EF High School Exchange Year

Our family has hosted 9 students from 7 different countries since 2018. 7 of those students being through the EF High School Exchange Year. Sadly after our experience with this organization this past year we will no longer be hosting with EF. 


The majority of our students we consider to be our own kids and part of our own family. We plan to travel and visit them as we are able. We continue to stay in touch after their arrival home.

The last 3 students were received from the program were absolutely unacceptable for a variety of reasons. 


One student we hosted from Germany snubbed everything our daughter had to say to her. She cared a lot about her appearance and boys. We went on many trips with her and received no thank yous which can wear on you after awhile. We took her to Disney and the “thought the castle would be bigger.” Towards the end of the year she thought it was ok to have a boyfriend in her room with the door closed in our house. Being an only child and this being her first boyfriend her parents did not have rules or boundaries at home. She continued to ask if she could sleep at her boyfriend’s house. At the same time was failing her classes. She wasn’t sure if she was going to be able to participate in graduation until the day her parent’s showed up from Germany. Overall her pushing the boundaries with her boyfriend was embarrassing and challenging, right up to the day she went home with her parents.

We received 2 students for the 2023-2024 school year. Both did not speak any English to start off with coming from Asian countries, Korea and Japan.

The Korean student spent the entire year with us and did not speak to us. She was sent several warning letters throughout the year and EF did not send her home. It was a miserable year for everyone involved. Instead of leaving us a thank you letter when she left, she left us a card with money in it to “send her things home” which didn’t even cover a small box. She left her room a disaster that took us an entire day to clean.

The other student from Japan did want to have some interaction with us but could not understand directions or rules. This resulted in her getting in an accident resulting in a concussion 3 weeks into her exchange year before school even started.

This resulted this situation consuming our entire lives for 2 months. Driving to the hospital during her stay, arranging for her mom (who also didn’t speak English) to come to the US. Providing food, transportation and housing for the both of them. The student and the mom wanted her to stay and EF would not let her continue her exchange year against everyone’s wishes.

EF staff (a lady by the name of Amber) dealt with this situation completely unprofessionally without any compassion. This resulted in anger and emotions on our side, the student and her mom. EF forced her to return to home. After returning home and being cleared medically she requested that EF send her back to the US. The Japan office told her that she did not have host family acceptance, which was NOT the case. They told us that EF would not sponsor her visa and would also not be giving her a refund for the experience. What a total loss for everyone involved.

EF told us that they could “see what they could do” regarding the expenses and stress we endured during this time. They sent us a very very small check that didn’t even cover what we went through.

When EF “sells” these kids to American families they say they come with their own insurance, spending money and speak English. These students are a liability to families if they get hurt when you are their guardian.

If we decide to host in the future, we will be choosing a program that screens their students properly and that requires their students to pay their own way. NOT EF EXCHANGE YEAR.

i have been on a semester abroad with Ef in 2023. I lived for six months of my life in Wisconsin, United States. This type of experience made me grow up since I got to be more indipendent: I was in fact on my own on the other side of the world, I didn’t know anyone and neither had my family with me. I became then part of a new family; i lived with an host family which made me feel included and part of their american life, I went to highschool there and lived as an american teenager, met many people and got of from my comfort zone. This type of experience made me wanting to go abroad again and recommending Ef because I had a great support during my semester

I am a repeat host family with EF in Kansas. The company was great in preparing our family for the arrival of our exchange student and we've been very happy with all three of them so far. They bring a great amount of joy and different perspective to our children. We also really like our IEC who regularly organizes events for all the exchange student in the region which has been a great way to meet more families like ours.

I went on a high school exchange year with EF a year ago, and it was the best year of my life! 
I got placed in Dallas, Texas and was able to join the Color Guard team during this year. I found the best friends I could ever ask for at my Highschool and even my teachers were always there for me if I needed to talk.
EF has also always supported me throughout my whole Exchange Year. Especially with changing my host family! I always had the possibility to talk to my IEC or someone at the office. Just as my parents. They were always more than welcome to call the EF office, which helped us a lot. And even after my Exchange Year EF even gives me a chance to inspire new exchange students as an ambassador. I love to tell future exchange students about my exchange, because they can see that a move isn’t something bad, it just makes your exchange year better.
This whole experience gave me the chance to learn about myself, other cultures, and to find a second family and friends from all over the world! I’m so thankful that I found my Host Family! They never missed a change to make my day incredible! Thank you to the whole EF-Family who made this year so special!

