Host a Foreign Exchange Student in Illinois

In the 2019-20 Academic Year, 51,966 international students studied in the state of Illinois.  1,355 of these students attended high school or secondary schools in Illinois and most of them lived with host families.

Illinois host family homes are welcomed to become part of the exciting world of student exchange. Exchange students will be arriving in August from countries such as Germany, Brazil, South Korea, Columbia, Thailand, Belgium, Mexico, Ecuador and others.

Our representatives travel the world in 75 countries to bring the best students to study abroad.

Illinois Students
  • Come with their own spending money for going to Cubs, Bulls, Bears games or Zoos or Museums or other incidentals they may want or need.
  • Come fully medically insured through the program.
  • Have an English skill level of at least 70%.
  • Are high school students between the ages of 15-18.
  • Receive a comprehensive medical exam prior to leaving their country.
  • Keep average grades in their home country high school.
Illinois Host Family
  • Come in all styles
  • Are interested in world affairs
  • Are receptive and loving
  • Want to find out more about other cultures
  • Are proud to share their local culture
  • Want to promote peace through cultural exchange.

Local representatives are committed to recruiting the finest families in Illinois for our students.

Any Illinois resident can apply to be a host family. Host families can be a single person, single parents, or empty nesters. It does not matter if you live in a house, town home, condo, or apartment, you can host a foreign exchange student.

If you are interested in becoming a host family, click here to get more information.
If you are interested in becoming a student, click here to get more information.

Key International Student Statistics for Illinois

Over 1,000,000 high school and college exchange students come to the U.S. each year, according to NAFSA. Thousands of those students stay with Host Families. Let us help you find an exchange student to host who will be a perfect fit for your family.

Total International Students and Economic Contribution from NAFSA

High School/Secondary Student Statistics from CSIET and US Department of Homeland Security

  • Total Number of Students on F-1 Student Visa: 713
  • Total Number of Students on J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa: 642
  • Total Number of F-1 and J-1 Visa Students (Secondary Students): 1,355
  • Total number of SEVIS Certified schools and universities in Illinois which are approved to provide student visas to international students: 744
If you are interested in hosting an international student or are an international student and would like to apply to a US institution, Call us Today! at +1 (203) 285-6767.

Activities in Illinois

Host families are encouraged to include their exchange students in family activities, events, and outings.  For great deals on interesting experiences for the whole family, visit Groupon Illinois.

Sources

*F-1 Secondary Students by State: Department of Homeland Security SEVIS Data Mapping Tool, March 2021 Statistics
**J-1 Secondary Students: Council on Standards for International Education and Travel (CSIET) 2018-19 J-1 Students by State Data
***Total International Students and Economic Value Statistics: NAFSA: Association of International Educators 2019-20 Economic Value Statistics
****Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified schools: Department of Homeland Security SEVIS School List March 2021