efexchangeyear.org
Bring the world home HOST AN EXCHANGE STUDENT
EF HIGH SCHOOL EXCHANGE YEAR
Student exchange brings cultures together, opens communities to the wider world and creates lifelong friendships that span the globe.
WHY EXCHANGE?
Connect your family to the world Welcoming an exchange student into your family is rewarding in so many ways. It’s the opportunity to gain an understanding of a different culture, view your everyday experiences through a new perspective and influence the life of a young person from another country.
“We’ve been abundantly blessed to be a part of this global community, to constantly reap the benefits of having family all over the world.” STEPHEN, HOST DAD FROM CONNECTICUT
SHARE YOUR AMERICA
For our exchange students, it’s the small pieces of American culture that make their time abroad so special, like taking the yellow bus to school in the morning and having a family dinner at the end of the day. They’re enthusiastic, open and eager to experience your community.
BROADEN YOUR VIEW OF THE WORLD
Having an exchange student in your home is a great step toward preparing your family for a globally-minded future. It’s the chance to discover ideas from other parts of the world and learn everything from holiday and culinary traditions to sports and pop culture.
BECOME A DIPLOMAT
To offer your American experience in the spirit of exchange is to break down borders and bridge cross-cultural differences. Hosting does more than change the lives of students and families, it supports a US Department of State goal to expand understanding and communications between countries.
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WHY EF?
THE WORLD OF EF EDUCATION FIRST
As the world leader in international education, EF Education First offers educational tours, cultural experiences, language courses and academic achievement programs that transform dreams into international opportunities.
The leader in high school exchange
Cultural Experience
Educational tours and cultural exchange programs provide in-depth travel experiences, hands-on learning and lasting cultural connections for both students and adults.
EF High School Exchange Year, a part of the EF Education First family of companies, has been promoting global awareness through student exchange for more than 30 years. We bring more students to the US each year than any other high school exchange program, and since 1979 our organization has connected more than 100,000 international students with caring host families across America.
Language
Students learn new languages for school, work and personal growth, online and in EF classrooms around the world. Study abroad programs allow them to practice and improve where the language and culture come to life. Academics
From International Baccalaureate diplomas to university preparatory classes, all of our academic offerings are fully accredited with a focus on experiential learning. We are also affiliated with Hult International Business School, renowned for its top-ranked MBA and bachelor programs. OUR PROGRAM
For more information about all of our programs, please visit ef.edu
Every year, families, schools and communities across the US welcome thousands of EF exchange students into their homes, their classrooms and their everyday lives. Our international students come from more than 13 countries around the globe—from Thailand to Spain, Denmark to Italy, Japan to Germany—eager to refine their English and fulfill their dream of spending a life-changing year at an American high school.
“As an IEC with EF High School Exchange Year and a Group Leader with EF Educational Tours, I get the chance to bring the world to Alabama and to show my students the world.”
ACCREDITATION AND MEMBERSHIPS
EF High School Exchange Year, operated by EF Educational Foundation for Foreign Study, Inc., is a non-profit corporation designated by the US Department of State to operate a J-1 student exchange program. On the basis of materials submitted and reviewed, Council on Standards for International Educational Travel has granted listing to EF in its Advisory List for the current school year. We are also a member of the Alliance for International Educational and Cultural Exchange.
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ST EPH, IN T ER N AT I O N A L E XCH A N G E C O O R D IN ATO R FRO M A L A BA M A
OUR GLOBAL PRESENCE
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Students experience our programs each year
EF staff, educators and Tour Directors
EF schools and offices
Countries with EF operations
Shared passion for helping people become citizens of the world
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SUPPORT
With you every step of the way One of the great advantages of working with EF High School Exchange Year is our commitment to supporting our students and host families. Throughout the year our dedicated staff will be ready to support you 24 hours a day.
“I’ve hosted 33 students and have found EF to be the very best organization around. They are committed to their host families and schools and the staff works above and beyond to assure that everyone is having a positive experience.” M A R I A N, H OST M O M FRO M SO U T H DA KOTA
EF ALL THE WAY
Unlike other organizations, EF does not contract any outside companies or agents to find and screen its participants. The motto, "EF All The Way," means that both our host families and students are supported by EF staff from the time they first apply to the program through the duration of the exchange year.
