Host a Foreign Exchange Student in Virginia

In the 2019-20 Academic Year, 20,274 international students studied in the state of Virginia.  1,359 of these students attended high school or secondary schools in Virginia and most of them lived with host families.

Virginia 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 Brazil, South Korea, Columbia, Thailand, Belgium, Mexico, Ecuador, France, Spain, Italy, Slovakia, Czech Republic and others.

Virginia Students
  • Have their own spending money for spending at the mall, concerts, sporting events or for items they need or want.
  • Are completely medically insured worldwide through the program.
  • Have an English skill rate of at least 70%.
  • Are high school between the ages of 15-18.
  • Receive a comprehensive medical exam before leaving their country.
  • Maintain good grades in their home school.
Virginia Host Family
  • Come in all varieties and types.
  • Are interested in global affairs.
  • Are open-minded, receptive and loving.
  • Are proud to share their culture..
  • Want to learn more about other cultures.
  • Want to help promote peace through cultural exchange.

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

Any Virginia 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 Virginia

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: 948
  • Total Number of Students on J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa: 411
  • Total Number of F-1 and J-1 Visa Students (Secondary Students): 1,359
  • Total number of SEVIS Certified schools and universities in Virginia which are approved to provide student visas to international students: 422
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 Virginia

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 Virginia.

Fredericksburg – Richmond – Virginia Beach

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