Lori Said:

How do foreign exchange programs work?

We Answered:

hi, i am actually hosting two exchange students this year. one from brazil and one from spain. bascially how it works is you would research and find an organization you want to go with. you'll fill out tons of paperwork, sign away your life, take tests, and pay a large amount of money. depending on the organization and where you are traveling to and from will depend on the amount of money ($5000.00 is what one paid, $7000.00 is what another paid.). they will pay your insurance, and travel, country visas and paperwork, etc with the money. then there is a minimum required for the month you need to live on, for us, the girls were told they need to have $250 a month available to them. us as the host family do not get paid. we supply food and a bed/dresser/bedroom. the girls pay thier own hygiene (shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste), clothing, souveniers, school fees, tuition, cell phone, calling cards, etc. they arrived a few days before school started, we enrolled them and they attend school. they get bussed to and from school. they are in sports. i have 3 little ones of my own, so i don't do much transporting, they find rides to and from things they want to do. we eat dinner together as a family, they help clean up dinner, and then retire to thier room to prepare for the next day and do homework. on weekends, they wake up about noon and get ready for the day. if we have things to do, they choose if they want to be with the family or not (usually they do). typically then in the late afternoon or evenings, they go out with friends. they have house rules, curfews, and chores. well i think that's about it. it's the gist of the way things work. feel free to contact me if you have any questions. the organization we are with is called face the world (facetheworld.org) hope i helped, jenn (jennilee75@cox.net)

Jared Said:

What are some good Foreign Exchange programs for middle school aged children?

We Answered:

None.
Foreign exchange students are aged 15 to 18 1/2. People to People does somethings with younger kids, but to be quite honest, they are very expensive and little better than a tourist trip.
However, there are some things she can do to prepare.
Study a language (or two!).
Host a student in your family.
Learn about some places she'd like to go.
Talk to her high school counselor when she gets there to arrange her schedule to accommodate her exchange so she can graduate on time.
Finally, when the time comes, I recommend using AFS, YFU or Rotary exchange. They are the best and safest programs.

Tanya Said:

What are some good foreign exchange programs?

We Answered:

So I get to speak up for Rotary International. It's a very competitive program, and they take very good care of their students. I had a much better situation when I was in Japan as an exchange student (in Nagoya at Aichi Shukutoku Kotogakko) back in the 80s than my exchange friends who were with other groups. I loved the different host families I stayed with. It was, outside of marriage and my little girl, probably the most important thing I've done in my life.

Additionally, the students who have come to my high school through the years through Rotary were very good students. Some students from other groups were, well, not here to study, that's for sure...

I suppose there is a difference between staying with host families in high school versus college. It would be harder as a college student to live within someone else's rules. However, as a high schooler, you'd want to have that support.

I hope you're able to figure out what works for you.

Leo Said:

What are good programs for foreign exchange in Spain?

We Answered:

The three best are YFU, AFS and Rotary Exchange. However, I'm pretty sure Rotary is closed and the other two MAY be.

Bonnie Said:

Can you apply for more than one foreign exchange programs?

We Answered:

I would go with a program, it is the safest option and you will be insured scholarships by doing so. I suppose applying for more than one foreign exchange program would work because you can apply for many scholarships however your name will always be in their system, but I guess that gives you more options. The only bad thing about doing that is that pre-registration for each organization is $50-$75 dollars... so you would be spending a lot. I am not to sure what you mean with the scholarship question to countries, but hey if they interest you a lot then go for it! Scholarships are wonderful and that will give you extra spending money in the countries. I hoped that helped, best of luck!

Justin Said:

What foreign exchange programs are the best?

We Answered:

i cannot answer which one is the best but there are some that have quite good reputation like

AFS
YFU
Rotary

but you may find the fees more expensive than the less known ones.

Brad Said:

What are good foreign exchange programs?

We Answered:

The best programs are AFS, Rotary Exchange and YFU. Which one you decide to go with will depend on your parents' budget, where you want to go and what your grades are like. AFS and YFU are more expensive, and Rotary is more affordable, but AFS and YFU are easier to be accepted to, and Rotary is more competitive. Request a brochure from AFS and YFU's websites, and call your local Rotary Club and ask to speak to the Youth Exchange Coordinator. He or she will be able to give you information about the local Rotary Exchange program (because the details vary from club to club).

I'm very excited for you! Being a foreign exchange student is one of the most valuable experiences you can have, in my opinion. If you have any specific questions, feel free to send me an e-mail.