YOUR LOCAL AND GLOBAL SUPPORT NETWORK
International Exchange Coordinators (IEC)
IECs are the local representatives of EF, working in communities across the country. Your IEC will be your primary support person throughout the exchange, available to help you with any questions or concerns that may arise. IEC responsibilities include seeking out and interviewing prospective host families, helping prepare host families for the exchange experience, securing students’ high school enrollments, organizing get-togethers with students and host families throughout the year and maintaining contact with local high school officials. Program Support Managers (PSM)
PSMs work with their regions’ IECs to help in supporting host families, students and schools during the exchange year. PSMs can assist with anything from individual student support to student travel within the country. The PSMs also speak directly with the EF offices abroad to keep your students' natural parents up-to-date on their child’s year. Compliance Managers (CM)
CMs are responsible for making sure we are operating in compliance with US State Department standards. CMs handle all host family and school applications and paperwork, so they are often in contact with host families during the screening process. EF offices abroad
EF High School Exchange Year has a local office in each of the countries we work with. In addition to screening and preparing our students before they come to the US, our offices in Europe and Asia are in constant communication with students’ natural parents throughout the year. EF offices in Boston and Denver work hand-in-hand with EF offices abroad to create a successful exchange year for our students, host families and schools.
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EF STUDENTS
YOUR EVERYDAY, THEIR EXTRAORDINARY
It’s the little things that make a world of difference. FOR OUR EXCHANGE STUDENTS, IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT MAKE THEIR YEAR: TRYING THEIR FIRST S'MORE, GOING TO A HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL GAME, CELEBRATING THANKSGIVING AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY, BEING TREATED AS ONE OF THE FAMILY.
Matilda from Sweden living in Arizona
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EF STUDENTS
Exceptional students
OUR STUDENTS
EF students are 15-18 years old and come from more than 13 different countries in Europe and Asia. Our students are held to high standards of English language ability and are required to speak, read and write English at a proficient level before they arrive to the US. Many past participants have become honor students, valedictorians and school award winners.
EF High School Exchange Year’s admissions process ensures that all of our students are well suited for the exchange experience. We carefully select each and every one and provide them with the best preparation, so you can be confident that your student will be motivated, proficient in English and excited to be a part of your family and community.
SELECTION PROCESS
To gain acceptance into our program, students must pass a strict screening process based on motivation, character, academic transcripts and teacher recommendations. Students must also prove they are in good health, submitting a health certificate from their doctor. Our specialized applications team works to ensure that only the best and brightest students are entering your homes.
PREPARATION
EF students undergo thorough preparation before arriving to your community. In addition to online webinars and pre-departure meetings that take place in their home countries, every student is required to attend an orientation in New York to kick off their year. Here they have the chance to learn more about life in America and get tips on how to handle cultural differences, homesickness, adjusting to school life and more.
OUR STUDENTS COME FROM 13 COUNTRIES
Austria Denmark Germany Italy Japan The Netherlands Norway South Korea Spain Sweden Switzerland Taiwan Thailand
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EF HOST FAMILIES
SHARING CULTURES, CHANGING LIVES
Our host families are at the heart of everything we do. EF HOST FAMILIES REPRESENT THE DIVERSITY OF AMERICAN CULTURE, BUT THEY ALL HAVE ONE THING IN COMMON: THEIR LIVES HAVE BEEN CHANGED BY WELCOMING EXCHANGE STUDENTS INTO THEIR HOMES.
Rosan from The Netherlands living with the Anderson family in Minnesota
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EF HOST FAMILIES
The benefits of hosting
SEE LIFE THROUGH A NEW LENS
Every year, close to 3,000 families in the US open their homes to students from around the world. Here are some of the reasons why.
TEACH YOUR LITTLE KIDS ABOUT THE WORLD
“I love watching my youngest daughter’s joy when she makes the connection between her classroom studies and her older exchange brothers and sisters. Recently, she learned about the time zones in school. Having host siblings all over the world really brought the lesson to life. Now everyday she checks the time and weather for the locations of all our past exchange students!” WA D O N A , H O ST M O M FRO M K A N SAS
CONNECT WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
“My husband and I are empty nesters and we’ve found that it’s been the perfect time to welcome exchange students into our home. Our host children have allowed us to stay in touch with the local schools and communities… they keep us young!”
