I loved the experience hosting a foreign exchange student. I would do it all over again, however CETUSA could do things much better. When I looked up CETUSA reviews I couldn't find many. I feel this CETUSA review will be helpful to first timers. They require a background check for the safety of the student and I completely agree with, but I didn't know this company and was a bit nervous giving them personal information including social security number. The background check went well and it's safe to do so. We were given a list of students to review and pick one that most matched our same family interests. The communication after that was lacking. We had an arrival date, but not much other information. Even though we were in contact with the student and family they didn't have much information either. The exchange program in the student country is different (Explorius) and works with CETUSA. A week before arrival we met with a coordinator to go over documents and rules. Some rules were shocking with no explanation as to why the rule existed. These rules were never revealed to the students family or us. I did not agree with all of them such as limiting cell phone privileges or no visits from student's family until the end of the program, and they may not leave the program early. It's a 37 page handbook. They should have more transparency and you'll need to ask for it. We were informed at that time students would spend 4 days in New York and attend meetings and see tourist attractions before arriving to us. We and the student family were not aware of this. We were told to never threaten the student with being sent home, yet that's what our student said CETUSA did in all the meetings was fear-mongering. Our student said that they couldn't use a red solo cup because if a picture turned up with them holding one it would be considered as "drinking alcohol" CETUSA scared our student when in New York to the point of wanting to not continue. The anxiety and stress that the student and family went through was uncalled for and could have been avoided. If you've ever raised a teenager, then you know they can be challenging. The teenager's actions should not reflect on CETUSA's review. Our student was fantastic and will forever be a part of our family. A few weeks after arrival we had a get together with all host families and students. I found that many host families were first time like us and was surprised there weren't families that had been doing this for years. I feel that is due to CETUSA and would love to post the entire 37 page handbook for future host families. At one point we filled out a travel release for a vacation we were going to take (travel over two nights require an approval 2 weeks prior) We never heard back even after submitting 4 weeks early and checking with them constantly. The day prior to our departure we were told if we go without the approval there could be consequences.... We did go without approval but shortened our stay to keep within rules. We were also faced with an unprecedented situation of COVID-19. All students were to be sent home. Our student's family couldn't get answers from their exchange program and were told it was not their responsibility and flights were booked for the end of the program in 2 months. We chose to book a ticket/flight for our student home and not wait until things got worse or for them to decide what to do for our student. After booking the flight, CETUSA asked for the flight information and thanked us for our participation in the program in an email. CETUSA states they are a community service/non-profit. They rely on the money from student families and focus on reducing their liability. I will update the review if the flight cost gets reimbursed, but I'm not concerned with that. It was done for the benefit of our student. read more

Cetusa offers a J1 visa experience, we have hosted 9 times through the J1 program. We have had great experiences hosting and it really comes down to who you select as your local coordinator. During the selection process make sure great care is given in the student match and communicate with your coordinator for suppoort of any student issues that might come up for cultural differences because at the end of the day it is volunteering to house an extra teenager. And teenagers don't have full brain development until early 20's. My advice to new hosts is at the host family interview, ask your coordinator questions about their check-in process and how issues are delt with. Enter the experience with no expectations and a big warm open welcome heart. In our own experience of hosting 9 -all 9 kids were very different! We love our cetusa coordinator, the exchange students and the program! Can't wait for #10 to come this fall! I noticed other reviews complaining about payment. Per the US State Department, A J1 host family are not allowed to be paid as this is a volunteer visa, cetusa does not make this rule. It would be illegal to accept payment for hosting. That we why we love it so much. It feels like volunteering and giving back! read more

CETUSA is an exceptional organization that provides life-changing experiences for families. cultural exchange programs for individuals around the world. With a commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding and global cooperation, CETUSA offers a range of opportunities for students, professionals, and families to immerse themselves in new cultures, gain valuable skills, and create lasting connections. One of the standout features of CETUSA is their dedication to providing high-quality support and guidance to families and students. From application to the return home, the Local Coordinator ensures the family and student feels supported. CETUSA's team of experienced and passionate staff members go above and beyond to create meaningful and enriching experience Overall, CETUSA is a top-notch organization that upholds the values of cultural exchange, education, and global citizenship. Their commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and personal growth sets them apart as a leader in the field of international exchange programs. I highly recommend CETUSA to anyone looking to embark on a transformative and unforgettable journey abroad. read more

