HOST A STUDENT

F-1 High School Students

Quest International High School USA students are between the ages of 15 -18, they attend tuition private or public high school for a school semester or school year. Please be aware that we are required to run a criminal background check on potential host family applicants.

Quest International works with foreign partners who do the pre-screening and orientation of students. Students are required to submit complete application materials including current medical records and teacher’s recommendations. Most students are screened through a SKYPE (www.skype.com) video and audio interview to ensure a level of English proficiency that meets the majority of our high school’s enrollment criteria.

Your role as a host family is to provide a caring and supportive environment for your exchange student. Your student will learn about American culture from experiences with friends, school, and community, but more importantly, your student will learn the most from living with you and your family. There are many different types of host families; single parent families, families with children of any age, childless families and families with grown children, retired persons and even single people with a strong desire to host. Host family adults must be at least 25 years of age and be able to take on the financial responsibility of hosting. Quest pays a small monthly stipend to cover some of the costs related to hosting our high school students.

Frequently Asked Questions about the High School USA Program.

What is expected of the exchange student? Our students are here on an academic, cultural exchange program. They must attend and participate in school full time and maintain a “C” average in all course work. Students are to participate as a family member and are expected to follow host family rules including family chores. Quest International students are considered ambassadors for their country, their attitude and behavior must reflect the highest standards set by our program.

What is the host family responsible for? The host family is responsible for room and board, a separate bed and a quiet place to study.
What happens if the student is ill or involved in an accident? Quest International students come with full medical insurance.
What about spending money for the student? The student’s natural parents agree to send adequate spending money. Students are responsible for their own clothing, social activities, trips, school expenses, meals outside of the home, insurance deductibles and all telephone calls.
Are we expected to show them America? You are not obligated, but if your family is taking a vacation, you may include your exchange student. Quest also offers student trips throughout the year, Washington DC, Disney & New York City to name a few. These trips are organized and chaperoned by Quest International and must be paid for in advance by the student.

Quest provides host families a network of support beginning with a local Area Representative. Area Representatives are responsible for interviewing host family applicants. Quest International screens adult family applicants through criminal background checks to ensure the safety of program participants. Our Area Representatives are available to help with any difficulties or concerns you and your family may have during the hosting experience. Host families and students are given orientation meetings both prior to and after student arrival. The Quest International National Office has staff on hand with a 24 hour emergency line for additional support to host families and students.

The rewards of hosting are many. Your family will learn and grow with the experience as you build a life-long friendship! For more information contact us.

If you are interested in becoming a Host Family for Quest International, call us with questions at (415) 665-3900.