Contact Information for Local Program Partners:

American Councils has local offices in each country where the program operates, and they are best equipped to answer your specific questions. Of course, you also can contact your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate or the Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs if you have questions or concerns.

With whom will my child be staying?

Host families are as diverse as Americans themselves, and they live in all areas of the United States. They share a curiosity in foreign cultures and an interest in helping exchange students learn about American life.

All host families undergo a screening that includes an in-person interview at their home, personal reference checks, and criminal background checks.

Supervising Organizations:

Several organizations are responsible for locating appropriate American host families and schools. These organizations also monitor your child's stay with the host family:

• AFS-USA, Inc.
• AIFS/AYA
• American Councils
• ASSE International
• Center for Cultural Interchange
• Council on International Educational Exchanges
• Foreign Links Around the Globe
• PAX–Program of Academic Exchange
• States' 4-H International Exchange Programs
• World Learning
• World Link, Inc.