After deciding to host in 2008 for the first time, we continued hosting to the present through various organizations. Of all the organizations we have worked with, Cetusa has been the best. So much so that the last four students we have hosted have been through Cetusa. Three of those students have received awards for outstanding performance and behavior in school. We have an excellent coordinator that is available at any time we need her. She is both professional and reliable. Cetusa has us undergo a background check, host family application, home inspection and interview each time we go to host a new student. I believe this ensures a pleasant stay for the student. Each student has been contacted by the coordinator at least once a month in person or over the phone. Cetusa also sends a self addressed stamped envelope and survey at the end of the program to submit any ideas, compliments or complaints to the head office. All in all they are very professional and passionate about their service to the school, community, host family and student. I would recommend the organization to anyone looking to host a foreign exchange student. read more

CETUSA, the Council for Educational Travel, USA, has been in the business of placing exchange students in homes all over America for more than 20 years. CETUSA brings together students from dozens of countries with American host families. The kids are eager to experience what life is really like in America -- it's not the same as what is seen in movies and series TV shows. The students come for either a one semester or a full academic year program. It's amazing how much each party learns about the other's culture during this time. If a cultural difference arises, CETUSA has dedicated local coordinators and managers, who will help the student and host family work through them. CETUSA is sanctioned by the Department of State and has stricter standards than the regulations require. They've brought together thousands of students with American families. It's an experience of a lifetime and lasts long past the time when the student returns home. read more

Hosting through CETUSA has been one of the most rewarding choices our family has made. From the very beginning, the experience was smooth and well supported. Our local coordinator was fantastic, always available, quick to offer thoughtful advice, and consistently organized fun, meaningful events for the students throughout the year. Beyond the day-to-day, this experience opened our home and our kids to the world. Sharing our lives with a student from another culture gave our children a firsthand connection to a global perspective, something we couldn't have taught them any other way. This wasn't just about helping a student; it was about forming lifelong connections, expanding our view of the world, and growing together as a family. We're so grateful we decided to be part of the CETUSA community. read more

CETUSA is an organization that has the purpose of Reaching out to encourage a lifelong journey of Global peace and understanding through the J1 international exchange student program. They have a network of good people to place, supervise and care for the welfare of each and every student that comes on their program. Host families are vetted and the students are tested and vetted. CETUSA wants everyone involved to have the best, most enjoyable and productive experience. Not only do they care for the students, but they care for the host families, and they work with the schools. No one is left alone! They work with the Dept of State, so compliance is very important and followed closely. Great organization filled with good people that really care. read more

Be very cautious with CETUSA. They charge families abroad outrageous fees ($15K-$25K) while asking American host families to volunteer their homes for free. Once you agree, they often pressure you to host a "second student for 8 weeks," but that's misleading -- it feels like their real intention is to place more students without being honest. The worst part? If you don't agree, the coordinators simply ignore you. There's no real support, no transparency, and no respect for host families. If you truly want a positive exchange experience, I recommend looking into AYA (Academic Year in America) instead. AYA is far more transparent, supportive, and genuinely focused on cultural exchange. read more

I had a wonderful experience with Cetusa. I hosted an amazing girl from Germany for the 2022/2023 school year. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I am a single female with no children, but my student fit in perfectly with myself and my elderly parents Who live nearby. We still keep in contact to this day and in fact, I went to visit her this past Christmas in Germany and meet her family. My local coordinator was great. She kept in contact with both myself and my student. We had periodic meetings with her to assess how everything was going. I am hoping to host again in the future when it aligns with my schedule. I would definitely recommend this company. read more

