Cultural Homestay International

I am an Academic Coordinator for a non-profit organization, Cultural Homestay International (CHI). I recruit families to host exchange students in their homes from August '15-June '16. The family can select the student that will fit best with your family. They range from ages 15-18 and come from mostly countries of Asia, Europe, South America, and Russia. These students possess maturity, good character, and scholastic aptitude.

Host families are not expected to alter their lives. The student is expected to adapt to your lifestyle. Students participate as a member of the family, including following family rules and doing chores. Students attend the high school in your zone (or a charter school), and we encourage them to get involved in sports and clubs at school.

Students bring their own spending money for school functions and supplies, clothes, cell phone, eating out, and extracurricular activities. They also have their own medical insurance.

Requirements for Host Families
  • Be willing to volunteer for this commitment
  • Be 10+ years older than the exchange student
  • Provide an individual bed for the student (can share room with same gender)
  • Provide the student with meals at home
  • Welcome the student as a member of your family for an American culture experience
  • English is the primary language spoken in the home
  • Pass a background check, provide references, complete an online application, and participate in an in-home interview
The mission of CHI is to promote international understanding and goodwill through people-to-people exchanges. We believe that the best way to build bridges of friendship and trust among people is to experience directly each other’s customs, languages and values.

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