Is there an age requirement to be a host family?
The minimum age is 25 and there is no age limit providing a family is physically able to care for students.
Do host families get paid for hosting?
No, as a CIEE host family you are acting as a volunteer. However, all host families who pay the costs of a student who lives in their home may deduct up to $50 for each school month on their tax return. In order to receive this tax deduction, please ask your Local Coordinator for the IRS Charitable tax form.
The rewards of hosting a student are profound. Until a family has had the experience, it is hard to imagine seeing the bond a host family can create with a teenager from another part of the world. Having an international student in your home will allow your family to gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and learn skills needed to live in our culturally diverse world.
What is my financial responsibility?
Share meals and include your student in normal family outings. Students come with their own insurance and spending money to buy what they need.
What makes a CIEE student?
A CIEE student has specific qualifications which students must meet before they are accepted into our program.
These standards are as follows:
- Must be between the ages of 15 and 18 ½ at the start of the program.
- Must be actively enrolled in high school in their home country.
- Cannot have failed a year of school or English in the past three years.
- Have studied at least three years of English and possess basic practical skills in written and spoken English.
- Demonstrate the proper motivation and maturity to participate in the USA High School Program.
How long will my family host a student if we apply?
CIEE USA High School students live with host families for either 5 or 10 months. If you don’t have the time to commit to a long term arrangement but want to participate, contact CIEE, we may be looking for a host family for a shorter period of time due to unforeseen circumstances.
Why host with CIEE?
Founded in 1947, CIEE is a non- profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to quality exchange and global learning opportunities. The CIEE USA High School program is designated by the U.S. Department of State to sponsor our student on a J-1 visa to attend high school in America. We are also approved by the Council on Standards for International Education Travel (CSIET). Our mission is “to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world." We are accomplishing our mission through diverse programs ranging from secondary level to teacher and faculty development seminars. As a CIEE host family, you wil have our local and national support 24 hours a day.
Frequently Asked Questions
