Share America International Exchange is a non-profit, educational organization based in Naperville
The goal of this program is to promote international friendships and to promote cultural awareness between people of the world
Several programs are offered throughout the summer with visiting French and Spanish students
If you want to host but have a vacation planned, feel free to take the student along, or we can find temporary housing while you are away
Students are from all regions of France and Spain
An adult escort accompanies the students and assists the American leader with all aspects of the program
Students are high school age
Students are fully insured and have their own spending money
The role of the host family is to provide a warm and loving home, including meals, a bed (not necessarily a private room), and local transportation
The primary language in the home must be English
Host families should not do anything different so the student can experience the typical American family life
Students will consider you their “American Family” and will refer to you as their “American Mom”, “American Dad”, etc.
Host families are not expected to spend large amounts of money, plan expensive excursions, or provide maid service.
Although many families wish to host 2 students, it is strictly forbidden. Students are eager to improve their English language skills and cannot live with another native speaker.
Students are expected to conform to the rules and schedules of the host family. Give your student a “chore” to help him/her feel like part of the family
The students have 2 planned excursions weekly such as Great America, Navy Pier, Baseball game, bowling, shopping, etc.
Host families are not expected to drive their student to the excursions. Groups will either take the train or we will take a bus.
Welcome and farewell picnics are planned. These casual get-togethers will allow you to meet the other host families and students.
Your America coordinator is there for you with any questions or concerns you may have
Some of the benefits of hosting a student from abroad are gaining a lifetime friend and exposing your family to a new and different culture. Many of our host families have been invited to visit their new “son or daughter!”
We are all human and rarely, either the family or the student is for some reason unhappy with the placement. In that case, if a solution cannot be reached, the student will be moved to a new home.