My husband & I had a good experience hosting a Thai girl 13 years ago. Fast forward & we hosted an Italian boy last year while our own son was a senior in high school. I highly recommend couples with or without children apply to host a foreign exchange student with CETUSA. The local coordinators in both instances were helpful, attentive & professional. We all learned more about ourselves & the cultures of two countries through both experiences. Hosts provide a bed, meals & transportation to/from school. CETUSA is on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest as well as the web. Help make a teenager's academic & social dreams come true by applying to host today! read more

Hands down, CETUSA is beyond measure the best international student exchange organization! My family has hosted many students and are planning to host again in the future. We enjoy learning from the students about their countries and cultures. But the best part is being able to extend our American family to quality students who become part of our family forever. Lasting relationships truly encourage global peace and understanding. Great organization and so glad I found them! Go host with CETUSA!! And yes we hosted our first student through another exchange program, there is a difference in the support and care you receive..only CETUSA now! read more

The worst experience I've had with this company. My student decided to leave 3 months early. I had nonrefundable tickets zhich the company is not even answering my emails. I feel disrespected and unsupported in having this student hold responsibility for making such an imprompt decision that affected my income. I was already sacrificing playing for her meals and driving her to events qi thought would be nice to do so, when the company has not even had the professionalism to respond to my email, I decided, I will let other parents know. I wilm NEVER have an exchange student again. This was one of the worst experienced of my life.​ read more

We have hosted 6 students since 2016, 4 of which were through CETUSA. It has changed our lives; we have become better people from all 6 experiences. We did 2 summer students and 4 school year students, and all of them were wonderful. Of course there can be challenges from living with someone, but it was so worth it. We didn't need a lot of support for the summer ones, but needed a little from time to time for the school yr ones and felt CETUSA supported us well. We always had questions answered and advice given when needed. I highly recommend hosting as your world will be opened up to so much you didn't know you were missing out on. read more

Such a great company, I hosted 2 students last year and it was the best year of my life. I now have a child in Thailand and a child in South Korea that will forever be family! I will host again for sure! I found the coordinators helpful in any situation. I love that these children have great english and I saw massive improvements to their english while they were here. And the best part is sharing new things with these students that have never experianced. Just to be a part of their growth is just beyond me. That moment when they called me Mom. oh I could cry all over again. I miss them dearly. read more

First time host parents here and we cannot say enough about the fantastic support and communication we have been provided by CETUSA throughout our hosting journey. From beginning to end our coordinator and regional director have been fantastic. They provided all of the information we needed in the beginning and checked in frequently during the year, ensuring we didn't have any questions or concerns. They even organized events throughout the year so all of the students in the area could get together and hangout. We are hosting again and cannot wait for our student to arrive next week!! read more

As a Non Profit Organization, there really isn't money to be made. I have hosted two students every year and never considered asking a student to leave. A few have presented challenges but I took the responsiblity of caring for someone else's child very serious. The vast majority were responsible young adults and every single one of the students were impacted positively by their stay in the US and our community and country are thought of positively by all of those students and their family and friends back home. I don't believe there is a better organization out there. read more

I have recently started working for CETUSA and I find it very friendly and helpful. They stay in contact daily, ask if anyone is having problems and give you so much support. The student's are contacted monthly as are the parents and school. If there are any problems the coordinators and directors are there to help with all of it. They really care about not only the students but the families happiness as well. Can't wait to meet some of the students coming this year! If you are even considering hosting please give CETUSA a call, you won't regret working with this company! read more

We have hosted 3 girls and will have our Australian daughter joining us in a few weeks! We hosted for the first time in 2021, and have felt very supported, heard, and loved our experiences! We have a large family of 7, so adding another member of the family has always been a blessing. We have always felt CETUSA has been available for questions, been helpful, kind and supportive. We have hosted from Italy, Spain, Germany, a now Australia! We love learning about culture and this is such a beautiful way to experience it, especially when you live in a small town. read more

We had our first experience hosting an exchange student in 2021. We decided CETUSA would be the company to go with because they have amazing support. Their local coordinators are close and actually local if an emergency came up. They are very responsive and not only advocate for the family, but for the students as well. When the time is right for our family to host again we will definitely be using CETUSA again! Here is a few photos from our experience with our Spanish daughter! She even came back to visit us last summer! read more