Year-Long Exchange Programs

Year-long exchange programs States' 4-H International Exchange Programs sponsors year-long exchanges. Through the U.S. State Department's Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX), American families have the opportunity to host a student from Eurasia for the academic to school year (July through June). Students are enrolled in public high school and participate in school activities as members of their host families.

State coordinators and local representatives in each participating state provide support services for host families and exchange students throughout the school year. Incoming students attend arrival orientations prior to being placed with American families, and bilingual counselors are on-call to provide translation or support services.

Information for Host Families

Are you interested in other countries? Would you like to welcome an international student into your home? Host families come in all shapes and sizes and reflect the diversity of the United States. What they have in common is their eagerness to open their homes and hearts to a young person from another culture. Our families are warm, welcoming people who are proud to share their American culture and lifestyle.

Students on year-long academic exchanges are provided with medical insurance, bring their own spending money, and are eager to experience American life. Click on the contact us page if you would like more information about hosting in your state.

Host Family FAQs

  1. What are the requirements to be a host family?
    • Welcome the student as a part of your family.
    • Provide a private bedroom or a shared bedroom with child/youth of the same gender.
    • Provide meals for the student.

  2. I don't have children at home. Can I still host?
    • Yes! Our year-long programs welcome host families with or without children.

  3. How old will my student be?
    • Year-long students are between the ages of 15-18.

  4. How much does it cost?
    • Students have health insurance and bring their own spending money. Your main cost would be to provide meals for the student.

  5. Will my student speak English?
    • Students come with good English skills, and you'll be amazed how quickly they improve by being immersed in the language!

  6. What countries do students come from?
    • We have welcomed visitors from Japan, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan.