Hosting a friend’s child as an exchange student for a year

[Anonymous]

Has anyone here hosted a friend’s child for a year of high school here that has not come through an official school program? Is that possible? Friend’s child is great but I know they don’t have a ton of money to go through a paid program. I would of course assume full responsibility for child. I just can’t find much about this process, if it’s possible, etc.

[Anonymous]

Do you have your own children? It will take away from them.

[Anonymous]

If you don't have your own children, sure.
Don't know what needed legally. pp again

[Anonymous]

I have had a couple friends do this, but I don't know all the logistics. You might contact the school that they would be enrolled in to see what the process is, then I think you can get a student visa.

I don't understand the posters who are saying don't do it if you have your own kids. Both my friends who did it had kids of their own and it was a great experience for their own kids. Just remember that you have to factor in another child for every vacation, excursion, and visit to see family.

[Anonymous]

The big issue would be to get a visa and health insurance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The big issue would be to get a visa and health insurance.

And the requisite paperwork to allow for medical and academic decisions, etc. I’d contact a lawyer to be sure all the Is are dotted and Ts crossed concerning liability, too. .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have had a couple friends do this, but I don't know all the logistics. You might contact the school that they would be enrolled in to see what the process is, then I think you can get a student visa.

I don't understand the posters who are saying don't do it if you have your own kids. Both my friends who did it had kids of their own and it was a great experience for their own kids. Just remember that you have to factor in another child for every vacation, excursion, and visit to see family.

It’s a couple of friends. Not couple friends.

[Anonymous]

Is the friend’s child a US citizen by chance?

[Anonymous]

OP here. Student is 15/16 and not a US citizen. My kids are open to this (and old enough to decide) and of course I realize that I will be taking them on every trip and parenting them for the duration. I was just curious about the legal process for public school, visa for child, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you have your own children? It will take away from them.

That’s not true. It will benefit the whole family.

[Anonymous]

ha!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Student is 15/16 and not a US citizen. My kids are open to this (and old enough to decide) and of course I realize that I will be taking them on every trip and parenting them for the duration. I was just curious about the legal process for public school, visa for child, etc.

Public schools aren't allowed to ask about immigration status. You would need power of attorney from the parents giving you medical and educational decision making rights. That would likely be enough to prove residency (along with the residency documents you the adult have).

[Anonymous]

PP is correct re: POA. I would ask around at your child's current school. There are so many lawyers in DC who also happen to be parents and would likely be willing to have a brief conversation with you.

As others have noted, hosting exchange students benefits the whole family. We have done it and it was eye-opening for a child and has resulted in many positives.

[Anonymous]

I think that's a great thing you can do for her and your own kids. Maybe your friend will reciprocate one day if your DCs are interested in studying there, or a short term exchange. I don't know the ins and outs of the visa and insurance, but I'm sure you can figure that out. I was an exchange student 30 years ago and it was such an amazing experience for me, and I'm still in touch with my host family and friends from there and see them every few years.