Foundation for Worldwide International Student Exchange

The Foundation for Worldwide International Student Exchange (WISE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting world peace and understanding through cultural, academic, and recreational programs with an emphasis on participation in family stays.

It is the WISE philosophy that a homestay creates an ideal cross-cultural experience in which all participants, international students and families alike, share their lives, thus helping to bridge the gap between countries and increase global friendships. WISE offers a number of programs for international students in the United States.

 Academic Year/Semester Program in the United States—International students ages 15 to 18 travel to the United States for one semester or ten months. Students live with volunteer families and enroll in local high schools, follow a typical academic program, and take part in extracurricular activities. English language proficiency is required. Orientation is provided prior to departure from the student’s home country and after arrival in the United States. Cost to participants is approximately $4,500 to $6,000 for the year program, depending on country of origin and program inclusions. Transportation and insurance are not always included and personal expenses are additional. Participant program fees are set by overseas partner organizations.