Hello! My name is julina and in year 2022/2023, I spent one year in Alabama with the EF High School Exchange Year and I want to share my opinion with you. First of all, I need to say that it was the best year of my life. I did not just meet new friends, see a lot of the country, learn English and became part of the EF family, I did also grow as a person so much. This exchange year improved my mindset, personality and social skills. I learned how to face difficult situations, talk to people and just start a life from scratch. I believe that these skills can really help me in life and I am so thankful that I was able to learn so much while having an amazing time.
I also loved the additional offers like the EF Discovery Tours, welcome days, summits, ICE-meetups and the Ambassador programm. This really was like a family for me!
I can only recommend doing an exchange year and especially with EF, because they really helped me prepare for what was coming and supported me 24/7. I would totally do it again!

A Life-Changing Journey with EF High School Exchange Year!
I embarked on my adventure with EF High School Exchange Year filled with excitement and uncertainty, but looking back, I can confidently say that it was the best decision of my life. The pre-departure engagement offered by EF was exceptional. They provided comprehensive information, eased my worries, and connected me with other exchange students, creating a sense of community even before the journey began.

Throughout my exchange year, EF's support was unwavering. The local coordinators were always there to assist, and the Ambassador program added a personal touch, allowing me to connect with peers and experienced exchange students. EF's Camp and Discovery Tour were invaluable in enhancing my cultural immersion, introducing me to breathtaking new places and people.

As a person, I blossomed during my exchange year. I gained independence, adaptability, and a global perspective. My horizons expanded, and my self-confidence soared, making me a more open-minded, resilient, and empathetic individual.

I wholeheartedly recommend an exchange year to every student and parent. It's a transformative experience that fosters personal growth, cultural understanding, and lifelong friendships. EF High School Exchange Year is the way to go; I'd choose them again in a heartbeat!

About a year ago I went abroad to America with EF for a whole school year.
My year abroad started in Pennsylvania where I was welcomed at the airport by a large team of EF ambassadors. I had an unforgettable time there, but that was far from the end of my time in America, I got on the next plane and arrived in Louisiana, I didn't know what to expect, but it turned out that this was the beginning of the rest of my life, the beginning of a life with two places, smells and people that I can now call home.
And although it wasn't always easy I can recommend doing a year abroad to anyone who is willing to take a risk.

