Host a Student
What’s it like to host?
Hosting can be a life-changing experience for students AND the host family. Although we are one country, you will be matched with a student from a part of the United States that is entirely different than your local region. Student applications will come from all backgrounds, and host/student matching will be coordinated to ensure the most meaningful experiences possible.
The Beyond State Lines exchange program is the most accessible student exchange program in the United States, offering a one-semester experience without a financial or language barrier. Open your heart, open your home, and show your slice of this country to a student with curiosity.
Transformative experiences are only possible through meaningful host families.
Do you wonder how you can improve your family, community, or the world? One way is by sharing your home and heart with a Beyond State Lines high school exchange student. What begins as an exchange of cross-American culture extends throughout a high school and community to touch thousands of lives. If you are a family hoping to host a student, please fill out an interest form below to begin your application process.
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June 3rd
Interest form is open.
July 1st
Applications are open and due August 14th. We’re excited to get to know each and every one of you!
August 14th
Host family interviews and application review. Also includes home tours, background checks, and further information.
September 15th
Final family selections are notified! Host onboarding begins. In some cases, families will be notified of the option to be a backup host family.
November 15th
Students are matched with their host families!
November 16th - January 2nd
Students prepare for their departure to another state.
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Curiosity is the #1 most important criteria we search for when students apply. And as we find curious students from every state, we match them to the most ideal host families.
As we interview and search for host families, you are given the option to name preferred criteria. As you apply, you will have the opportunity to note preferences and conditions to suit your unique family needs.
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1. Professional Staff Contact
Staff support to resolve any issues that come up. Hired professionals who are there to help.
2. Pre-Arrival Materials
Virtual training session.
Written handbook covering: hosting tips, communication guidelines, FAQs, and what to do in common situations.
3. Student Support Resources
Each student is matched with a professional contact at BSL.
Conflict resolution workshops
Resources on how to adapt to their new environment
4. Mid-Program and Final Evaluations
Anonymous feedback forms for both families and students.
Used to troubleshoot and ensure everyone’s experience is supported.
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Must be 25 years or older (or have at least one adult in the household who is).
Provide a safe, clean, and stable home environment.
Have a private sleeping space for the student.
Commit to hosting for the full duration of the program (duration of the spring semester).
Provide meals and transportation (if the student is not able to walk or bike to school/community activities).
Compensation will be provided to cover the costs of hosting. The goal of this number is to cover the added expenses of hosting a student for the duration of the semester.
Pass a background check for all adults (18+) living in the household.
Complete a home visit (virtual or in-person) to confirm suitability.
Participate in an orientation/training session.
Host families are not responsible for students personal spending money or providing their medical insurance.
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Beyond State Lines provides a cost-of-living-adjusted monthly stipend to offset food, utilities, and shared living expenses incurred by hosting. This is not income or payment for services — it is designed to make hosting cost-neutral. In most regions, the monthly stipend ranges from $400 to $600.
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As we review applications for host families, we connect with schools to determine the best way to integrate students into the new environment.
Once set as a host family, we work with schools to determine credit transfers, placement, and all other coordination required for student success.
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Know the perfect family? Refer them through our online form today!
Beyond State Lines cares about the safety and health of its exchange student participants. The Department of State implemented a toll-free number (1-866-283-9090) for secondary school students, which was effective August 1, 2009. The toll free number can be used by host families, exchange students and the public to report circumstances impacting the students’ health, safety and well being during their exchange visitor programs.
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