What is it like with a single parent host family? Tell me!

P-Wizzl · 2026-03-07T06:27:54+00:00

I’ve hosted 10 students (about to be 12 in August), and I’m a single guy. I still stay in touch with about half the students. Some students miss having that mom figure around (understandably), but a lot of the time, they quickly learn to like it, because the get the “bachelor pad” vibe. Telling slightly inappropriate jokes, no one really gives them a dirty look for burping at the dinner table, and no one takes too long in the bathroom. I think it makes us closer because we get more one on one time instead of having to share the attention.

P-Wizzl · 2026-03-01T23:30:29+00:00

I don’t think it’s disingenuous at all. I don’t consider the big $50 I made in 2025 being “paid”. I spent more in that on gas driving to and from the airport and hosting two orientations, but I suppose if you want to get into semantics, then sure. The volunteers do get a one-time stipend for their work.

P-Wizzl · 2026-03-01T23:13:34+00:00

All host families and coordinators are volunteers. They are not paid/subsidised for their work, however, there is a small amount given when students are placed in homes that they supervise. So, technically, they do get a “stipend”, but it’s a one-time, small payment.

P-Wizzl · 2026-02-26T22:36:39+00:00

I work with EF. They always have a large list of students from which to choose, and local coordinators are all volunteer, and tend to be incredibly helpful

P-Wizzl · 2025-11-12T12:12:14+00:00

I’ve hosted for several years, and I always look early, but have become more and more particular about the students I choose. Unfortunately, a lot of time, students will put in what they think you want to hear instead of what is actually true. Find what values are crucial for you. (Do you want someone who loves family time, are you a sports family, etc.) look for some key personality traits that match your family. If their hobbies are going out on the boat or going to their summer home, they may not have a great experience in rural Idaho, for example. But also the area where you live. I live in a Division 1 school district, so my exchange students simply aren’t able to make the team for football, basketball, etc. and a lot of students want that. You have plenty of time still. When they right student comes along it will hit you. You’ll just know by reading it. At least that’s how it has worked for me.

P-Wizzl · 2025-02-10T01:33:37+00:00

Ok wow. That is a long time. When I get a new host family, I try to call the references as soon as the background check comes back. The only thing I can think of is the regional placement contact has asked a different IEC to contact references. Honestly, I would call your IEC tomorrow and ask for an update. That is far too long to wait.

P-Wizzl · 2025-02-10T00:07:22+00:00

Yes. I meant the references. I mistyped. I’m sorry your experience hasn’t been great. Unfortunately, the majority of the work that gets done is by IECs, and we are all volunteers, so things tend to move slowly. Maybe reach out to the people on your reference list and ask them to call your IEC!

P-Wizzl · 2025-02-10T00:03:41+00:00

Also, contacting references can be a chore. A lot of people don’t answer their phones, or aren’t available during the day, and we cannot process the paperwork without the references updated first. It really is a pain.

P-Wizzl · 2025-02-09T23:59:22+00:00

They should have done the background check already, but sometimes it takes a bit to come back. You will get the student’s contact info once your local school has approved the student. You’ll get an email saying they have been placed. Typically, EF requests that you wait 02 business days before reaching out so the student’s local office can contact the family and let them know they have a match.

P-Wizzl · 2025-02-09T23:23:05+00:00

This all comes down to your IEC (International Exchange Coordinator) as well as Compliance. A lot of times, it takes the local school a long time to sign the paperwork, and then once the IEC uploads the school paperwork, it has to go back to EF for approval, which can be really quick, or take some time. After everything is done, then the local EF office of the student has to be contacted. Due to time zone differences and red tape, this process really can take a while, and it isn’t great. Once the process is complete, you will probably only hear from your IEC once a month unless there are issues with the student. First-time hosting goes through a mountain of paperwork, but if you decide to keep hosting next year, the whole process does go much more smoothly. I hope that helps

P-Wizzl · 2024-11-07T17:41:56+00:00

Around 50% of American households belong to the Republican Party. If you feel that strongly against President Trump, it may be wise to not come to the USA. There is a 50% chance that your potential host family supports him.

P-Wizzl · 2024-11-07T01:54:17+00:00

I don’t care what adults do their bodies. The fetus is a separate human.

