EEL Student Exchange

EEL Student Exchange LLC is dedicated to developing students through a high-level academic experience combined with real-world cultural immersion. The goal is simple: give students the opportunities to learn new perspectives that shape how they think, learn, and grow as they move into adulthood.

We believe that true understanding comes from learning new perspectives on life, by attending school in another country, living with a host family, and engaging in a new community on a daily basis. This experience builds independence, adaptability, and a deeper level of awareness for the increasingly interconnected world that these students will grow up in.

A key part of that development is the connection between academics and extracurricular activities such as athletics. Students are encouraged to fully engage in both during their time abroad. The structure, discipline, and accountability required in academics are reinforced through athletics by building leadership, resilience, and teamwork. Together, they create a more complete and impactful student experience, one that drives both personal and academic growth, helping to set the student up for success later in life.

EEL Student Exchange LLC operates through a network of area (“local”) coordinators across the United States who provide support at the community level. Coordinators are responsible for interviewing and screening host families, supervising students throughout their stay, and ensuring that program standards are maintained. The Local Coordinators submit monthly reports, along with in-person progress reports three times per year, to track each student’s development and overall experience.

F1 Academic Year Program – United States

International students ages 15 to 18 travel to the United States to attend high school for one semester or 1-4 full academic years (ten months), while living with a carefully selected U.S. host family.

Students complete a structured application process, including:
– An application in English
– A language proficiency assessment
– Academic transcripts demonstrating above-average performance
– A personal autobiographical essay
– Interviews with both the student and their parents

Students are encouraged to prepare academically by taking English, U.S. history, and geography courses prior to departure. Upon acceptance, they attend pre-departure orientations that cover U.S. culture, expectations, program guidelines, and how to maximize their academic and overall experience.

In addition, all EEL Student Exchange LLC students participate in an intensive orientation before and upon arrival. This program prepares them for success in their school and community by focusing on cultural adaptation, safety, and academic expectations.

Host families are an essential part of the program. They are encouraged to review multiple student applications to select the student who best fits their family’s lifestyle and interests. This matching process is critical in creating a stable and supportive environment where students can succeed both academically and personally.