EF exchange year is the best experience that a student could ever choose to do during High School. There are many advantages which include personal growth, independence, acknowledging, personal culture, and many others, but let’s start from the very beginning of my experience with EF.
I started applying a little bit late because I was not completely sure yet, I would say around September/October. The first thing I had to do was a couple of interviews with the Ef team, the first one was informative and the second one was an easy english test to check my level. Once they told me I was accepted I started my application. It was very long (it included personal questions to get to know me better and have a perfect placement) and I had to do it little by little everyday, but the EF team was very kind and helped me throughout the whole process, especially if I had issues or questions about it.
I think I finished my application around December and I started completing my visa in January. Once everything was done and I had my visa I just had to wait for my placement which arrived in May. I was so happy! I cannot describe the emotions that I was feeling but I was filled with joy and excitement. I was hoping to have siblings, in fact I got 2! I immediately emailed my host family ans started talking with them through Skype. I was so happy to finally meet them, but I could not wait to see them in person. We decided on my date of arrival and I soon got my flight tickets. I decided to be a part of the Welcome Days which were also a great part of my exchange year, I have to say, the best days of my life. I was just three days but it felt like an eternity and I hoped they would never end but I also wanted to meet my new family so much! I was scared when I first landed in New York because I had just realized where I was and what I was doing, I was already homesick but everything stopped as soon as I saw the EF ambassadors cheering for us and welcoming us at the airport. I felt special and I felt many good emotions. They helped me a lot in each time of my exchange year: before my departure, during my stay in the US and now I want to be that person who is going to help future exchange students like the helped me in the first place. It really changes everything because they are the only ones who really know what being part of this experience is, they know every aspect of it because they were part of it in the past. Yes it is the best year of your lives but it is also one of the hardest because it is difficult to change everything completely at just 16 or 17 but it is really worth it and when you are going to be a the end of the year you are just going to remember the good parts and not the bad ones. Anyways after the WD I arrived at my destinations with two other exchange students. We were all really excited but as soon as we saw our host families we could not understand anything at all. I felt much joy in meeting each one of the members of the family. They all looked very kind and I knew I would have gotten along with them. I am now almost at the end of this great experience and of course i cannot wait to get to see my family back but I cannot think about leaving them and not being with them everyday. My year was filled with joy and happiness, I build special bonds that will never fade and we are already scheduling to meet each other again in my home country and I look forward to it. This is really the best experience anyone could choose to do, I record it to everybody but it is important to think a lot about it before choosing to do it, you are going to consider every aspect of it and of course consider the bad times also because I knew about them before coming but I still accepted to be a part of it and I will never regret choosing the EF exchange year. My IEC has also helped me during my bad times. She was always there supporting me and listening to me. That is why I chose EF, because it was the only company that offered this much help before and during my exchange year and that is how i exactly went: I received lots of help while I was in my home country but also while I was in the US, even if I was not having any kind of problems, I knew that they were there for me.
You are going to go back home as a completely new person, you will have a huge personal growth, you will become mature, strong, independent at just 17. You are going to learn many things about yourself that you did not know before and you will learn to live with yourself only. A few days ago I told a woman who was offering jobs at my school about this experience, she told me: “if you are doing this at just 17, imagine what you could do in five years. It is incredible and I am so proud of you!”. I did not even know her but I think I will remember those words forever because I feel like they were so true! Anyhow, consider this experience, which could be the best year of your entire life.

Highschool exchange year was the best!
My name is Jakub Wrona, i'm from Switzerland, and last year I decided to do an highschool exchange year which ended up being the best decision of my life. I spent my year in Mobile, Alabama and got to experience the American culture to its fullest. Going to an American Highschool, to American Football and Basketball games, Prom and Homecoming has always been a dream of mine and EF gave me the oppportunity to make them come true. This experience made me go out of my comfort zone and changed me in the best way possible. My American host family became my second family. They did the best job of taking care of me throughout the year and I can't wait to go visit them again this fall break. It's crazy how much people and a culture can grow on you throughout one year. During my exchange I also made new best friends and we talk to each other every now and then. Throughout this whole experience the EF support team has been very supportive and answered all my questions and needs. They support you very professionally from the beginning to the end which I find truly amazing. If I had to make the decision to redo this experience or to plan something with EF again I 100% would. Thank you for helping me to have the best year of my life.

I was part of the EF class of 2023 for my exchange year in the United States. I spent 11 months with an amazing host family in Tucson, Arizona. Signing up for this experience was by far the best choice of my entire life, and probably the most important. My host family definitely contributed to my amazing year. From day one, they took care of me and made me feel just like home, supporting me throughout the whole year. This experience made me grow, especially as a person. Not only my English improved exponentially, but I was also able to become more independent and responsible. I also became way more confident than I was before leaving, which helped me cultivate many friendships. I would definitely choose EF again because of how caring and supportive their team was throughout the entire year, especially in the first weeks, when I experienced some homesickness.
I would suggest this amazing experience to everyone, it's going to completely change your life!

I went on a high school exchange year with EF a year ago, and it was the best year of my life!
EF has always supported me throughout my Exchange Year. And even gives me a chance to inspire new exchange students after my exchange year as an ambassador. My exchange gave me the chance to learn about myself, other cultures, and to find a second family and friends from all over the world! Thank you to the whole EF-Family who made this year so special!

