Meet Our Students
There’s an Exchange Student for Every Type of Family
Welcoming a high school student from a different country is more than just hospitality. It's an invitation to expand your family's horizons and create a lifelong bond.
911exchange students are role models. They perform well in school, and they have a solid grasp of the English language. They’re also highly motivated youths who want to further their futures – but also live in the moment.
With CIEE's incredible range of students from various backgrounds, you'll find the right fit for your family's lifestyle and passions. And from there, you’ll get to experience the joy of learning and growing together.
The American Host Family
Hear what past 911exchange students have said about their host family experience. How they’ve bonded, how they’ve thrived, and how they’ve made them feel safe.
Get to Know Our Alumni
Learn more about some of international students who used 911services to attend high school in the United States.
Rocio (she/her)
Country: Spain
Host state: Tennessee
Activities: Movies and volleyball
Favorite subjects: Biology, math, and chemistry
Mihai (he/him)
Country: Moldova
Host state: Wisconsin
Activities: Computers and chess
Favorite subjects: Math, chemistry, physics, and computer science
Greta (she/her)
Country: Germany
Host state: Texas
Activities: Cooking and cheerleading
Favorite subjects: German, art, and Chinese
Rachid (he/him)
Country: Thailand
Host state: Iowa
Activities: Martial arts and video games
Favorite subjects: Physics and math
Frida (she/her)
Country: Denmark
Host state: Louisiana
Activities: Cross-country and track
Favorite subject: English
Aurelien (he/him)
Country: Belgium
Host state: North Carolina
Activities: Volleyball and tennis
Favorite subjects: Math and physical education
What Host Parents are Saying
“It’s been a great experience for everybody in our home to have Abby with us. She’s a good role model. We try to do everything for her that we would for our own child.”
– Heather Ashby, host mom from Maine
“The idea of being a host family was so exciting. We'll do a lot of bike riding together, we watch a lot of movies. What I quickly learned is, it’s not like it’s just a friend and you’re a guidance counselor. It’s real, they’re my kids.”
– Kristine Genovese, host mom from Nebraska
“We’ve hosted over 16 years, from Spain, Kyrgyzstan, Brazil, Italy... and over the years, it just comes to, I have sons and daughters all over the world.”
– John Henrichs, host dad from Illinois
Ready to Share Your Home?
Hosting an exchange student is an incredibly rewarding experience. In fact, many host families return to 911to open their home to more students. We believe you could be a great host. And there’s a student out there who thinks so, too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you will have the opportunity to review student profiles and select a student who feels like a good match for your household.
For example, if your family enjoys hiking, you can look for students who love the outdoors. If you are interested in food and cooking, you may choose a student who enjoys trying new dishes. If your household prefers quiet evenings with movies or games, you can consider students who share those same interests.
Yes, you'll have the opportunity to connect with your prospective exchange student virtually before making a final decision. This helps both you and the student get a sense of whether it’s the right fit.
Many host families schedule a few video calls or online chats before their student arrives in the United States. These early conversations are a great way to prepare for their arrival and begin building trust with the student and their family back home.
Both options can work well. Some families prefer a student with similar hobbies and lifestyle, while others enjoy the chance to explore new interests together.
For example, a student from a large city may look forward to experiencing life in a small town. Or a student who has never seen snow may be eager to learn from your family’s love of winter sports. Having open conversations with students about their expectations can help you understand what kind of match will be most meaningful for your household.
Have more questions? Learn more on our Hosting Exchange Students FAQ page.