MAking a difference...

to the life of a foreign student and to your family!
"But I don't have teenagers at home", someone will say. "Both my husband and I work", says someone else. "I'm a single parent" or "We're a busy family, we won't have time to entertain a teenager" or "Our accommodations are modest!" Every year we hear these and countless more reasons why a family CAN'T host.
​None of these things matter.
In fact, host families represent the diversity of our country, with different economic, religious, and racial backgrounds. Many host families have adult children who no longer live at home, while some have no children at all. Many are individuals living alone, while others are involved in communal living spaces shared by multiple families. What ties all these people together? An openness of heart and mind. An eagerness to learn and to teach. A willingness to open their homes to a child, and offer their time in service. An interest in fostering relationships, in building community. A sense of "giving-back" (and in turn, receiving so much!) Sound like you? Then you qualify to host.

Each year welcoming international students we are elated to observe the instant connections between the visiting students and their host families. Strangers can become friends in no time! 

But why not let an experienced host family tell you about their own impressions of their short-term student hostings and the effects this adventure has had for their family. 
We are very grateful for people like the Bishop family who advocate for this intercultural experience: 

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"Our family has hosted two international students over the past two summers. It was a truly enriching experience for our own five children. Not only did they bond with Selma and Max and make lifelong friends, but they have a connection to Norway and Germany that will broaden their understanding of the world as they grow into adulthood." My husband and I found that having a student join our family for those back-to-back 3-4 week sessions caused us to be more intentional with our summer endeavors. We spent more time as a family and created lasting memories because we were cognizant of providing a unique  American  for our visiting students.  It was a win-win! We highly recommend this program... (formerly named) Visions USA helped to make our hosting experience stress-free. We look forward to hosting more international students!"
- Andrea and Brian B., Asheville, NC

Can we host?

Our host families come from all walks of life. We welcome single persons/parents as well as 2-spouse families or retirees into the program. Each family may choose their student, we do not "pre-select"  for you. Who you pick is your  choice! Commonly, families pick one single student they would like to host. We do appreciate if you are interested in a double hosting experience. Often, students coming from abroad for the first time appreciate being placed with a buddy with whom they can share this life-changing experience. And this simply means double the fun for you and your family!

How can we become a part
​of the program?

Once your initial interest has grown into readiness and commitment to host we encourage you to contact us. We are happy to schedule a home visit with you and your family where you can get to know us and we have the chance to introduce the program thoroughly. After the home visit we will send you a link to submit a background check and send you an  application.  This form will later be shared with your student and parents.

More benefits; ex. free day camp!

Asheville families, please email or call us if you are interested to sign up your own child/ren for a day camp experience together with the visiting exchange students! We provide introductory language lessons (typically German, Italian, or Spanish) during the ESL classes for our visiting students. Also, your child/ren is/are welcome to join the group for scheduled activities and excursions!