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Young Life Amicus FAQs

How much does it cost to host an Amicus student? Edit

Host families provide room and board, basic transportation and family activities. Students pay for their own school expenses, school supplies, clothing, entertainment, shopping and extra curricular activities. Vacations and expensive trips are not necessary when hosting.
Do I have to have teens to host a student? Edit

No, it is not necessary to have a teen to host a teen.
What kind of families work best for exchange programs? Edit
- Families who are flexible.
- Families who have a love for teenagers.
- Families who desire to reach out and share a home and life with others.
- All sizes and shapes make great host families - families with little kids, teenage kids or college-aged kids. Empty nesters also make great host families!
How long will an Amicus student live with my family? Edit

The exchange year is about 10 months. Students arrive approximately one week before school begins and depart mid-June for Young Life camp and a four-day final session in our nation's capitol. While in Washington, D.C., they will be prepared for their journey home.
Do I need to make any special arrangements in our home? Edit

It is best for exchange students to have their own room for rest and privacy, especially during the first three months of adjusting to a new culture, language, school and family.
What about the language barrier? Edit

Students have had a minimum of three years of English, and most have had six or seven. They desire to come to the U.S. to improve their conversational English. It is not necessary for the family to speak the student's native language — only English (which is a foreign language to an exchange student!). The students are very motivated to improve their English. All have a transitional period before becoming spontaneous; it is helpful to speak slowly for some students.
What about my own children? Edit

Exchange students look forward to having host brothers and sisters. We see accepting an international student into your home as a family ministry opportunity to demonstrate the unconditional love of Christ to your exchange student. We ask that all adult and teen family members attend the orientation hosted by the local Amicus representative.
What if I have questions or problems during the year? Edit

Each Amicus student has a representative who is available for help and answering questions. Students and host families will experience some adjustments during the year; this is normal.