Host a Foreign Exchange Student in West Virginia

In the 2019-20 Academic Year, 3,680 international students studied in the state of West Virginia.  230 of these students attended high school or secondary schools in West Virginia and most of them lived with host families.

West 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, Krygystan, Mongolia, Slovakia, Czech Republic and others.

West Virginia Students
  • Have their own spending money to buy any incidentals they want or need; sporting or concert tickets, books, etc.
  • Are insured medically through the program.
  • Have an English ability level of at least 70%.
  • Are high school students ages 15-18.
  • Receive a full medical testing prior to leaving their country.
  • Maintain good grades in their home  school.
West Virginia Host Family
  • Come in all types.
  • Are interested in world affairs.
  • Are receptive and loving.
  • Are proud to share their local American culture with others.
  • Want to learn more about other cultures.
  • Hope to help promote peace through cultural exchange.

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

Any West 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 West 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: 87
  • Total Number of Students on J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa: 143
  • Total Number of F-1 and J-1 Visa Students (Secondary Students): 230
  • Total number of SEVIS Certified schools and universities in West Virginia which are approved to provide student visas to international students: 71
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 West 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 West Virginia.

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