EF High School Exchange Year

EF High School Exchange Year, EF Intercultural Foundation, and EF Educational Tours are separate organizations. EF High School Exchange Year has been evaluated by CSIET, and its certification in the CSIET Advisory List should not be construed to suggest or include certification of EF Intercultural Foundation or EF Educational Tours, which have not been evaluated.

EF High School Exchange Year, operated by EF Educational Foundation for Foreign Study is a worldwide organization dedicated to international student exchange and education, with the purpose of encouraging cultural awareness and mutual respect among nations. EF High School Exchange Year was founded in 1979, when 215 students from Europe came to the United States. Since then, more than 100,000 students from across the world have been able to learn a language, become more independent, and make lasting international friendships through EF High School Exchange Year programs.

EF High School Exchange Year offers students the opportunity to experience an academic semester or a full high school year in a foreign country. Program participants are interviewed and screened by school administrators, teachers, and personnel from EF High School Exchange Year’s foreign affiliates. Student selection criteria include maturity, language ability, adaptability, and academic motivation. Students are prepared for their exchange experience through pre-departure materials, family informational meetings, and orientations.  

EF High School Exchange Year staff work closely with a network of more than 1,000 trained local International Exchange Coordinators (IECs). These IECs are responsible for providing arrival orientations, monitoring participant progress on a monthly basis, offering ongoing support, and arranging optional activities for students and host families in their communities. IECs also help host families select the student they feel is most compatible with their personalities and interests. A team of trained Regional Coordinators (RCs) assists the local IECs and maintains close contact with the staff. Additional support for the students, host families, schools, and IECs is provided by full-time program staff in the participating countries, all of whom are linked by a global communications network. 

High School Year or Semester in the United States—Foreign students ages 15 to 18 live with a volunteer host family in the United States for a semester or full school year. Students must demonstrate proficiency in both written and spoken English. Students enroll in a local high school, follow a typical academic program, and take part in extracurricular activities. Preparation orientations are provided prior to departure and upon arrival to the United States. A farewell orientation is also conducted prior to the student’s return to the home country. EF High School Exchange Year staff and their foreign affiliates facilitate visa applications, coordinate international and domestic travel.