The family is responsible for introducing their young person to American culture through the normal support of a caring, understanding family. Host families provide affection, meals, a bed, and more - just as they would for their own family members. IFYE stresses family living as the heart of the learning experience, offering young people the chance to experience other cultures through personal involvement in the homes, schools, and communities of their host countries. IFYEs are expected to join in almost all aspects of U.S. family life - sharing quiet moments, as well as taking on household and family chores, celebrating birthdays and holidays, enjoying family vacations, and participating in community activities. The young person will bring their own money for incidental expenses.
Host families are of all sizes and backgrounds.
Families with young children at home, grown children, and no children have all hosted international youth successfully. The most important qualification is a love of young people. Families are not selected on the basis of wealth, but on the capacity for caring and their capabilities for showing and sharing qualities that have made our country as it is. Just as importantly, IFYEs are selected for their desire to participate in a family living situation. They neither want nor expect a bread and breakfast.