Nacel Open Door

2277 Hwy 36 W,
Suite 355
Roseville, MN  55113

Phone: 651-686-0080 or (toll-free) 800-622-3553

Fax: 651-686-9601

E-mail: sthompson@nacelopendoor.org

Website: www.nacelopendoor.org

Contact: Shannon Pfarr Thompson, President

2026-2027 CSIET Certification Status: Full

Countries Served: Andorra, Argentina, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, China, sugar Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, South Korea, Mongolia, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Thailand, Vietnam

Number of 2025-2026 Participants: 16 F1; 250 J1

Grant Programs: Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange

Not-for-Profit Organization: Nacel established 1957; Open Door established 1964

Nacel Open Door strives to open minds, broaden perspectives and create lifelong international connections. In the last ten years, nearly 27,000 host families and students have participated in a Nacel Open Door program.

Nacel Open Door is dedicated to providing educational opportunities that promote intercultural understanding by offering home-stay experiences. It also supports foreign language education in U.S. secondary schools by encouraging students to begin and continue foreign language study.

Nacel Open Door works with a network of partners and Local Representatives who coordinate the selection and preparation of students and host families and provides support during the exchange experience.

Academic Year or Semester Program in the United States—International students ages 15 to 18 come to the United States for a semester or academic year, attending a local high school, improving their English language skills and experiencing American culture. English language proficiency is required. Orientation is provided prior to departure from the home country and after arrival in the United States. 

Private School Program in the United States—This F1 visa program allows American private high schools to welcome qualified international students to their campuses.  Designed for high-achieving individuals, students typically come to the U.S. for one year or more with the goal of graduating and subsequently attending college or university. During their stay, participants live within our network of qualified host families and benefit from various Nacel Open Door support services.