“Seeing my own community, state and country through my students’ eyes has always fascinated me. It makes everyday things new again.” L AU R A , H O ST M O M FRO M M I N N ESOTA
MAKE LASTING CONNECTIONS
“This past fall, two of our daughters got married and each had former exchange students as bridesmaides in their wedding. The special relationships that develop are priceless. We get just as much out of it as the students do.”
EXPAND YOUR FAMILY
“We already have two teenagers of our own, but every year we add another international teenager into the mix! We love having a house filled with laughter, excitement and energy so it's perfect for our family. My son even got to spend a month with his exchange brother in Norway.” DAW N, H O ST M O M FRO M A R IZO N A
L I SA , H O ST M O M FRO M I N D I A N A
JA N E T, H O ST M O M FRO M I OWA
HEAR FROM MORE HOST FAMILIES youtube.com/efhighschoolyear
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REAL STORIES
From Germany to Alabama
HOSTING SINCE 2012
How did you first hear about high school exchange? Some friends of ours had hosted, and we saw what incredible things it had done for them as a family. At first we wondered how well an exchange student would fit into our lives. We’re busy and didn’t know if we’d have time for another child. But as soon as we met Felix we had no reservations at all. He instantly became one of us.
THE NETTLES FAMILY WITH FELIX
How does Felix fit in with the family? EF does a great job matching host families and students. Felix is really easy going like us and we have a lot of the same interests. He gets involved in our everyday life, things like joining
“The hosting experience has given my boys the opportunity to have a big brother, someone that’s quite a bit older than them. They’ve learned so much from him.”
us for family dinners or helping the boys with their homework. They ride their bikes, play catch outside and read together at the end of the day.
What have your sons learned from their host brother? My boys really like making movies and Felix has taught them different things with his camera and filming software. He’s introduced them to some really neat techniques. It’s amazing to see their faces light up when they’re together.
What does a high school exchange year mean to you? This year has been great because it’s allowed us to learn about German culture and language, but it’s also allowed us to connect to our own culture in a new way. Exchange has brought us together as a family and has given my young boys an older brother.
K AT IE, H OST M O M IN A L A BA M A
Meet Katie and Jimmy from Gulf Shores, Alabama, who welcomed Felix from Germany into their home. WATCH THE NETTLES' STORY efexchangeyear.org/real-stories
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REAL STORIES
HOSTING SINCE 2010
From Sweden to Michigan THE FORD FAMILY WITH HILLY
Meet Janice and Kevin from Canton, Michigan, who welcomed Hilly from Sweden into their home.
“At some point you realize that your host family chose to do this, to let you inside their world. You just have this connection where you feel so comfortable around them.”
Why did you decide to host an exchange student?
What parts of American culture have you shared with Hilly?
My father was in the military and my family lived overseas when I was born, so growing up I loved to make friends from all over the world. Being a host family is my way of helping the brave students who want to explore a new culture. I love to share what makes me proud to be an American while giving my community a chance to learn about other parts of the globe.
We like to go to the thrift store to discover book gems and catch arthouse movies at the local theater. It’s been amazing to show her all that Michigan has to offer – the local parks where you can go fishing, boating and hiking, and the urban areas where you can see concerts and sports games.
What’s it like for Hilly to be in the local public school?
Hilly loves to cook. Her parents sent me a Swedish cookbook and we went to different stores to get the ingredients for muesli – we even special ordered rye flakes! I loved watching her translate her metric recipes. It sounds silly, but she has truly changed me. Now I am making more of my meals from scratch!
Hilly is a great student and a great representative of Sweden. I received a letter from one of her teachers personally thanking me for hosting her. The teacher said that having Hilly in her class was helpful for the other students and provided a unique, global perspective.
What parts of Swedish culture has Hilly shared with you?
HIL LY, E XCH A N G E ST UDEN T FRO M SW ED EN
WATCH THE FORD'S STORY efexchangeyear.org/real-stories
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REAL STORIES
HOSTING SINCE 1984
From South Korea and Taiwan to Nebraska
How long have you been hosting exchange students?
What’s your favorite memory from hosting Sophia and Jenith this year?
I have been hosting with EF for over 30 years. Every student and experience is different, but they are all life-changing in their own way.
In Taiwan and Korea they don’t have anything like Prom, so it was so wonderful to witness the girls’ excitement over the event. We took them shopping to find the perfect dresses and my daughter Aimee did their hair and makeup. They looked beautiful – and had a blast!