I have enjoyed hosting in the past through a few different organizations. This past year we hosted a young lady from Germany through EF. Apparently according to the young lady it was a bad fit. The one thing she and the EIC kept harping on is she said I yelled a lot. She was told right up front my husband is hard of hearing and she would need to speak a little loud to him. I did not find this out until I was put on the spot and blindsided by the EIC when he showed up at my home. I was lead to believe this was a typical placement evaluation. EF believed every word she told them with out any kind of research or hearing my view of the situation. She was taken out of the home and taken to the friends house where she wanted to go. I had to fill out mounds of paper work to be sure we were a safe, responsible family yet she was freely taken to this home at 9 PM with no research. The EIC even requested the family meet them to pick her up with out even getting a look of the home. I was so upset and devastated and had absolutely no response or support from EF. After she left I found more and more evidence that she lied on her application. We live in a small community so stuff gets back to me and she was telling many people it was our fault she left. When the young lady came a few days later to retrieve her belongings I kept telling the EIC I expected him to be here with her to protect myself against further accusations. When she arrived she came to the door with a friend, no adult with her. If our home was such a bad situation why did the new family or EF feel it was a good idea to allow the young lady to come here accompanied with another child. I reached out to the Boston office right to the top hoping to get some type of support. All I was told was they felt it was best to place the student in a different home, once again leading me to believe I did something wrong and was more than a bad fit. I was devastated over this experience and the fact that EF was not being neutral in the situation made it even more devastating for me. Had the EIC been a little more neutral I would have been able to chalk it up to a bad fit and been able to easily move on looking forward to hosting again. I am really disappointed that EF has not made any contact since, including requesting me to participate again for the upcoming school year. This tells me EF believes the accusations of a manipulative teenager over mine. If you are considering hosting a student it can be a wonderful experience with lasting relationships but go with and organization that offers more support to the host family.

I would recommend and choose EF again! I loved everything from start to end. I liked how they have opportunities like the Ambassador program, camp and discovery tours. I am a proud ambassador and love my FAMbassasdor. We are a real community and keep in those with old and new students. We support each other and that is a great way to explore more of the world after your exchange. I have grown a lot because of my trip with EF. I would definitely recommend it to any young teen who is ready to grow and explore. EF is a great save space to travel in and expand your comfort zone with.

I went on an EF exchange year with EF three years ago, and I was the best year of my life. EF has been amazingly supportive and allowed me to broaden my horizons of the world through this intercultural exchange. I will forever be grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that EF gave me. Having another family at the other side of the world is truly a privilege, and I would advise any open-minded student to go on this amazing experience.

We hosted last year and decided to host again this year. We felt fully supported by our local coordinator Jennifer. She is on top of everything and helps support us and the students. We have also hosted previously with another organization and were impressed with how different hosting EF was. I highly recommend.

I had two host students. One wanted to leave in December due to not being able to play basketball. This was fine as we did not have the best connection. After he leaves, his parents complained about a commute to and from school. The other host student and I got along. He did not mind the commute and his family did not mind the commute. EF all of a sudden started complaining about the commute. Then, two weeks after the one student left, EF, at 9 PM, took the second without warning or notice. It was absolutely traumatizing. Trying to acquire information on why this happened or the justification was impossible. No one answered any questions or provided an explanation.

Save your family the trouble with dealing with these people. I should have known it would end badly as it began badly with the lack of communication.

My high school exchange year was perfect. I always had the Ef stuff in my back and they helped me getting through bad times and helped me to deal with stuff like home sickness.
Through the global Ef network, meet ups, hangout and English nights EF overs, I made friends from all over the world. I grew so much during my exchange year as a person and I would choose EF over and over again. They definitely have been the right choice for me and helped me to make most of my year. A huge Thank you the whole EF family for creating with me the best year of my life.

I was a host family for a 17yr old for the 2022-23 school year. The student did not fit in with my family. We joined the program late so the student was a last pick unfortunately. The student was not ready for country living, peers who have jobs and a small school with a graduating class of 100 students. The student spent 96% of her time in the bedroom on the phone, on the computer or watching tv. Talking to friends from back home. The student was abruptly removed from my home by the IEC after spending time with them on a weekend. When student was to return that day I received a call saying the student would not be returning to me but to get their items. Things were said that were not true but the IEC did not care. At this point I had enough of the student. The student did not help with any chores, disliked kids, my pets etc. I do not recommend using EF!

