Typically open-minded, adventurous people from all walks of life, host families usually have varied reasons for participating in this amazing cultural exchange opportunity. Some have traveled extensively; others simply love foreign language, culture, and international topics, while still others see the hosting experience as one that will expose their children to international people, ideas, and language. Many of our families both send their kids abroad and host. Hosting and being hosted is an enriching opportunity for both the student and the family!

There’s certainly no magic formula, but usually the best hosting experiences occur when the host family has children. Families with grown children away in college also really enjoy the hosting experience. However, we encourage families with no children to host as well; what’s most important is that you are kid friendly!

ECI’s Host Families come from both the city and the suburbs and may be working parents who work outside of the home, self-employed, stay-at-home, or retired parents.