Olivia and her friend Grace introduce a host family to an American staple - breakfast for dinner.
Living With a Host Family
Living with a Host Family
There is no typical SYA host family; they range from retired adults to families with many children. What they all have in common is the motivation to embrace an American teenager fully into their lives. Many of the SYA host families have been hosting for several years - some over two generations!
- What are the benefits of living with a host family?
- How does SYA select host families?
- How are host families assigned to students?
- Can I change my host family?
What are the benefits of living with a host family?
How does SYA select host families?
How are host families assigned to students?
Can I change my host family?
An Amazing Bond
My host family are the most forgiving and humorous teachers I could ask for, and the most wonderfully loving and hospitable family members I could imagine.
Phebe O. IT'22
John Bapst Memorial High School, ME
Hear From Students About Host Family Life
Darius bonds with his host grandmother is a surprising way!
Campus reporter Annika J. writes about living with a single host mom.
Campus reporter Tara P. writes a letter to her host family both in Italian and in English
Julia describes making dinner for her family and how it relates to studying the French language.
Campus reporter Quinn H. writes about her first impressions of her new home in Viterbo.
Phebe writes about experiencing Venice for the first time with her Italian host family.
Julia writes about overcoming her awkwardness by using dancing to communicate.
Janae-Rose describes what it's like living with a younger host sibling.
Annika writes about reuniting with her host family after two weeks of independent travel.
Claire writes her 17th birthday celebration with her friends and host family.
Blessie describes what it was like spending Christmas with her host family in Viterbo.
Sarah E. compares what personal space means in both the U.S. and Spain in her latest blog.
In her first blog, Blessie R. writes about the various members of her Italian host family.
In her first blog, Janae-Rose F. writes about adjusting to living with a new family.
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Defne E. writes about showing her family around Rennes and introducing them to her host family.

Campus Reporter, Emily H., writes about preparing for the holidays with her Italian host family.

Nicole B. writes about spending Christmas with her Italian host family and their Belgian friends.

Campus Reporter, Layla C., writes about sharing aspects of her culture with her French host family.

Campus Reporter, Katherine J., writes about her trip to La Baule with her host family.

Campus Reporter Kurumi S. writes about first meeting her Italian host family.

Campus Reporter Jina Z. writes about preparing and enjoying a meal with her Spanish family.

Eleanor L. writes about being a part of her host family's traditions during the Fiestas del Pilar.

Josie B. dedicates this blog to her Spanish host family.

Lili writes about her close relationship with her Spanish host sister Carmen.
In this blog, Phebe describes her relationship with her Italian host family.

Esinam lists ways for students to show appreciation to their host family.