Host a Foreign Exchange Student in Iowa

In the 2019-20 Academic Year, 11,603 international students studied in the state of Iowa.  625 of these students attended high school or secondary schools in Iowa and most of them lived with host families.

Iowa 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.

International agents travel the world in over 75 countries to bring exchange students here to study abroad.

Iowa Students
  • Come with their own spending money for the Zoo, Iowa State Fair, Adventureland, etc.
  • Come with their own medical insurance that is good anywhere in the world through the program.
  • Have an English skill level of at least 70%.
  • Are high school students between the ages of 15-18.
  • Receive a full medical test before leaving their country.
  • Keep up average to good grades in their home country high school.
Iowa 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 Iowa for our students.

Any Iowa 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 Iowa

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: 147
  • Total Number of Students on J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa: 478
  • Total Number of F-1 and J-1 Visa Students (Secondary Students): 625
  • Total number of SEVIS Certified schools and universities in Iowa which are approved to provide student visas to international students: 227
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 Iowa

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

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