THE CARLSON FAMILY WITH SOPHIA AND JENITH
What’s it like to have teenagers in your home now that your own children have moved out? Hosting keeps me young! I love to see my students build a brand new life for themselves here in the US. And they always teach me a lot of new things. I’ve learned something different from every single student that I’ve hosted.
Meet Karen from Lincoln, Nebraska, who welcomed Sophia from South Korea and Jenith from Taiwan into her home.
What advice do you have for future host families? You will not regret this experience. Students just want to become a part of your everyday, American life. Before you know it, it will be impossible to picture your world without them!
“A high school exchange year is so much more than hosting an exchange student for one year. It’s discovering a family in another part of the world that lasts for life.” K A R EN, H O ST M O M FRO M NEBR ASK A
WATCH THE CARLSON'S STORY efexchangeyear.org/real-stories
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REAL STORIES
HOSTING SINCE 2010
From Italy and Switzerland to Arizona THE GARCIA-STOKES FAMILY WITH PIERLUIGI AND LIVIO
“This year I grew more mature and independent as a person. I can thank my host family and Livio for that. They provided me with endless love and support.” PIER LU I G I, E XCH A N G E ST U D EN T FRO M I TA LY
What’s it like hosting two exchange students at once? When you host two students, it’s wonderful because they have each other. They’re connected from the beginning and they’re going through the same experiences together. As a family we’ve been fortunate to learn about two new cultures – we are all more alike than we are different.
What kind of things did you do as a family? It’s the little things that mean the most – family dinners, walks outside, movie nights. Wade and I are big travelers so we try to go on small trips
Meet Jesse and Wade from Phoenix, Arizona, who welcomed Pierluigi from Italy and Livio from Switzerland into their home.
as well. Even though we’ve been to the Grand Canyon a million times, I loved watching Pierluigi and Livio experience it. I got to see it through their eyes and it was like seeing it again for the first time.
How were the holidays? It’s so special to share our traditions with the students. Christmas this year was particularly spectacular. Livio’s from Switzerland so he’s always had a white Christmas. Having one in the desert where it’s still nice and warm was a treat for him! Wade’s family came from Portland and the boys felt right at home.
What’s it like to say goodbye at the end of the year? Saying goodbye is the hardest part. When I talk to them, I know that we made a difference in their lives. When I talk to their parents and they notice a difference too, it makes saying goodbye a little bit easier. I think to myself – how lucky we are to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.
WATCH THE GARCIA-STOKES' STORY efexchangeyear.org/real-stories
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REAL STORIES
HOSTING SINCE 2014
From Norway to Wisconsin THE MONROE FAMILY WITH JULIA
Why did you decide to host an exchange student? We started hosting when our twins were 18 months old and have continued to do so every year for the past four years. We wanted our kids to grow up with a sense of global awareness and cultural perspective. Our foreign daughters have fit seamlessly into our family and our own daughters have gained several big sisters.
What’s it like to host with younger children in the home? We never once had any hesitations about welcoming a teenager into our household. EF does an incredible job
screening their students – all of our host daughters have been open-minded, mature and eager to become a true part of our family. I’m glad that we didn’t wait until our girls were older for them to have this experience. It’s been such a formative part of their childhood.
Why did you decide to host Julia this year? We decided we wanted to host a Norwegian student this year because the area we live in has a huge Norwegian heritage. The high school mascot is even called the Westby Norsemen! Julia is known around town. People can’t wait to meet her and learn about Norwegian culture from an actual Norwegian person.
What is your favorite memory from hosting? Julia’s family from Norway recently came to visit us and the moment they arrived it was like they were our second family. My oldest daughter is the same age as Julia’s Norwegian sister, and even though they couldn’t communicate, they played together for hours. It’s true what they say – now we have family all over the world.
“Nobody can prepare you for how much these students really will become part of your family. My kids think of all their exchange students as true siblings.” L E A H, H O ST M O M FRO M W I SC O N SIN
Meet Leah and Justin from Westby, Wisconsin, who welcomed Julia from Norway into their home.
WATCH THE MONROE'S STORY efexchangeyear.org/real-stories
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
9 questions every host family has.
Visit us at efexchangeyear.org
1. WHAT IS A TYPICAL HOST FAMILY LIKE?
5. DO EF EXCHANGE STUDENTS SPEAK ENGLISH?
There is no 'typical' host family! Our families represent the diversity of American culture and we encourage families of all shapes and sizes to host. Some families have young or teenage children, while others may be empty-nesters or newlyweds. We've had single parents, same-sex couples and grandparents all be wonderful hosts.
