Host a Student
CCI invites you and your family to join thousands of other families across the U.S. who enjoy the enriching and rewarding experience of becoming a volunteer host family!
Now more than ever, your family can make a difference by hosting an exchange student… making the lifelong dream of an international student come true, and yes, contributing in a small, but significant way, to global peace and understanding.
Imagine...
...Sharing the beauty, history and culture of America with a young foreign exchange student from Russia, Vietnam, Brazil, Germany, Korea, Spain, or one of 30 other countries, developing lifelong friendships between your two families.
...Exploring your differences, discovering surprising similarities, and teaching your new son or daughter about your American values and beliefs.
...Seeing the United States through the youthful eyes of an inquisitive teen, and rediscovering the simple things that we often take for granted…a baseball or football game, a community picnic, even window-shopping at the mall!
Why host families are needed
Each year, CCI provides over 1000 exchange students the rare opportunity to live with American families all across the U.S., from a few weeks in the summer, up to a 10-month Academic High School Year.
With volunteer host families located in every state, CCI can provide these young ambassadors a wide range of landscapes, climates, activities and lifestyles ...from a farm in rural Iowa to a suburb of Seattle…from the coastline of Maine to the heart of Texas…only host families - like yours - can provide such a rich menu of unique and truly "American" experiences.
Why do students study in the U.S.?
Americans and the American way of life fascinate students worldwide. They are bombarded by it everyday …on TV, Radio, the Internet…and they want to experience it first-hand.
International parents consider it a priority to expose their children to other cultures and lifestyles, in order to become truly global citizens.
Speaking English is essential in today's world and is fast becoming a universal language both on and off-line.
And the U.S. represents one of the world's finest models of democracy and freedom. Now, more than ever, international students want to understand and experience these principles for themselves, so they, too, can make a difference in the future.
Who can host?
CCI host families come in all shapes and sizes and represent the diversity of American culture. Our families are of varied economic, religious and racial backgrounds and include:
CCI Volunteer Host Families are:
Warm, welcoming and open-minded people
Often international travelers themselves or would like to be
Proud to share their American culture and lifestyle
Interested in learning about other cultures
Eager to include a student in their family and community
Happy to receive a modest tax deduction for hosting
CCI Academic Year/Semester Students are:
Boys and girls, ages 15-18 years old
Arriving in August and January, for 5 or 10 month programs
Representing 40 countries worldwide
Academically strong students
Talented in music, art, dance, sports, computers, more
Proficient in English
Eager to experience life in America and share their culture
Well-screened by our sending partners abroad
Individually matched to your family's interests
Prepared to assume responsibilities of daily life
Instructed to bring adequate spending money
Fully insured during their stay
Encouraged by their natural parents at home
What is expected from the volunteer host family?
A separate bed and a quiet place to study
Daily meals with the family
Some local transportation
Open communication, encouragement and sound advice
Treatment as a member of the family (chores, rules, privileges)
What is expected of students?
Be a responsible and caring member of the family
Attend school regularly and show consistent effort
Share his/her culture and customs with hosts and community
Participate fully in family and school life
Open communication and commitment to the program
What can you expect of CCI?
Founded in 1985, the Center for Cultural Interchange (CCI) is an organization dedicated to the promotion of cultural understanding, academic development, and world peace.
Founded in 1985, the Center for Cultural Interchange (CCI) is an organization dedicated to the promotion of cultural understanding, academic development, and world peace.
In addition to our National Office staff in Chicago, IL, CCI has a strong and dedicated network of local area representatives and Regional Directors, working hand-in-hand with families, students and schools across the U.S. CCI's professional staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and stands ready to serve program participants in several ways:
Advocate for the program in the local community
Interview host families and verify personal references
Match students and families with similar interests
Administer and monitor school admissions
Meet/greet and orient new students and families
Clarify expectations and uncover misunderstandings
Provide ongoing support and advice
How does a family apply to host?
If you and your family are interested in hosting, please follow one of the convenient steps listed below:
If you and your family are interested in hosting, please follow one of the convenient steps listed below:
Fill out and send the online inquiry form. Your local Area Representative will be in touch with you shortly!
Call toll free 800-634-4771 and speak to one of our staff members about hosting! Please tell us how you heard about CCI, too.
We look forward to sharing this wonderful cultural exchange experience with you and your family!