What Does Homesharing Mean at YFU?
Unlike commercial platforms such as Airbnb, homesharing is not a transaction. It is about relationships.
In the YFU programs, homesharing means:
- sharing everyday family life
- enjoying dinners, trips, and daily routines together
- discovering new traditions and cultures
- breaking down stereotypes through personal experience
An international student does not become a “visitor”, but a fully integrated member of the family. They have responsibilities, take part in family activities, and naturally become involved in everyday household life.
Make the World Your Home: More Than Just a Slogan
In practice, “Make the world your home” means that the world stops being a list of unfamiliar countries on a map. It becomes a network of places where you have your people.
Through the hosting programme:
- you gain a family in another country
- you experience a culture from the inside, not through tourist brochures
- you learn to see the world through someone else’s eyes
Home is no longer just one address. It can be in the Czech Republic, but also in Japan, Mexico, Germany, or anywhere else in the world.
A Lifelong Bond: When Families Visit Each Other
One of the most meaningful aspects of homesharing is that the relationship does not end when the student leaves. Long-term friendships often develop between the host family and the student’s family.
It is common for families to:
- visit each other years after the exchange
- spend holidays together
- take part in important life events, such as weddings, celebrations, or the birth of children
Homesharing creates genuine international family connections.
You can read student experiences here:
Stories from Real Life: Our Second Family
“What surprised us the most was that our contact did not end on the student’s last day with us. Today, we have a family in Chile who feel just as close to us as our own family.” — YFU host family
“Years later, we visited our student in Argentina. They welcomed us as part of their family, and we are still in regular contact today.” — YFU host family
These stories are not exceptions — they are a common outcome of homesharing.
More inspiring stories:
FAQ
What does homesharing mean?
Homesharing means sharing your home with an international student as part of YFU’s non-profit exchange programme. It is not accommodation — it is shared family life.
How does the YFU host family programme work?
A family welcomes a student for a set period of time and becomes their support system and guide in a new country. YFU coordinators provide support throughout the entire stay. Learn more: Become a Host Family
Can we visit the student’s family?
Yes. Long-term relationships and mutual visits after the exchange are among the most valuable outcomes of homesharing.
How long does a student stay with a host family?
Students usually stay for one semester or one school year, although shorter programmes are also available.
Is there any financial compensation?
No. Homesharing with YFU is a voluntary programme based on sharing and mutual understanding, not financial profit.
What if we do not get along with the student?
Host families have access to YFU coordinators, who provide support and help resolve any challenges that may arise.
Open Your Door to the World: How to Get Involved
Homesharing is not about being perfect — it is about being open. If you would like to discover the world in a different way, right from your own home, all it takes is one first step.
Fill in a non-binding form, explore the possibilities, and invite the world into your living room.