Frequently Asked Questions

Hosts range from single parents, single adults and "empty nesters" to families with children and even grandparents. Many host parents are working adults with busy schedules who still spend quality time with their family and exchange student and provide adequate supervision.

Host Families must be able to provide their exchange student with a safe and caring family environment, a bed, meals, a quiet place to study, and assistance with transportation. Host Families are not responsible for the exchange student's spending money and personal expenses such as costs for activities, travel, and school.

You can host an exchange student for an academic year or semester. If you cannot host for a full term or feel unsure about it, you can also host an exchange student as a welcome family for one to two months at the beginning of their program.

NWSE exchange countries and regions include: France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Scandinavia, Spain, United Kingdom, and the USA.

NWSE Exchange students range in age from 15 to 18 years at the beginning of the program.

Host families are responsible for paying for groceries for the exchange student, all utility costs, as well gas needed to assist the student with transportation. Host families are not responsible for the exchange student's spending money and personal expenses such as costs for activities, travel, and school.

All exchange students are covered by health insurance for the duration of their exchange program. They and their natural family are responsible for all medical costs that are not covered by their insurance.

NWSE Exchange students are screened for the program on the basis of an extensive application that includes, at a minimum, a personal interview, references, essays, academic and medical records, as well as detailed biographical information.

NWSE assesses the English skills of all exchange students to ensure they are able to communicate with their host family and succeed at their American high school. English skills upon arrival vary. While some students speak good English from the outset, others may take some time before they can express themselves with ease and understand others without problems.

NWSE secures school acceptance for all exchange students. Hosts are responsible for their student's school registration and enrollment in classes.

All NWSE students and their natural parents must agree to complying with program rules and expectations to ensure a rewarding and safe exchange experience for all participants in the program.

It is possible to host up to two exchange students at the same time, provided the students are from different countries and do not share a native language. The students and their natural parents must consent to such a double placement in advance.

Your local NWSE Academic Coordinator as well as our NWSE program staff are there to assist in resolving any problems that may arise during the exchange program. We will also provide you with a 24-hour NWSE phone number for urgent cases.

Great to hear you're interested in hosting an exchange student! Please register online so we can contact you about the next steps.

Please register online or contact us for more information, so one of our local coordinators can contact you and answer any questions you may have about hosting an exchange student.