• Bring the world to your community

  • Share your corner of America.

  • Become a host family today!

Make an impact.

We support students and host families across the United States and are members of CSIET, the gold standard for high school exchange programs. Learn more about how Our Global Community sets American Councils apart!

Seven students wearing blue YES program t-shirts group together. There are 6 girls and 1 boy. All are smiling at the camera.

WHO WE ARE

We are committed to the mission of merit-based exchange programs funded by the US Department of State, and we believe in the power of these programs to enrich the lives of the students, host families, schools, and communities we work with! Meet our team.

A close-up of a large globe focused on North America. Several hands holding the globe are visible on right and left sides

WHERE WE WORK

Our Washington, DC-based team works with Local Coordinators across the US. We support host families of all shapes, ages, and sizes, from Hawaii to Pennsylvania and in many places in between. Learn more about bringing an exchange student to your community!

WHY AMERICAN COUNCILS?

When you host a scholarship exchange student with American Councils, you'll add an exceptional student to your family and gain a new son, daughter, sister, or brother. Even more, our team will be there for you every step of the way!

 

Our high school exchange students are recipients of prestigious, merit-based scholarships funded by the US Department of State. If you are considering sharing your corner of America with an exceptional exchange student, start here!

 

Open your world to a bright and ambitious exchange student. To date, over 40,000 students have been hosted in every US state. 

Have questions about hosting? Contact us today!

Why Host?


What motivates a family to open their home to an exchange student?

A family of 5 people is sitting on a large rock. They are all wearing casual clothes and are dressed like they are going hiking. They are smiling at the camera.

Karissa, an American Councils staff member and 45-time Host Mom, continues to share her corner of America—for the students, for her children, and for the world. Find out why she recommends everyone host, even just once!

Click here to read the story

“We had an amazing year with our student. She truly became part of the family while staying with us. Our kids learned so much from her, and I feel like it broadened their minds, as well as hers.”

— Host Family

See the latest from the International Student Support Team: