Educational Resource Development Trust/SHARE! (ERDT/SHARE!)

Educational Resource Development Trust/SHARE! (ERDT) believes that cross-cultural experiences are fundamental to developing mutual understanding and appreciation between Americans and the international community.  

ERDT administers homestay-based programs through their enVision and SHARE! programs.  ERDT’s enVision Program offers a wide variety of inbound programs, ranging from two weeks to three months throughout the year.  enVision programs include language immersions, ranch and farmstays, and homestay group programs with English and American culture classes.  

SHARE! is ERDT’s  High School Exchange Program.  Since 1974, SHARE!  has been matching teen-aged students from all over the world with host families throughout the United States and enrolls the exchange students in local public high schools for a semester, an academic year or a calendar year program.  Participants are carefully screened and oriented in their home countries to ensure that they are academically prepared, proficient in English, and demonstrate maturity, adaptability, and a sincere desire to experience American culture.  Shortly after arrival in their host communities, participants receive another orientation focusing on local topics and issues.  

ERDT maintains a network of dedicated Exchange Program Coaches (EPCs) who reside in local communities throughout the United States. ERDT believes that the EPC is the key person in providing a quality experience for everyone involved in the exchange experience.  SHARE! EPCs are professionals who are knowledgeable on aspects of the exchange experience, ranging from screening and orienting host families and students and working productively with schools to student supervision, conflict resolution and cross-cultural communication.   All EPCs undergo a criminal background check and mandatory annual certification.  EPCs interview and select host families, provide orientations for host families and students, regularly monitor student progress, resolve conflicts, plan group gatherings, and provide continuing support for host families, students, and high schools. EPCs also help host families select the exchange student who best matches their own background and interests.  ERDT, the local coaches, families and schools are dedicated to providing a quality experience for all involved in high school exchange. 

Semester/Academic Year/Calendar Year in the United States (SHARE! Program)—Foreign students ages 15 to 18 live with a volunteer host family and attend a local public high school for a full academic year (ten months, mid-August to May/June) a semester (five months) and a calendar year program (January to December).  Students must demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English to be accepted into the SHARE! Program.  Students are expected to take a full academic program and are encouraged to participate in school activities.  Cost to participants is $5,600 to $7650, excluding transportation, insurance and personal expenses.