Our students are held to high standards of English language ability and are required to speak, read and write English at a proficient level before they arrive to the US.
2. WHAT IS REQUIRED OF A HOST FAMILY?
Host families provide the student with room and board, and are expected to treat their student as a member of the family, not as a guest. Students cover their own travel costs, health insurance, school expenses, cell phone and spending money. EF and the US Department of State also designate certain requirements of all host families. For example, host parents have to be at least 25 years of age or older. 3. ARE HOST FAMILIES PAID?
Host families are not paid. According the US Department of State, host families cannot receive financial gain from their participation in a student exchange program. This rule is designed to ensure that host families are participating in the program for the right reasons. However, in recognition of their role as citizen ambassadors, all host families are eligible to receive a charitable tax deduction on their tax return. 4. WHERE DO STUDENTS COME FROM?
6. CAN I SELECT THE STUDENT I WANT TO BRING INTO MY HOME?
Yes, we will work with you to find the right student for your home. We have spent more than 30 years matching over 100,000 students to their American host families. From preferences such as gender and nationality to specific hobbies and interests, you will be able to select your own exchange student. 7. WHAT VISA DO STUDENTS COME ON?
Students travel on a J-1 visa, which means that they are coming to the US for cultural and educational purposes only. EF offices in the US work with our offices abroad to officially sponsor the student and issue the necessary paperwork. 8. HOW LONG WILL THE STUDENT BE WITH MY FAMILY?
EF exchange students come to the US for either one semester (beginning in August or January) or one school year (usually August to June, though it depends on your school district's academic calendar). Students remain with their host families during holidays and school vacations.
EF exchange students come from: Austria Denmark Germany Italy Japan The Netherlands Norway
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South Korea Spain Sweden Switzerland Taiwan Thailand
9. WHAT IF IT DOESN'T WORK OUT?
We are committed to making sure that our exchange students and host families have a great experience. If problems ever arise, you can rely on your IEC as well as our full-time EF staff in Boston and Denver to be there for you. In the rare case that we can’t all resolve the issue together, EF High School Exchange Year will find the student a new home.
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GET STARTED
HOW IT WORKS CONNECT WITH US
If you are interested in learning more about hosting an exchange student, give us a call at 800-447-4273 or visit efexchangeyear.org/contact. We will discuss any questions that you might have about hosting, talk about students that may be a good fit for your family and put you in touch with an International Exchange Coordinator (IEC) in your community.
APPLICATION
Once you decide you would like to host you will be guided through the application process by your IEC. This screening includes a home visit, an in-person interview, an online application, references and a criminal background check. The whole process usually takes 1-2 weeks.
How to become an EF host family
CHOOSE A STUDENT
While you are completing your application, your IEC will be able to share basic student profiles with you based on compatible lifestyles and interests. Once your application is complete and you are fully screened, you’ll be able to see the students’ full profiles, including their academic transcripts, teacher recommendations, photos and more.
Finding the right student is your first step to an incredible exchange year. Does your family have a country they're interested in? A hobby they're passionate about? If so, let's talk about it!
PREPARATION
After you have been matched with your student you can begin communication with them. To get prepared for the year ahead, you will complete an online orientation. Many IECs also organize an in-person orientation before your student arrives, where you can meet other host families in your community.
EFEXCHANGEYEAR.ORG/FIND-YOUR-STUDENT
ENJOY THE YEAR
You’ll welcome your exchange student at the start of the school semester and they’ll stay with you for either a half or full academic year. Throughout the year, your IEC and the EF offices in Boston and Denver will be available 24 hours a day to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
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Connect with our exchange community CHECK OUT EF STUDENT AND HOST FAMILY STORIES #EFEXCHANGESTORIES
FACEBOOK.COM/EFEXCHANGEYEAR
YOUTUBE.COM/EFHIGHSCHOOLYEAR
EF High School Exchange Year A non-profi t corporation
1 Education Street Cambridge, MA 02141
Telephone: 1-800-447-4273 Fax: 1-617-619-1401
EF High School Exchange Year, operated by EF Educational Foundation for Foreign Study, a non-profi t corporation designated by the US Department of State to operate a J-1student exchange program.
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