CIEE BridgeUSA Host Families Blog

Hosting an international exchange student is about opening your home to a new culture, new perspective, and a relationship that often lasts long after the program ends – for both you and your family.

For thousands of host families across the U.S., saying goodbye to an exchange student can have the opposite effect – marking the end of a year that felt anything but temporary.

Have you ever considered the life-changing impact of hosting a high school exchange student? Not only is it a memory-making experience for a teenager, but it can also be a rewarding opportunity for a host family.

After the holidays are over, it can be hard for an international teenager to get back to their routine. Learn how host families can beat the winter blues with their exchange student.

Start thinking of ways to incorporate your student into your host family holiday activities.

Flying many hours on a plane. Getting in a car with people they just met. Moving into an unfamiliar house in an equally unfamiliar area. It would be a lot... keep reading

Host families are expected to help their international student arrange transportation. But don’t worry – this doesn't mean you must drive your student wherever they want to go!

As a family with kids of your own, are you concerned that you won’t have enough time to host an international student? If so, we’re here to help you rest... keep reading

Need a reason to host an international exchange student? Good, because we have 5 of them.

What strange days we are having right now. Many states have closed schools, and students are social distancing at home with their host families. How do you deal with a... keep reading

Hosting an exchange student impacts everyone involved for years to come after the exchange ends - it's what we call the "Lasting Impact" of exchanges. Sometimes, hosting even spans generations... keep reading

When my husband and I were planning our honeymoon, we had no idea where to go. He had spent over a decade traveling the world with the Navy while I... keep reading

So, you've decided to host an exchange student! Your interest may have come from friends or coworkers hosting, a newspaper article you read, a tv or radio interview with students... keep reading

Welcome to 2020! January is such a time of transition. If you are hosting a 10-month August student, you're halfway through your year. So crazy! If you've just finished your... keep reading

Happy holidays from Louisiana! How are you celebrating the holiday season with your exchange student? For exchange students, celebrating the holidays on their exchange year can be an unforgettable experience... keep reading