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Charlotte Latin's current sister school exchange relationships date back over 30 years, in large part thanks to the commitment and support from CLS host families willing to open up their homes and welcome the exchange students into their families.
The Wyatt Family + Louis P 🇫🇷
why host?
why host?
"I love that I'm exposing my children to the concept that there are other people who live in other places, speak other languages, and have another world experience than we have. I think it's important for their developing cultural awareness."
"(The best part was) creating relationships with a family from Argentina as well as with Charlotte Latin families that I did not know well prior to this. I also enjoyed our student. He was excited to try new things, kind, and enthusiastic. I value raising globally minded children, and this experience reinforces that within my own family values."
"My family has continued to stay connected. We enjoyed sharing food and cooking meals from their culture as well."
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the general responsibilities and expectations for a host family?
Please review our Host Family and Student Expectations for details.
How long is the exchange?
Most exchanges last an average of 10-14 days.
How old are the exchange students?
Exchange students range in ages from 15-19 depending on the sister school program.
Do the exchange students speak English?
Yes. Proficiency varies, but the majority of them have studied English for years. Some students speak several languages.
What does a typical exchange look like?
On average, a school will bring 12-15 students and two teachers, and the group usually stays for 10-14 days. While here, the students attend classes with their host sibling(s) or are involved in group activities with the other exchange students. That might include a walking tour Uptown, a workshop at the NASCAR museum, volunteering at Crisis Assistance Ministry, shopping, presentations in Lower School to teach students about their home country/school, or maybe an outdoor lesson on our Hawks Quest course. After school they go home with their hosts and any activities are arranged by the host families. CLS families are busy so it is not uncommon to have hosts tag team afterschool activities (shopping, hanging out at someone's house, etc) while the CLS sibs complete afterschool practices and/or homework.
Do you have to have an Upper School student to host?
No, you do not have to have an Upper School student to host. In fact, many Lower and Middle School families say they really enjoyed hosting because they felt they were able to devote more attention to hosting because their younger children had less homework and athletics commitments. That said, we strongly encourage Upper School students who will travel on a summer sister school exchange program to host.
Can we host more than one student?
Yes. Some exchange students prefer to stay solo to better focus on speaking English, while other students enjoy being paired off because they have each other to chat with while their hosts might be busy with afterschool and evening activities.
How do we become a host family?
Click here to fill out an interest form or reach out to Kelly Willis, Director of Global Studies, for more information. All adults living at the host family home must also complete a standard background check arranged by CLS.
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