Do you get paid for foreign exchange student hosting?

Host families of foreign exchange students do not get paid. The United States Department of State prohibits hosts from receiving any monetary compensation. The rule was created to ensure families decide to host because they want to better the experiences of the students, not to make money.

Host families must provide all meals, transportation to school and extra-curricular activities, and shelter. Students are required to pay for their own cell phone bills, social events, clothing and school expenses. Students must also pay for their own American health insurance. Although host families cannot be paid, they can receive a charitable deduction on their tax returns.