Become a Host Family

Becoming a host family is a wonderful way to build lifelong friendships and share in a unique cultural exchange.

If you’d like to learn more, simply reach out to the North Penn International Friendship Committee.
Call: 215-896-4725
Email: northpennifc@yahoo.com or tedknauss@yahoo.com

A member of our host family selection group will be in touch to set up a friendly interview. This conversation is just a chance to get to know you better—it does not commit you to hosting, nor does it guarantee placement. If you move forward, you’ll also complete a short Host Family Fact Sheet.

Host Family Fact Sheet

Requirements and expectations of a host family

  • Must provide background checks. Clearances for PA Criminal and Child Abuse Checks are required.

  • Must live in the North Penn School District.

  • Must provide room and board and provide adequate meals and a study area. Host families are not reimbursed for hosting.

  • Must provide a safe and loving atmosphere

  • The exchange student must have his/her own bed. Ideally they should have their own room.

  • The host family must set realistic expectations of life with a teenage exchange student knowing that you need to support the student academically and emotionally.

  • Since the student is in America under a J-1 Visa, the student is expected to attend school on a regular basis and is expected to apply themselves academically.

  • The host family must take an interest in sharing cultural and family traditions with the student.

  • Students will be between 15 and 18 years of age.