News
August 11, 2015Host an International High School Exchange Student Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State
Would you like to have a cross-cultural experience in your community while contributing to improved relations between the United States and other countries?
If so, consider hosting an exchange student sponsored by the U.S. Department of State in your home or school. Each year, almost 2,000 high school students representing over 50 countries are awarded highly competitive merit-based State Department scholarships to study in the United States for an academic year. These promising young leaders live with American host families across the country, attend high school, and participate in extracurricular and community service activities. When they return to their home countries, they engage in alumni activities to share what they learned, put their new skills in practice, and maintain their links to the United States as they become leaders in their communities.
The benefits of hosting Department of State-sponsored exchange student go beyond simply welcoming someone new into your family or school and sharing American culture, values, and traditions — when you host an exchange student you welcome a new culture and language, and all the richness that comes with it into your community, help a young person learn and grow, and create long-lasting relationships and memories. Learn more and fill out an interest form at hosting.state.gov or email us at youthprograms@state.gov. It is recommended that you complete an inquiry form by August 18 if you are interested in the possibility of hosting a student arriving this fall. Inquiries received after that date will also be considered for fall students.
