By: Maria Kiosses, Vice President of Compliance and Youth Programs
Welcoming an exchange student into your home is an exciting and rewarding experience. For many host families, it is an opportunity to learn about another culture, create lifelong memories, and share a slice of everyday American life with a young person eager to grow and explore. Yet, as with any transition, the first days and weeks are critical. The better prepared a family is before the student arrives, the smoother the adjustment will be for everyone. Doing the groundwork ahead of time reduces potential issues and helps students feel immediately welcomed, secure, and connected.
Start with Communication
Long before the student boards their flight, host families can begin building a relationship. A simple introduction email is one of the most effective ways to start. Families can introduce themselves, share a few photos, and tell the student about their community, pets, or favorite local traditions. This not only breaks the ice but also gives the student a sense of familiarity and reassurance before stepping into a completely new environment. Some families even set up video calls to put faces to names and answer initial questions. These small gestures set the tone for an open and supportive relationship.
Prepare the Home Environment
Nothing says “welcome” like a thoughtfully prepared room. Host families should ensure the student’s bedroom is clean, comfortable, and functional. A freshly made bed, an empty closet, and cleared drawers signal that the space truly belongs to them. While the essentials are most important, families who want to go the extra mile might add personal touches such as a desk lamp, cozy blanket. Some even prepare a welcome basket filled with snacks, toiletries, and a handwritten note. These simple acts can ease the transition and help the student feel at home from the very first night.
Set the Stage with Neighbors and Community
Preparing the community around the family can be just as important as preparing the house itself. Letting neighbors know that an exchange student will be living with the family creates an extra layer of support and understanding. Neighbors may offer warm introductions or help the student feel more integrated into the local environment. Families can also inform the school, church, or community groups they are part of, so the student is warmly welcomed into those circles as well.
Establish Family Expectations
While many conversations will naturally happen once the student arrives, setting up a basic plan ahead of time can prevent misunderstandings. Families should think through household rules, chores, curfews, and schedules. Having clarity from the start helps students settle in more smoothly, as they will know what is expected of them and how they can contribute to the family dynamic.
Celebrate the Arrival
Finally, the first day matters. Meeting the student at the airport with a smile, a hug, or even a simple sign with their name can create a lasting memory. A family meal on the first night, perhaps with a favorite local dish, helps set a warm and welcoming tone. Hosting an exchange student is about creating a home away from home. By preparing ahead of time—through thoughtful communication, readiness of the home, and intentional community support—host families can ensure their student begins the year feeling cared for and connected. These small acts of preparation pave the way for a smoother, more rewarding exchange experience for both the student and the family.
Are you interested in opening your heart and home to host an international high school student? Visit HostWithGreenheart.org to apply to host!
Do you know of a family who might be a good fit to host? Visit ReferWithGreenheart.org and if they are new hosts with Greenheart, you earn a reward!