How well is my student's English?

All EVI exchange students are carefully screened and selected by EVI overseas representatives. These students have a minimum of three years of English instruction. Exchange students are typically given an English language Proficiency Test and an oral interview to qualify them as having a working knowledge of their English skills. 

What are the steps towards becoming a host family? 

Each potential host family must fill out an application form which provides a detailed summary and profile of the family. Each family is screened by an Community Representative through a home interview with all members of the family present. The host family must provide personal references from members of their community or school attesting to their characters and qualifications. Prior to a host family's acceptance, the references will be verified and the local high school is asked to fill out a form for the student which states that they have accepted the student for the school year. 

Once you're ready to host, it is required that written permission be obtained for your student to attend the local high school in your area. Your EVI Community Representative is required to contact the local high school, and will usually be the person to obtain this permission, but some host families like to get this process rolling right away -- especially as some schools have limits on the amount of exchange students they can accept, and students are approved on a first come first served basis. 

If you'd like to host an EVI student. Please email us to info@eviglobal.org, an EVI staff will respond ASAP.

Am I qualified to host? 

Host families come in many shapes and sizes. There is no typical host family: families with teens, no children, young children, grown-up children, single parents and grandparents are all appeared on our host family profiles. Host families live in large cities, suburban areas, on farms and ranches, or in small communities. Our students are also from diverse family backgrounds. Stating your interests and preferences in the application and meetings, your Community Representative will help you match an exchange student to your family uniques.

Do students have to go to school? 

Yes. School is an integral part of the exchange experience. It is essential that the exchange student becomes an active part of that system. The student is also encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities that are offered in each school. School attendance is also required by the U.S. Government for the student's visa to remain valid. 

What must host family provide for students? 

Exchange students must pay for their own travel costs and medical insurance, and they are provided with spending money for the duration of their stay in the United States. American host families provide students with normal meals, a place to sleep and a loving supportive home life. Students are allowed to share a bedroom with the host family's teen of the same gender, but he or she must have their own bed. 

How are families screened? 

• Each prospective American host family is personally interviewed by the local Community Representative who also completes a Home Visit Screening Form. The prospective host family must complete a three page detailed Host Family Application covering the family's background, interests and hobbies. 
• Three personal references must be provided to the Community Representative, preferably one from an employer, and one from a community organization (churches, service clubs, or other organizations), or from a friend who knows the family well. This is to attest the stability and good repuation of the family. 
• The US Department of State requires that a criminal background check be performed on each household member over the age of 18. Please note that a criminal history does not necessarily preclude a family from being qualified to host, but may serve as one of several criteria in determining whether or not a family is suitable for hosting. 
• The EVI Community Representative contacts the principals of each high school to obtain permission for an Exchange Student to attend the school. Once qualified, the entire family is involved in the selection of the exchange student. Records of the student's placement are filed in local, regional, national and international offices. 

what is the goal of the program? 

EVI is dedicated to bridging cultural gaps by providing a foreign student the opportunity to live as a member of an American community. Meanwhile, we look forward to providing our families, students, schools, and representatives with a global perspective and promoting a brighter future at home, at work, and throughout the world. Together with your help, we can bring the peoples around the world closer and develope international understanding.