Open Doors, Open Hearts

Hosting a student is an exciting and rewarding experience. Should you choose to welcome a foreign student into your home or, more importantly, into your family, you will have the chance to establish a wonderful friendship while making a difference in a student's life.

Our host families learn first-hand about a foreign country and its culture from the perspective of an exchange student who has grown up there. They share in the evolving process of bringing the world closer together through cultural sharing and friendship. Most of all, they gain a new family member with whom to share love and friendship that will last a lifetime.

In exchange for these gifts, the host family provides the student with room and board during his or her stay in America.

ICES Host Families are the backbone of our organization as so much of our success depends on the environment created for our students by these very special families.

How to Become a Host Family

• The first step to becoming an ICES Host Family is to contact us at our National Office.
• We will then get you in touch with a local Area Representative who can set up an appointment to visit with you in your home.
• There are a few simple forms to complete and you will be asked some questions about your family, hobbies, community, and work.
• You will also have the opportunity to review the profiles of students who will be arriving for the upcoming academic program.
• You will be notified within a few days of your acceptance.

      -  It’s that easy!  -

Once your student has arrived, our local Area Representatives are on hand to provide an immediate source of support for you and your student.

If you are interested in becoming an ICES Host Family, please fill out the Host Family Application Form. It’s simple and carries no obligations. If you prefer personal contact, please call ICES at telephone (434) 993-1973 or (800) 344-3566 (within the USA), or send an e-mail to Program Director,  Lisa Robinson.