EF is not a program I would entrust my child to. We experienced firsthand a student being put through the wringer by EF. Host families welcome students into their homes, expecting nothing in return as they are not paid to host. Which means host families are--not always, but more often than not--good and generous people. Our family was privileged to host a lovely exchange student who fit with our family like one of our own kids. Our student adored us and the feeling was mutual. Before our student came into our home, we expressed that our only concern was how our special needs child might handle things, having a history of lying, acting up, getting into trouble at school, etc. Lo and behold, beginning of the school year, seeking attention like he does, our special needs son told some lies at school (not uncommon for children with his diagnoses), and the school sent both CPS and the police to our home. CPS (the program that is meant to PROTECT THE CHILDREN) determined there is no abuse in our home and there would be no investigation; the inexperienced school resource officer, on the other hand, was disinterested in learning about our son’s special needs and made an incredibly poor judgment call in issuing my partner a citation when there was not a mark of abuse on any of our kids.

Being the honest people we are, we told EF what was going on, and they took our student "for three days" that turned into forever. Our student is 17 years old! She reiterated over and over that there is no danger in our home. She pleaded to stay in our home. Her father wanted her in our home. We were a PERFECT MATCH. EF clearly doesn't believe in the adage "innocent until proven guilty," nor did they care what an almost-adult woman had to say about being in our home! EF didn't protect a young child from being abused, they IGNORED a young woman who could speak for herself and attest to the kind of people we are. For several weeks, our student was in limbo, thrown to the wolves. She was crying, traumatized, reeling with what had just happened to her and to us. I would talk to her on the phone each night for hours as she cried, feeling hopeless, alone, scared, and telling me over and over that her life was perfect with us. She expressed many times wishing she could go back in time and wake up to life before the nightmare we suddenly found ourselves in. The EF program did not support her, they did not offer her counseling, they didn't let her talk about our family, and they either didn't see --or PRETENDED NOT TO SEE-- the major disruption they created in our student's life or the painful trauma she was going through. Alone, in a foreign country, with NO FAMILY, and being yanked from her only support system. She had developed a deep relationship with our family, and especially with me as a mother-figure. Instead of helping her, validating her feelings, talking about her loss, and supporting her through her struggles and transition, they told her she wasn't allowed to see us again (we had to FIGHT for the right to see her before she went back to her country, and it had to be supervised visitation as if we were going to abuse her. I cannot even begin to explain what it feels like for an innocent person to be treated like a criminal. Never in all my life have I been treated so inhumanely)!

This program touts themselves as a program that is relationship-focused, but it's all part of the sales pitch. They don't value relationships! How could they take a young woman from our home who LOVES our family and tell her she couldn't see us again!? No closure, no respect or appreciation for what we shared! The local coordinator knew us, had a damn good idea of who we are as a family, knew of our son's special needs (we had even discussed his challenges and our hopes that he wouldn't do anything stupid while our student was with us). The local coordinator knew our student was not in danger, but she did not advocate for her. She stood idly by and watched as they literally shattered our student until she returned to her home country devastated and broken, a victim to this bureaucratic garbage. They should have set her up with a therapist and paid for her counseling once she got home! If she were my own child, I would have sued EF for the pain and suffering they caused her, and to get my money back, as her experience was drastically shortened through no fault of her own!).

Our student's experience will forever be tainted by the traumatic end to her time in America. She could have chosen to start over with another host family, but there was a true bond between us and it would have been hard to start over with another family she may or may not have bonded with like she did us (and don't even get me started about the damage this program did to our family, as well as to our student. We have several young children who didn't understand what was happening when our student left, and they didn't get adequate time to say goodbye either. Trauma ALL THE WAY AROUND! Our child who told the lies at school that caused this whole uproar was crying, "I'm so stupid! I didn't mean it! Our home is safe! She {the student} doesn't need to leave! I'm sorry I said that! It's not true!"). If the higher-ups in this program had true care and concern for the exchange students, they would treat each one like an individual and make every effort to support them in WHATEVER their needs are while in America. The way we watched them treat our student, as if she were inhuman, like a robot with no feelings, I would NEVER trust my own child to this program. We had plans to send one of our kids on an EF school trip until all this happened and I could envision my child facing a challenge while on a trip without his parents, and his emotional suffering or need for support being ignored.

