Every year, we host exchange students from around the world. These students are here to learn about our country, culture, and language. Maybe they have listened to music from our famous artists, recognized our sports stars, or just heard a lot about us, and got curious. They come eager to experience life in our communities and our local high schools. For the exchange student, the stay is an adventure in everyday life.

To make this possible, the students need a place to stay, and our host families play a big part in our students’ experience.

The great experience of being a host family

Åsa and Stefan, who have hosted several exchange students, report: "Hosting students has really enriched our family life and is one of the best decisions we have ever made. Our own grown-up children consider their best friends to be our former exchange students. It's an enlightening experience that teaches you about culture differences and about yourself."

The Kristiansson family, hosts to Jonas and Felix from Germany, shares: "We find it thrilling to meet new people and cultures and we love traveling to different parts of the world. But we have discovered that welcoming another culture into our home can be just as exciting. We can warmly recommend others to take the step to host and welcome a new family member!"

Hosting will get you new perspectives

As a host family, you will not only get a new family member and a friend for life, you will also gain insight into another culture and perhaps learn a bit of another language. Moreover, you will experience your own city, your own way of life and see your own values from a new perspective. You and your family will create wonderful memories together with your exchange student. Hosting is a truly enriching experience.

Erika Peterson, host mother of Philip, says: "Already after one week we got a new view of our country and our way of living. We got new perspectives on things and learned a lot about ourselves. There was also a new dynamic in the family, but all very natural. Philip blended easily into the family, and we shared cooking, cleaning, and doing the laundry. Our daughter Clara, who wanted to learn German, thought it was great, and I finally got myself a running buddy!"

The Staberg family, host family to Lars, says: "It was so exciting to gain insight into another country. The children had great fun and Lars really became a friend for life. This is for real!"

The Vogts family, hosts to several exchange students, says: "They have enriched our lives in a fantastic way. You don't just take them into your house and send them home after 10 months. They become part of your family. And every time your family grows, it can only get better!"

The host families

Host families come in all shapes and sizes. Our host families live in villas and apartments, in cities and in the countryside, with a partner or single, with or without children, working or retired. What's important is the commitment to young people and cultural exchange. Of course, as a host family, you can choose which student you want to host. Many students want to stay for an academic year, but you can also host for three months. A great way to try out life as a host family!

If you are interested, sign up for an information meeting , call or email us and we will tell you more.

Facts:

Age of the students: 14–18 years

Origin of the students: Among others USA, New Zealand, Brazil, Japan, Germany, Finland, and Italy.

Duration of the program: 3–10 months

Program start: Generally coordinated to school starts in autumn and spring.

Languages: In addition to their mother tongue, most students have a good knowledge of English.

6 reasons to become a host family:

You wish to enrich your family with a new family member from another part of the world.
You are curious about other cultures.
You want to gain new perspectives.
You take an interest in other languages.
You want to learn more about cultural exchange.
You wish to support a young person's dream of living in another country.