Technically the answer is yes, what we expect from our host families is that they feed their exchange student breakfast, lunch, and dinner during their approximately 12 day stay.
Most families also choose to spend some additional money so that visiting exchange students can go on additional adventures around the area especially on the weekend. Sometimes host families will bring their exchange students to spring festivals, taking a trip to a museum or place that requires additional funds, the Spy museum, and or Kings Dominion. It's also worth noting that there are a lot of fun things to do in this area that aren't expensive and or are free and can be just as fun! Mrs. Lennon is happy to help students and families who are interested in hosting but would like to keep the cost lower by helping you plan some fun cheap or free weekend experiences.
Can you host an exchange student?
Of course! All Hylton families and students who are interested are encouraged to host an exchange student!
The only requirements to host include:
The exchange student must be provided with a bed (they can share a room with a same sex student)
Provide the exchange student breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Pick up student at Hylton after some field trips into D.C. if we get back later
Show the exchange students the American and Hylton High School way of life!
Do I have to be in CISL to travel or to host?
No, absolutely not! These exchanges both traveling and hosting are open to all Hylton High School families! That being said CISL students who host or travel can earn large quantities of CISL points.
What if I don't speak the language!
Please don't worry, visiting students have been studying English from a very early age, they are highly fluent! There is no need to speak Spanish in order to travel or to host!
Hosting an exchange student is like having another son or daughter. Students are asked to respect the host family's rules and routine.
Do I have to travel if I agree to host?
Absolutely not, we welcome all Hylton students families to participate in one or both parts of the exchange traveling and or hosting based on whatever is best for them! All that being said it can be really fulfilling for our students to travel to a country and then host the same student that hosted them but again, it isn't required at all! We feel that the more students who are involved in the exchanges the better!
What if there is an emergency when we're hosting?
All students and parents who are hosting an exchange student will have 24/7 access to Mrs. Lennon. Mrs. Lennon hosts the Spanish organizer of the exchange so we will be able to assist you in a moment's notice with any problems or concerns that may arise. All students that travel to us have insurance and we will assist you if any emergency health related or otherwise should arise. You're not in this alone!
What if I have after school activities when I'm hosting?
No worries, it would be great if your exchange student can tag along to observe but if not it is a part of the experience!
Let's keep building these great relationships and growing our global family! Contact Mrs. Lennon at [email protected] with questions.
