Chapel Hill, TN - Cultural Homestay International, a nationally recognized student exchange organization, is urgently seeking host families in Middle Tennessee to welcome high school students from around the world for the 2025–2026 academic year. Local program coordinator Judith Broadbent emphasized the time-sensitive nature of the effort, noting that 85 students are still in need of host homes and must be placed immediately to arrive before the school year begins.
“We need them now so that they can arrive before school starts,” Broadbent said. “There is a referral reward for anyone who refers and that person hosts.” Broadbent encouraged families to consider opening their hearts and homes. “Gain a new family member and offer an international student a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by hosting a high school exchange student for the 25/26 school year.”
Hosting an exchange student offers profound benefits for both students and host families. Beyond the excitement of cultural exchange, it cultivates global understanding, enriches home life, and often leads to lifelong international friendships. For students, the experience helps develop language skills, build cross-cultural competencies, and strengthen future academic and career opportunities. For host families and communities, it offers a rare chance to experience day-to-day life through a fresh cultural lens and make meaningful global connections.
Broadbent stressed the urgency of completing paperwork this week to ensure proper travel arrangements and visa processing. “We have several wonderful students who need host families,” she explained. “Students are eager to come and share their academic year with a wonderful family here. It creates wonderful bonds with international families that will be with you throughout your life.”
Among the students hoping to be matched with a local host are Aelinor from France, who plays the clarinet and enjoys baking; Anais, also from France, who dreams of becoming a lawyer; Eleanora from Italy, a sports lover and photographer; Elisa from France, a gymnast and horseback rider with an interest in aeronautics; Faustine, who enjoys volleyball and cinematography; and Luise from Germany, who is passionate about music. Other students include Martin from France, a tennis enthusiast; Rafaela from Brazil, a young animator; Raphael from France, who is studying art and music and hopes to become a doctor; and Swann, another French student who enjoys sports and photography.
To learn more about hosting or to refer a potential host, contact Judith Broadbent at adreadne@mac.com or text 615-400-6954. This is more than a hosting opportunity—it’s a chance to bring the world to your doorstep.
