All types of families are encouraged to host with FLAG, there is no “typical” host family -
they come in all shapes and sizes. Even single parents are welcome. Each family is
unique and provides the student with a genuine immersion experience.
A personally interviewed international high school student becomes a part of an American host family for one academic year (+-10 months) or semester (+- 5 months) while attending a local high school as a full time student. The student comes with their own spending money, round trip airplane ticket, and full medical insurance.
In a recent survey conducted by CSIET (Council on Standards for International and
Educational Travel), host families across the U.S. indicated that their decision to host is largely based on the benefits the experience brings to themselves, their community, the students, and the world community. Hosting is an opportunity to introduce the world to family members who may not have had the opportunity to travel abroad but are keenly interested in learning more about the world around them. Hosting not only provides an unforgettable experience to the international students but also brings families closer together by actively sharing their own unique family customs and traditions. Silbings take an active part in showing the student “the American way of life”. Many host families have commented throughout the years that hosting was something that changed their own children’s lives forever.
Host families in the FLAGship program are not paid but are entitled to a tax deduction for each month they host.
Student may participate in a semester (5 month) or year (10 months) program. There is also an option for a shorter stay with FLAG’s specialized Short-Term Programs.
FLAG host families are asked to provide students three quality meals a day, a place to
sleep and study, and a loving and supportive environment. There is no requirement for
students to have their own bedroom
FLAG must receive authorization from the school before enrolling the exchange student.
FLAG has worked with hundreds of schools and ensures that students are in
compliance with school policies. FLAG Local Coordinators work together with the host
family to enroll the exchange student and maintain contact with the school throughout
the year.
