For Parents

You're Sending Your Child Across the World. We Get How Big That Is.

This isn't just about picking a school. It's about trusting that your child will be safe, supported, and genuinely cared for when you can't be there. That's our job — and we take it personally.

Department of State Designated ICES is an official J-1 visa sponsor since 1991
CSIET Listed for 30+ Years Recognized by the gold standard in student exchange
24/7 Emergency Support A real person answers — any time, any time zone

What We Promise Every Parent

These aren't marketing lines. They're the standard we hold ourselves to.

Safety Is Non-Negotiable

Every host family is background-checked, home-visited, and interviewed in person. Every school is vetted for compliance. Your child's safety is the foundation of everything we do.

You'll Always Know What's Going On

Scheduled check-ins, progress updates, report cards shared with you, and a direct line to your child's coordinator. No radio silence. No "no news is good news."

We Don't Disappear After Placement

Enrollment is the beginning, not the end. We stay involved for the entire duration — checking in, advocating when needed, and stepping in when things get tough.

What Your Child's Life Will Look Like

A real home, a real school, real support — not a transactional arrangement.

A Real Home, Not Just a Room

Homestay experience

Your child lives with a carefully matched American family. Their own room, family meals, rides to school, holidays together. They're treated as part of the family — not a guest.

A School That Fits Who They Are

Academic placement

We don't place students in whatever school has availability. We match based on learning style, interests, goals, and personality. The right school makes all the difference.

Ongoing Support & Check-Ins

Year-round involvement

Local coordinators visit regularly. We check in with your child, their host family, and their school. If something's off, we know about it before it becomes a problem.

Visa & Compliance Handled

Paperwork & logistics

SEVIS registration, I-20 or DS-2019 documents, school enrollment — we handle the bureaucratic complexity so you can focus on preparing your child emotionally.

Neurodiverse Students Welcome

Special education expertise

Christina has a background in special education and IEP advocacy. If your child learns differently, we find schools and families that genuinely understand — not just tolerate — who they are.

Have Questions? Ask Them All.

We love parents who ask tough questions

Book a free call with Christina. Ask everything. We'll give you honest, detailed answers — and if we're not the right fit, we'll tell you that too.

Book a Free Call

What the Process Looks Like

From first call to first report card — here's how this works.

1

Discovery Call

20 minutes, free. Tell us about your child — their personality, goals, needs, and your concerns. We'll tell you which program makes sense and what the next steps are.

2

Matching & Preparation

We match your child to the right school and host family. You'll see profiles, ask questions, and sign off before anything is finalized. Then we prep everyone for a smooth transition.

3

Arrival & Ongoing Support

Airport pickup, school orientation, family introductions. After that, regular check-ins, progress reports, and 24/7 emergency access. You always know how your child is doing.

Questions Parents Ask Most

How do you choose host families?
Every host family goes through federal background checks, a home visit, and an in-depth interview. We match families based on personality, lifestyle, and your child's specific needs — not just geography.
What if my child is unhappy or something goes wrong?
That's exactly why we stay involved. Local coordinators check in regularly, and we have a 24/7 emergency line. If there's a problem — with the school, the family, or adjusting — we work with everyone to resolve it. If a placement needs to change, we handle that too.
How will I stay informed about my child's progress?
You'll receive regular updates from coordinators, report cards when they're issued, and you always have a direct line to your child's support team. We proactively reach out — you won't have to chase us for information.
Is this safe? What are the compliance standards?
ICES is a U.S. Department of State-designated J-1 sponsor and has maintained a full CSIET listing for over 30 years. All placements follow federal SEVIS requirements. Host families are vetted, schools are compliant, and students are monitored throughout their stay.
Can you help if my child has learning differences?
Yes — it's one of our specialties. Christina has a background in special education and IEP advocacy. We match neurodivergent students with schools that genuinely support different learning styles, and we advocate for your child's accommodations throughout the year.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the program (J-1, F-1, summer, etc.) and what your child needs. We'll walk through all the options and costs on your discovery call so there are no surprises. The J-1 Exchange Program is the most affordable option.

Your Child Deserves More
Than an Open Seat

Tell us about your child. We'll tell you honestly what we'd recommend — and if we're the right fit. No cost, no obligation.

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