[Mothy]

Our family has hosted about 8 exchange students over the years ranging in time from 3 months up to 1 year. Absolutely the best experience. Not all perfect but then again neither are you own kids! Most have been thru Rotary Youth Exchange which does a pretty good job theses days of screening out the mismatches.
Two of my kids went on exchange for a year. One to Denmark and one to upstate New York (Rome). Both had a great time and are still in contact with their friends from those times.
I'd say go for it.
Tim