Resources for BridgeUSA Host Families
Bookmark this page for easy access to helpful materials throughout your participation in the 91×ÔÅÄ BridgeUSA High School program.
As part of 91×ÔÅÄ’s Gold Standard Service, we’ll update this page with more resources that host families are seeking.
Blogs
What You Need to Know About Hosting a Foreign Exchange Student
Have you ever considered the life-changing impact of hosting a high school exchange student? Not only is it a memory-making experience for a teenager, but it can also be a rewarding opportunity for a host family.
Beat the Winter Blues: Winter & Spring Ideas for Host Families
After the holidays are over, it can be hard for an international teenager to get back to their routine. Learn how host families can beat the winter blues with their exchange student.
How to Keep Your Exchange Student Active and Engaged During the Holidays
Start thinking of ways to incorporate your student into your host family holiday activities.
What is a BridgeUSA Host Family?
Our 91×ÔÅÄ host families are just as diverse as our international students. If you have a full house, or you're a single parent, or you’re even empty nesters, there’s a student interested in living with a family arrangement like yours.
Pre-Arrival Information
- Host Family Expenses: See how you could get a tax deduction for hosting – or even get reimbursed if your student is part of a grant program.
- Host Family Orientation: Gain a better understanding of what’s expected of both your family and your student.
- Local Coordinators: Get to know 91×ÔÅÄ’s facilitators in your area.
- Student Program Rules: Familiarize yourself with the dos and don’ts for students during their program.
Support for Student Arrival and Beyond
- Culture Shock Workbook: Take a look at the exercises you can do with your student during your adjustment period.
- Health Insurance: Discover more about what your student’s insurance covers during their stay.
- FAQs: Get answers to common questions host families have.
- Stay on top of your student’s required community service hours:
Your BridgeUSA 91×ÔÅÄ Support Team
Host families that have questions, concerns, or issues during their student’s stay should contact 91×ÔÅÄ.
- 91×ÔÅÄ Support Team
- Between 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. EST Monday - Friday, call 1-800-448-9944. For after-hours emergencies, call the same number, but follow the prompts for the emergency line.
- For general support, email support@ciee.org.
- 91×ÔÅÄ Insurance/Medical Attention
- For emergencies, call 1-888-268-6245.
- For general questions, email insurance@ciee.org.
Have other questions? Learn more on our Host Families FAQ page.