Having an extra teenager in your home will likely increase your household expenses, such as gas, water and grocery bills. Here is some guidance on how to best set financial boundaries from the beginning to ensure that both you and your student are on the same page.
Download worksheet
Host family expenses
Host families are responsible for providing their exchange student with their meals, transportation and a clean and safe living environment. At first, it may feel awkward trying to balance treating your student as a member of the family, while also expecting them to pay for their own personal expenses. It can be tempting to be overly generous with your student at the beginning and offer to pay for things that are their responsibility.However, this can set the wrong precedent in your student’s mind. Helping your student understand their monthly expenses and what they're responsible for will set you both up for a healthy relationship.
EF tells students that personal toiletries are their responsibility. However, there may be household toiletries that you’re buying for everyone in the family, such as toilet paper and toothpaste. Discuss those items with your student and clarify which toiletries you will provide for the family and which personal toiletries the student would be expected to pay for. Host families are expected to cover:
- Three meals a day plus snacks
- Utilities
- Reasonable transportation
- Household toiletries
Student expenses
Students are expected to cover their personal expenses while on program. They will likely bring a credit card, debit card or pre-paid card from back home. Students may experience some challenges using their foreign cards in local retailers, so it's best that they also carry cash.
When planning family activities that come with a cost, talk with your student about the expenses and ensure that they have enough in their budget to participate. We do not expect you to pay for them, so if they do not have the funds to participate, discuss lower cost options. Students are expected to cover:
- Personal toiletries and cosmetics
- Phone plan
- Clothes
- Entertainment — time with friends such as concerts, school dances, museums, entry fees, movies, coffee dates, miniature golf, etc.
- Holiday gifts
- Additional food costs beyond what’s provided
- School and sports fees
- Travel
- Insurance coverage
:focal(1600x725:1601x726)/f/69908/3200x1450/1c47951a60/mwb_02984.jpg "Student & Host family expenses: who pays for what? (2)")
Who pays for the school lunches?
Host families are expected to cover three meals a day for their student. If you are providing lunch supplies for them in the house but your student would rather eat at school, that would be their expense. One IEC says, “I tell my host families that if their student doesn't want to pay for school lunches, then the family needs to make sure there is enough food available for the student to pack their own lunch. I also advise them to have snacks available for the student to bring to school as well.”
Who should pay for the student when we eat at a restaurant together?
Host families provide three meals a day to an exchange student, so if you decide to eat out for a meal and you expect your student to go along, plan to pay for them. Set guidelines for your family around meals that are eaten outside the home. One host mom says, “When we go out, I look over the menu and tell my sons and student how much they’re allowed to spend at that restaurant. I usually pick an average of the prices listed and everyone is expected to stay under that. This helps keep our meals affordable."
Do students know how to manage their own money?
Students usually have little experience managing and budgeting money; your guidance will be needed and appreciated. Your student may not realize all the expenses associated with social activities and entertainment or the reoccurring expenses like a monthly cell phone plan.
How much should students budget per month?
Students are encouraged to budget $250-300 per month during the exchange. Prior to their arrival and throughout the exchange, it is helpful to provide a list of monthly expenses, like their cell phone plan and toiletries, as well as any one- time fees they should be aware of such as family vacations, prom expenses, additional school fees or tickets to local events.
Can my student open a local bank account?
Your student may try to open a local checking account so their parents can deposit money for their spending money. Not all banks allow a minor from abroad to obtain an account. For everyone's protection, we do not recommend co-signing on a bank account for your student. Instead, encourage your student to use their debit or credit card from back home.
Find the right exchange student for your family
Does your family have any hobbies or interests that you'd like to share with an exchange student? Are you looking to learn more about a particular region of the world? Consider some of these topics and start browsing student profiles today.
:focal(180x180:181x181)/f/69908/360x360/b9ad6c2b54/gth1.png "Student & Host family expenses: who pays for what? (3)")
Before your student arrives
Preparation is key: how to make sure your family is ready
When will my student arrive?
How to start building your relationship before your student arrives
Add a personal touch to your student's room
How to prepare your exchange student for school
Using family mealtimes to get to know each
The advantages of hosting two exchange students
:focal(180x180:181x181)/f/69908/360x360/468e4af14c/gth2.png "Student & Host family expenses: who pays for what? (4)")
The first days
Making your student feel at home
Rocky start? Try active listening if you're struggling to communicate
Overcoming a language barrier: how you can help
Top tips for supporting your homesick student
Family relationships: helping your student create balance
6 stages of culture shock
:focal(180x180:181x181)/f/69908/360x360/0fa2bf5fd7/gth3.png "Student & Host family expenses: who pays for what? (5)")
Life with your student
Who to talk to if you have a question
Participation is important: help your student get involved locally
Overcoming challenges and misunderstandings with your student
Navigating religious differences and expectations
My student is struggling academically: how can I help?
What if it doesn't work out?
American traditions every exchange student wants to try
5 ways to enjoy fall as a family
10 ways to get in the Halloween spirit
5 ways to give back in November
The holiday season
:focal(180x180:181x181)/f/69908/360x360/5348920f1b/gth4.png "Student & Host family expenses: who pays for what? (6)")
Other topics
Frequently asked questions
Does your student want to apply for a local drivers license?
Important information when taking your student to the doctor
Health insurance: all EF students arrive with coverage
Student visa information and guidelines on travel
More trips with EF
Custodial guardianship
Saying goodbye and keeping in touch