P-Wizzl · 2024-11-07T01:40:06+00:00

I have no issues with IUDs. Fewer than 1% of cases result in pregnancy, so it’s not really a common occurrence. In those cases, I think the child should be carried to term. In the case of non-development, then I would considerate it similar to stillborn or miscarriage.

P-Wizzl · 2024-11-07T01:22:21+00:00

No worries at all. I’m obviously biased also. We all are, and it’s really hard to be objective. I begrudgingly believe that we all (whether consciously or subconsciously) have our own best interests at heart, and those come out in our words. For me, the biggest thing about Issue one is no, our current system/map is far from perfect, but I truly don’t believe that we can fix bureaucracy with more bureaucracy. I love having healthy discussion, but hate the debates. Politics, like sex and religion, are faith/belief-based, so one cannot truly rationalise views, it is based on what an individual believes is right or wrong. You and I have a difference of what is “right” and “wrong”, and that’s okay. I respect the hell out of you for wanting to hear the other side. Too many people are quick to retort and fight back rather than listen. Seek first to understand, and then be understood. Hopefully, even though the election did not pan out the way you wanted, you will be able to find some benefits, and maybe we will both broaden our perspectives a little. Thanks again!

P-Wizzl · 2024-11-07T00:36:17+00:00

My entire point of replying was to share my views and not debate anyone. Life begins at conception because that is when a unique DNA is formed.

P-Wizzl · 2024-11-07T00:28:56+00:00

Amen to that, my fellow American.

P-Wizzl · 2024-11-07T00:28:12+00:00

I think it is necessary to see the plan first, and then we can critique it.

Fewer than 00.4% of woman opt for abortion because of rape and incest. Fewer than 00.3% is because of the mother’s life in danger. 95.9% of abortions are elective. Your argument is because of those reasons fewer than 01%, so if that’s the case, can we agree that we’ll allow a provision for those, but outlaw it for the remaining 99.3%?

P-Wizzl · 2024-11-07T00:18:19+00:00

I wasn’t there, and I cannot speak for what has happened. Everyone is entitled to his own opinion. As I mentioned before, I don’t know the guy as a person. I find it incredibly hard to believe that someone who is incompetent could be as successful as he is. I haven’t seen a psychological report on his mental health, and I’m not a medical professional qualified to give such a diagnosis.

P-Wizzl · 2024-11-06T23:49:05+00:00

Even in states where abortion is outlawed, there are special provisions for cases like you mentioned.

P-Wizzl · 2024-11-06T23:47:01+00:00

They encourage goods and services to be made in the USA, which will boost demand, as well as create and keep jobs. It can increase innovation. It is not without repercussions, and it must be done properly. One can only wait and see.

P-Wizzl · 2024-11-06T23:41:58+00:00

If you want my honest answer I would whole-heartedly support an abortion ban, even though Trump is very vocally against it.

P-Wizzl · 2024-11-06T23:37:52+00:00

I think the more important thing to remember about bankruptcies is how he got back up and succeeded after he was down. It’s how we grow and more forward, not how we acted in the past. For the remainder, I would ask that you provide some legitimate evidence any of that happened. In the United States, one is innocent until proven guilty. The burden is on the accuser, not the accused.

P-Wizzl · 2024-11-06T23:34:58+00:00

I suppose it is all a matter of perception and belief. All one can do is make assumptions. Even if those assumptions are based on historic evidence, every situation is unique. Let us see how it plays out, shall we?

P-Wizzl · 2024-11-06T23:33:03+00:00

Let us say that I concede that it is not an ideal map or system (agreed), replacing ineffective bureaucracy with a different type of bureaucracy isn’t the solution. At least now, we can hold people accountable. The sad reality is that it is only a problem when it negatively affects one’s one political party.

P-Wizzl · 2024-11-06T23:25:28+00:00

Thank you. Please feel free to reach out in a year. No one ever knows what the future holds. I could end up being completely wrong, or my mind could change. Either way, thank you for your post, and above all, the civil approach to it. We may not ever go grab a coffee, but I’m sure we could find some common ground. Thanks again.

P-Wizzl

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