The higher-ups should revisit the ways they can support and meet the needs of their current and future students. There is NO ACCOUNTABILITY, no individual circumstances, no advocacy whatsoever. There were no attempts to problem-solve or find solutions for anyone involved. There could have been other options, like "Let's do a weekly check at your home to make sure everything is okay." "Let's talk to CPS and see why they determined that there will be no investigation." (It doesn't take a genius to see that it's because there is NO ABUSE HAPPENING IN OUR HOME!). The very first statement on their LinkedIn profile says, "At EF we believe the world is better when people try to understand one another." In our experience, there were no attempts to understand. And a blog called "We are EF" states, "Relationships — whether internal or external — are central to EF." So many empty words. There were no efforts made to understand, and no value placed on relationships...quite the opposite...only threats that our student could no longer have any contact with our family her last several weeks in the country, when she wanted nothing more than to be with her forever American family (fortunately the one thing they cannot take from us is the relationships we built and the love we share; we will--without question--be reunited again with our student)! A program who values their students would have listened to our student's voice, her desires, her father's desires, and put more effort into finding solutions. They went purely on the words of a young, inexperienced, overzealous police officer who wanted to protect the world, be it ever misguided! Our student did NOT deserve the raw hand that was dealt to her. EF needs to onboard some people with compassion, creativity, true concern for the students, people who can see the forest for the trees and think outside the box, and let go of the insensitive rigidity that permeates this company from the top down.

EF made a grave mistake in ruining our student's experience. If you look at the website for the Committee for Safety of Foreign Exchange Students (www.csfes.org), it clearly states that "Exchange students should not be placed in the homes of convicted criminals, CONVICTED being the operative word. A charge is NOT a conviction. We were all victims to the claims of a child with a long history of challenges, the citation even stating that there was NO BODILY INJURY (the citation was made merely as a result of the words of a troubled 7 year old. "Probable cause" but "not beyond a reasonable doubt," as our lawyer put it, since there was NO EVIDENCE to support the claim). The CSFES also states that a student should "never be sent home without an accompanying review process." We also question whether that ever happened, as they failed to communicate with our family or our student throughout the entire process. They isolated our student and stonewalled us, and our student returned home traumatized and confused, with no closure to her American experience. The EF company lacks the skills to navigate challenges and could really use some improved training so they don't damage the young adults entrusted to their care as a result of their own deficiencies.

As a first time host family, this was a disaster. We spent a lot of time creating a letter to the student and listing who we were and what we had to offer very specifically in the many many pages of questions ( we are an organic farm and ranch). We underwent a rigorous process of questions, paperwork, approvals, and criminal background checks. The student claimed to have read everything and told us she was excited, she loved animals and the chance to learn new things, and loved kids and would be a good role model, and help with chores, etc. From the moment the student arrived, there were issues. The student was not at all behaving like someone who had read and agreed to what we had to offer. The student spent all spare time in the phone, either speaking and communicating with parents, sibling, or friends back home, and on social media, and in the room. There was zero integration. The English speaking and comprehension was/is very poor. We were treated like a hotel and hotel staff at best, at worst, the attitudes, physical expressions, and downright refusals in some cases were appalling and disrespectful. the student did not clean up their room/bathroom until we had a meeting with the local EF. The student would get mad when we asked them to do pretty much anything, and their acceptable food list was 8 items. For a host family that cooks three meals a day from scratch, from what we organically raise, to be told the student would rather eat cold garbage cereal, after supposedly reading our information is just insane. She was in her room or on her tech, did not want to do anything with us after the trial week we gave her after the first EF meeting, and was unkind to my 8yr old daughter. There are many many details I could add, but after 2 meetings with the local EF staff and a short term improvement followed by a landslide where she was mentally unstable, the stress of having this person in our home was just too much and we had them removed. We also have been jacked around by the parents regarding several financial issues, and told every donut does not have a hole.... whatever that means..... As volunteer host families we get ZERO compensation and all the money the student families pay goes to EF. Now I am trying to get EF to back me on the issues. DO NOT EVER BUY THE STUDENT A PLANE TICKET UNLESS YOU GET THE FUNDS FIRST. When the student left, they left the room and bathroom a mess, and the welcome gifts from our family, our 8yr old, and my parents. trash cans full, towels, and bedding everywhere a mess, etc. We will not be hosting again.

