We have hosted numerous exchange students and have had our own children go on foreign exchanges. In every single instance it was a positive experience. That doesn't mean there weren't challenges and problems- homesickness can be overwhelming and personalities aren't always easy to blend - but we have life-long new family members all over the world. We learned as much or more from our exchange daughters than they could have from us. We can't understand the reluctance to host a student some people have - sure you are opening up your home to a stranger, but they are only strangers for such a short time. But you are opening your home and heart to the world! Just make sure you are using a program that has the support for the student and the family, there are some that are just for profit, and there can be some real problems for everyone.