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FAQ



  • 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.