Open Your Home.
Change a Life.

Welcome an international high school student into your family through the U.S. Department of State's J-1 Exchange Visitor Program — sponsored by AnB Education.

Apply to Host Learn More
U.S. Department of State Designated Sponsor
All Family Types Welcome
5 or 10-Month Programs
Local Coordinator Support

An experience that enriches
your entire family

Hosting an exchange student is one of the most rewarding things a family can do — for the student, and for yourselves.

Bring the World Home

Experience different cultures, languages, and perspectives without leaving your home. Your family gains a global view through daily life with your student.

Lifelong Connections

Many host families maintain relationships with their students for decades. You become part of an extended global family that spans continents.

Make a Real Difference

You become a mentor, cultural ambassador, and second parent. The impact you have on your student's life — and theirs on yours — is immeasurable.

Flexible Commitment

Choose a semester (5 months) or full academic year (10 months) based on what works for your family. Both programs run on the U.S. school calendar.

Dedicated Support

Your dedicated Local Coordinator visits monthly and is available 24/7. AnB Education provides full support from match to departure.

Tax Benefits

As a volunteer host family, you may be eligible for a charitable tax deduction of up to $50 per month for hosting. Students bring their own spending money.

Who can become a Host Family?

All family types are welcome. What matters most is a warm, safe home and a genuine desire to share your life with a student from abroad.

  • All family types welcome — married couples, single parents, same-sex couples, empty nesters, retirees, families with or without children
  • At least one host parent must be 25 years or older
  • Private bedroom for the student with adequate storage space
  • Three meals per day or access to food preparation
  • Access to an accredited U.S. high school within reasonable distance
  • Transportation to and from school
  • Financially stable household — students bring their own spending money
  • Pass criminal background check — required for all household members 18 and older (per U.S. Dept. of State regulations)
Per 22 CFR § 62.25: Host families serve as volunteers and may not charge the student rent, tuition, or program fees. This is a federally regulated cultural exchange program.

✓ What you provide

  • A safe, welcoming home environment
  • Private bedroom and bathroom access
  • Meals and inclusion in family life
  • School enrollment and transportation
  • Emotional support and guidance

✗ What is NOT required

  • No payment or compensation expected
  • No experience required
  • No children in the home required
  • No specific income threshold

Simple 4-step process

From application to welcoming your student — we guide you every step of the way.

1

Apply Online

Complete your host family application through our portal. Takes about 15–20 minutes.

2

Home Interview

Your Local Coordinator visits your home to complete the in-person interview and background screening.

3

Meet Your Student

Browse student profiles and let us match you with a student whose interests fit your family.

4

Welcome Home!

Your student arrives. Your Local Coordinator visits monthly and is always available for support.

A federally regulated,
trusted program

AnB Education is a designated sponsor of the U.S. Department of State J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, operating under 22 CFR Part 62.

U.S. Dept. of State Designated

AnB Education holds official designation as a J-1 Exchange Visitor Program sponsor, subject to regular compliance reviews by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

SEVIS Tracking

All exchange students are registered in SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System), the U.S. government's official tracking system for J-1 visa holders.

Background Check Required

Per 22 CFR § 62.25(b), all household members age 18+ must pass a criminal background check including national sex offender registry screening before any student placement.

Monthly Oversight

Your dedicated Local Coordinator conducts mandatory in-person monthly visits and files reports with AnB Education to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your student.

Health Insurance

All students arrive with J-1 compliant health insurance meeting the minimum $100,000 coverage per incident required by the U.S. Department of State.

CSIET Member

AnB Education adheres to the standards set by the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET), ensuring the highest quality program practices.

Families who opened their doors

★★★★★

"Hosting our student from Korea was the best decision we ever made. She became part of our family — our kids still FaceTime her every week."

The Johnson Family
Austin, Texas
★★★★★

"We were nervous at first as empty nesters, but AnB's support was incredible. Our Local Coordinator was always just a call away."

Robert & Mary Chen
Portland, Oregon
★★★★★

"I hosted as a single parent and it was absolutely manageable. My student helped around the house and my daughter gained a big sister."

Sarah M.
Charlotte, North Carolina

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get paid to host an exchange student?
Hosting is a volunteer role per U.S. Department of State regulations. Host families do not receive payment. However, you may be eligible for a charitable tax deduction of up to $50/month. Students arrive with their own spending money for personal expenses.
What if I'm a single parent or don't have children?
All family types are warmly welcomed — single parents, couples without children, empty nesters, retirees, and same-sex couples. What matters is a safe, stable, and loving home environment.
How long does a student stay?
You can choose a semester program (approximately 5 months, January–June) or a full academic year program (approximately 10 months, August–June), aligned with the U.S. school calendar.
What support will I receive as a host family?
You'll have a dedicated Local Coordinator who conducts mandatory in-person monthly visits and is available 24/7 for emergencies. AnB Education's team is also available throughout the program to answer questions and resolve any concerns.
What are the background check requirements?
All household members age 18 and older must pass a criminal background check, including a national sex offender registry search. This is a mandatory requirement of the U.S. Department of State under 22 CFR § 62.25(b) and cannot be waived.
Where do the students come from?
AnB Education places high school students from various countries including South Korea, Germany, Spain, Brazil, Thailand, and more. All students are between 15–18 years old, speak functional English, and are enrolled in their home country's secondary education system.

Ready to open your home
to the world?

Join families across the U.S. who are making a difference — one student at a time.

Start Your Application Sign In

Questions? Contact us at admin@anbeducation.com