Too Boring, Too Broke, Too Busy: The Real Reasons People Don’t Host (And Why They’re Totally Wrong)

When people say they can’t host an exchange student, they usually don’t come out and say, "I just don’t want to." Instead, they’ll say things like:

• "We’re too boring."

• "We don’t have the money."

• "We’re way too busy."

• "Our house is too small."

• "I need to pray on it."

I’ve heard it all. Heck, I’ve said some of these things myself before we ever hosted. But let me (lovingly) walk you through why these reasons don’t hold up—and what actually matters when it comes to opening your home and heart.

Excuse #1: “We’re Too Boring”

Bless it. If I had a dollar for every time someone told me this, I could fly my whole host family crew to Italy. Listen, you don’t need to be a theme park, cruise ship, or influencer family to make an impact. You just have to be real. Do you eat dinner together? Watch Netflix? Have pets? Run errands on Saturdays? THAT is what students want to be part of—a real American life. Spoiler alert: a lot of them come from super busy cities and crave a slower pace or family time. Your “boring” might just be their dream.

Turns out "boring" looks a lot like bonding....

Excuse #2: “We Don’t Have the Money”

Hosting doesn’t mean footing the bill for an international vacation. Students come with their own spending money and insurance. You’re just providing a loving home, meals, and a supportive environment. That’s it. You don’t need to take them to Disney World. A late-night ice cream run or free community event will mean more to them than some flashy, overpriced tourist trap. Trust me.

Memories don't come with price tags. Logan (from S. Korea) and Isi (from Chile) just chilling at home having a spa day

Excuse #3: “We’re Too Busy”

Let’s be honest. Who isn’t busy these days? Between work, sports practices, volunteering, and life in general, we’re all running around like caffeinated squirrels. But hosting isn’t about clearing your calendar—it’s about weaving someone into the life you’re already living. They ride along to soccer practice. They help cook dinner. They learn what hustle culture looks like firsthand. And sometimes, they even help you slow down.

Busy? Sure. But dinner still slaps. Exchange students don't slow us down-they roll up their sleeves and serve alongside us.

Excuse #4: “Our House is Too Small”

You don’t need a guest suite or Pinterest-perfect setup. Students don’t care about granite countertops or walk-in closets. They want connection, not luxury. If you’ve got a warm heart and a bed (they can even share a room with a sibling), you’ve got enough.

Excuse #5: “I Need to Pray on It”

This one is tricky because I totally get it—and I believe in prayerful decision-making. But I also believe that sometimes, God answers us with an opportunity and waits to see if we’ll move. Hosting might be that nudge. That open door. That divine chaos that teaches your family compassion, patience, and joy. So yes, pray on it—but also consider that maybe, just maybe, the opportunity to host is part of the answer.

Excuse #6: "We Travel a lot"

You’re not grounded—you’re golden! Exchange students LOVE seeing more of the U.S., even if it’s weekend road trips, quick lake days, or a Costco run followed by some street tacos down the street. Hosting doesn’t mean giving up your freedom—it means inviting someone along for the ride (and creating core memories along the way).

Excuse #7: "I don’t want to get attached."

You will get attached. You’ll cry at the airport. Your heart will stretch in ways you didn’t know it could. But the love you give—and receive—will last a lifetime. And spoiler: the airport goodbye just means you’ve done it right.

One of the hardest hugs...and one of the proudest moments. Letting go just means you did something beautiful.

Excuse #8: "I need to ask my kids first."

Your kids might hesitate at first—but most end up bonding, growing, and even crying just as hard at goodbye. Host siblings learn empathy, leadership, and that family goes way beyond blood. (Bonus: built-in buddy for game nights)

Excuse #9: "We’re not a ‘typical’ family."

Perfect is boring. What matters is love, safety, and open hearts. Single parents, retired couples, big chaotic families, same-sex couples, no-kids households—it’s all beautiful. Exchange students don’t need picture-perfect. They need real.

Not your typical family? Good. Neither are we. Blended, busy, loud, and beautifully imperfect—and every single seat at this table is full of love.

Excuse #10: "What if we don’t get along?"

All relationships take work. But support is built in. With strong program guidance, local coordinators, and a community of hosts, you’re never alone. And let’s be real—some of life’s best connections start with a little awkward.

Spoiler: Sometimes we don't get along... at first. Now we're just annoying in the best possible way.

Excuse #11: "Maybe next year."

There is never a perfect time. But there is the perfect student… waiting for someone like you right now. Don’t let the idea of "someday" make you miss a moment that could change everything.

In Closing

Hosting isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present. Students aren’t looking for entertainment—they’re looking for belonging. They’re not expecting perfection—they’re hoping for connection.

So if you’ve ever said, “We’d love to, but…”—I invite you to take a second look. That “but” might just be standing in the way of the most unforgettable chapter of your life.