that HOST PARENTS may secure medical treatment in the case of an emergency.

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Q: Can our EXCHANGE STUDENT drive while living here?

A: EXCHANGE STUDENTS may NOT drive a car while on program. Time permitting, EXCHANGE STUDENTS may take driver's education and drive only the driver’s education automobile.

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Q: How long is the EXCHANGE STUDENT’S stay?

A: Year EXCHANGE STUDENTS arrive in August for a 10 month academic stay, returning home to their home country in June. Semester EXCHANGE STUDENTS come for a 5 month stay -  some will arrive in August and stay until January and others arrive in January and stay until June. EXCHANGE STUDENTS from the Southern Hemisphere can come in January for the 12 month program

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Q: Can young children benefit from HOSTING?

A: Many of the EXCHANGE STUDENTS accepted into the program indicate an interest in being placed in HOST FAMILIES with small children. As for your own children, their facility for learning a language is never greater than when they are young; and their interest, curiosity and acceptance of people different from themselves is strongest at a young age.

 

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SEA provides the answers to questions all families have and always wanted to know about hosting a foreign exchange student. Answers explained in detail, so you can make an informed decision. You too can make a difference. Join the SEA movement of sharing the true America with the world.

If you cannot find your Question and/or Answer in the above FAQ’s, please complete the Contact Information Request.  We will reply with your answer as soon as possible, generally the same day.