I went on exchange 2021/22 to West Virginia. My experience with my host family and school were amazing. I learned a lot and got to try many new things (like Cheerleading for example). This year helped me a lot being more confident. The only thing about America is that we have to keep in mind that there is no public transportation. I still enjoyed all the typical 'American things' but that was something I had to get used to. Other than that I loved it and would do it all over again if I could!

My name is Maria Grau, I´m 16 years old and I´m from Spain. I spent my junior year of high school in Minnesota the school year 21/22 with EF. I had an amazing experience. Since I first signed up for the program EF took care of everything. They hosted preparation webinars to make sure we knew what to expect from the exchange, matched me with an amazing host family with whom I fit right in from day one and always answered my questions or concerns. Every member of the staff I talked to was always nice and helpful, since my coordinators in Minnesota to the High School Exchange year team in Spain. The EF staff always made sure I knew what I needed to do and I had nothing to worry about, not even booking my flights because they took care of that too. 10/10 would recommend them if you are thinking of going away for a high school exchange year!

My wife Kim and I have wanting to host a foreign exhchange student for over 15 years now, and we were overjoyed when we were contacted by really friendly staff who talked us through the whole process. The first item they requested of me was a background check for my wife and I. It was at THIS time I was open and honest about my past and previous incidents/charges from 15-20 years ago, which had nothing to do with children or were they felonies. I have since retired from the army after 24 years of service, I hold the highest security clearance, and still work for the government all being open and honest about my past and what happened. They ran my background check and WHAM in a matter of minutes I was told I was good to go. I proceeded to begin filling the mound of paperwork requested of me out, and one of the questions on the very first form asks if I have ever been convicted of a crime. Me being the honest person I am, told the truth. I talked to my coordinator and she said it was good that I was honest and truthful, and if anything they would have to disclose the items to my potential students family, but that would be all. So for the next few weeks my wife and I go through the entire lengthy process, and have my student already picked out, took pictures of the house etc., when I receive a call the day after its all completed and approved, asking about the response I disclosed about if I had ever been convicted of a crime. I was truthful and explained why all of this happened in the first placed and he said he would give me a call back. I was in jail for two months due to a disorderly conduct charge and a possession of stolen property charge which I did not do but was guilty by association. Upon the return phone call I was told that since I disclosed the fact that I had been in jail before that i cannot host a student.
This is my problem.... I am being told no and basically punished for telling the TRUTH! I had to tell my family that we cannot host a student because I was I told the truth? Being that I passed my background check,, and these charges were from 15-20 years ago, I have since bettered myself, hold a clearance, a passport, and work for the government held no weight with this company. Take care od soldiers? HA! I call management and they say that nothing can be done and if I did not disclose that information they would have never known.....God only knows how many families are out there that are hosting that ARE NOT HONEST and TRUTHFUL. I will never prorogate or suggest your company to anybody that I know. And I know a LOT of people...
- A Very upset and frustrated Retired Soldier.������������������������������

After 13 years of hosting I was treated like trash. Fallsly accusing me of offering alcohol to a student. This organisation doesn't give a monkey or respect host families at all. I strongly suggest to everyone DO NOT GET INVOLVED!!!!! All the money paid to this organisation is going god knows where, as host families receive practically nothing versus what is required from them. One big joke!

Det var som en dröm och ett av de bästa besluten jag nånsin har gjort.

I went on a high school exchange year two years ago now and it was by far the best thing I've ever experienced and I recommend it to every teenager who like to travel, to meet new people, to learn a language and to discover a new culture! There is nothing i regret about it as it gave me so many memories that i'll never forget!

