Menu
Since 1999, volunteer host families have supported ETC students by showing them love, American traditions, and becoming their second family. Opening your heart and your home to a foreign exchange student is a rewarding experience that can never be replaced.
Host families get the royal treatment of learning about a new culture without leaving their home! Our students will be sharing their culture and values with their American families. They are encouraged to bring pictures of their home country, cook authentic meals from their home, and share their holiday traditions with their host family.
Three meals a day
A place to sleep and study
Transportation
Love & support
We have a 24/7 emergency service line for support.
Bring their own spending money
Have health insurance
Have good English skills
Are highly screened for suitability for the program
Are SO excited to meet their American family
Have received extensive training
Often have international or hosting experience
Meet with the students every month
Provide ongoing support to the host family
Learn more about how you can help an exchange student!
*US applicants only
Students range in age from 14 to 18 and are currently enrolled in high schools in their home country. Students apply through foreign partner organizations in their home countries. They go through an extensive application and evaluation process.
ETC students come prepared to make the most out of their high school year in the US. They fully participate and integrate into their school, host family and community and then they return to their home country to further impact their world.
Embark on your international journey with an exchange student who comes from one of these countries:
Argentina, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Paraguay, South Korea, Spain, and Vietnam
“Family is not only defined by blood and genes it’s the people in your life who want you in theirs and those whom you can always count on. Family always brings out the best in you! It’s the most precious gift”.
– Joline (ETC student from Germany)
We will help you complete the application and answer any questions you may have about the hosting experience.
Once your application is approved, we will work with you to find a student to match your family’s interests and activities.
Our ETC Local Coordinators have extensive experience! They will provide the necessary support to prepare your family to face the challenges of welcoming a new member into your family.
We have an emergency line for support. If medical attention is necessary, ETC students have medical insurance.
Your family will have meetings monthly. We will provide support, answer questions and guide your family in this incredible intercultural experience.
Our host families enjoy their experience so much, that 50% of them return to host again the next year.
There is not a traditional type of family that hosts exchange students. American families come from all types of socio-economic levels, ethnic backgrounds, and locations. Our host families reflect this diversity. Families may have children of similar age to the exchange student or they may be younger. Some of our families are empty-nesters who no longer have children at home. Single parent families also make up a portion of our host families.
A loving and safe environment for the student. Room and board. Students do not need to have their own bedroom and may share a bedroom with one host sibling of the same gender and similar age. A quiet place to study. Some transportation. Guidance and support.
Students range in age from 14 to 18 and are currently enrolled in high schools in their home country. Students apply through foreign partner organizations in their home countries. They go through an extensive application and evaluation process.
You will be presented with applications for several students and will have the opportunity to choose the student that best suits your family’s lifestyle.
Students should be welcomed as a family member and treated with the same amount of respect and compassion that you would give your own child. Students should also be expected to follow the family rules and assist with household chores the same way an American son or daughter might. Students should not be expected to act as babysitters or housecleaners.
We recommended to write down all the house rules with the student during the first week of arrival and to make sure that the student is familiar with the house and all the house rules. Families that expect students to learn by watching the actions of their own children will often be disappointed. Do not expect students to learn through observation only and it is important that all expectations are written down and posted somewhere to serve as a reminder
The family must provide a separate bed, in a bedroom/enclosed room, for their student. The bed cannot be a futon, cot or an air mattress. The student may share a room with one host sibling of the same gender and similar age. The student’s bed can not be placed in an open area such as a family room or furnished basement.
The family will ensure that the student has transportation to and from the school. If there is no school bus or public transportation available, then the family will have to arrange for a carpool or drive the student to and from school.
Oregon: (503) 222-9803
Toll Free: (877) 222-9803
Fax: (503) 227-7224
1029 SW Washington St.
Portland, OR 97205
