How can my family become a host family for a language exchange?

[kat-g-xx]

When my mum was learning French for her work she was able to live in France for about six months with a French host family. I am learning Spanish at the moment and my family and I would love to offer someone learning English (with a native tongue of Spanish) a chance to stay in our house and improve their English and learn about the English way of life. I think that it would also be great to be able to learn more Spanish.
I know that some companies pay host families to do this (obviously this would be a bonus) but it would not be necessary.
Can anyone give me any information about this?
Many thanks
xxx

[Mari]

A lot of programs have a tougher time finding host families than they do potential exchange students, so it's great that your family is interested in hosting. AFS or Rotary are two reputable exchange programs, and I would recommend hosting with them. Neither of them pays their host families, but they do support their students and organize activities for them, along with arranging for the student to be enrolled in school, etc. Call your local Rotary Club or AFS office (both should be in the phone book), and they can give you the name of the person to talk to.