Create a family account

Start your account with a username. Your contact information (name, address, telephone number) remains confidential. You can send other members this information if you wish, once you have established contact with them. The form presents basic information on your family, your interests, and your exchange goals. Host families can describe their home and how they can receive guests. You should post photos in the gallery to show your home and its environment. You can create multiple albums with themes such as family, friends, hobbies, home, etc. .

Post a listing

Once you have created your family account you can post up to five listings, which can be changed or deleted as you wish. Listings show that what you are looking for, such as a reciprocal exchange, a host family, a student to host, a pen pal, etc. You should explain your requirements clearly and include relevant information such as gender, languages spoken and studied, and countries of interest. There is one photo per listing with links to the photo galleries of your member account.

Find a partner

World Family Exchange offers you an internal messaging and chat system to help you find partners. Our mediation service is available only if you have registered an exchange agreement in our system. Confirm that your insurance offers appropriate coverage including liability and repatriation.

Develop friendships

Regular communication by e-mail, instant messaging, texting, or telephone is necessary to make friends, especially those with whom you might exchange. Take time to get to know and understand them and their objectives. You should be in touch with many members at one time—you never know which will work out the best.

• Imagine an exchange: terms and conditions should be clear regarding hosting and exchange visits. Parents should get involved to confirm arrangements.

• Have an exchange agreement in writing: World Family Exchange offers you standard agreements. Their objective is to avoid misunderstandings and to define obligation and responsibilities of all participants. They define the transfer of parental authority regarding a minor’s visit, especially necessary in case of hospitalization or an emergency.

Hosting / Being Hosted

Guests should give their host family a gift when arriving. Something typical of their region or country. If it is food be aware of any agricultural importation regulations.

• As a host you need to offer comfortable, clean, and suitable lodging. Day trips should be part of the program. The guest should be welcomed into the family and their social network.

• As a guest you need to be open minded and grateful. World Family Exchange members must be tolerant. You need to adapt to the rules and lifestyle of the host family. You should help with chores and participate in family activities.

Show gratitude

In a successful exchange you may have improved a language, learned about another culture, had a great time, and made friends. Say thanks often. Provide a good bye gift. Stay in touch.