I have traveled with EF for my exchange year in the United States. It was simply the most wholesome and amazing experience of my life. Not only the support team was always there when I needed their help, but EF also made me meet people from all over the world: Germany, Italy, Japan...

If there is one thing your teenager should do during their time in highs chool, it would be an exchange year. The confidence, perseverance, and connections are among the most valuable assets I have gained throughout this adventure.

I spent a semester in San Diego, California with Ef in 2019. I highly recommend the organization. They are very reliable and they have taken care of every need I had through the hardest times of my exchange experience. They have staff all over the place ready to support the young students and to give them a hand when in need. They also create a broad network of students from all over the world that interact as ambassadors before, during and after the Exchange program, making the cultural exchange experience last much longer than the 6-12 month that the kid spends abroad. In comparison with other companies I have interacted with they are the best one!

it's been the best year of my life! i got the chance to meet a lot of people from different countries. I've experienced the American High school and most of the activities such as sports and clubs.
I suggest this experience to everyone not only for learn a new language and be confident with it but also to make yourself grow and understand what you can actually do once you get out from your comfort zone.
The EF team is always ready to support you in every situation.

I took in a Thai teenager who didn't like the host family (also an IEC) he was staying with. The exchange student was a friend of my sons at school and we were asked to take him so we did. During the COVID19 outbreak they decided to ship all the kids home. I wanted my student to stay with me where he had been quarantined and so did he and his mother. I fought with many people and it was not an option. His flight has been changed many times. He is very upset and is suddenly leaving tomorrow morning, not in three days as last planned. We are rushing to get washed and packed. He is being flown two hours to Chicago where he will sit for over 7 hours, then fly to Qatar where he will lay over 11 hours!!! Then on to Thailand. Everything is closed in these airports, there is no food or drinks. I have raised hell with the local IEC and an online person that they are dropping this scared child in the Middle East to sit in an airport for 11 hours. They both told me it's fine, no big deal. One even said she sat at an airport 24 hours once and it wasn't that bad. They basically don't want responsibility for these kids anymore. My child could have stayed here for months but absolutely not!! They won't allow it. Now he traveling through five airports to possibly be exposed to coronavirus. Also his mother who saved a decade for this doesn't get a dime back. They told her it was unavoidable circumstances. I hate this company. They couldn't care less about these kids. They have sent kids back to Italy where they are dying in the streets! Do not use Education First! Find another program.

My family hosted an exchange student from Italy for the first time ever. We have never done anything like this and we thought it was going to be a fun year of travel and fun and it was until now. Now with this pandemic situation and the fact that EF made the worst decision to send all the exchange students home even tho Europe has more problems than we do is why I view as EF not knowing what they are doing. The fact that they tried to send my exchange student back to her home country that has a lot more problems with this pandemic than we do is ridiculous. It's too dangerous right now to travel anywhere to Europe and I just wish they realized that before making this decision and if they say safety is their number one priority, it isn't; because of what they just did. It's safer if all the exchange students stay in the U.S. until it's safe to go back.

Horrible Experience, other kids were rude and privileged. EF is the worst, go with another organization. Note that all the positive reviews are posted on the same day. They are totally fake.

Mixed feeling with this organization. But overall, it is truth that you might be able to get a good kid or a "prince/princess wanna be" and it is truth that in order to generate revenue they are taking anyone who has $18k to pay EF regardless their language skills and emotional status..... and it is truth that they need the host family for offering financial support so EF team can enjoy the profit from the student. And it is very truth that when things go sour, for example the kid is way above his her head to demand a loyal treatment, cash from the host family, won't help the chore, hide trash in the room..., EF team will tell you " well, they are kids and you need to teach them" and provide you very limited help but criticism. That is BS. So if you are ready to fund those privilege kids and spoil those EF staffs, go for it. Find a responsible EF staff to help you and don't be the ATM for EF/Kids so they can abuse you financially and emotionally.

I was a local coordinator with EF, and a host parent. I have since distanced myself from them. Other posts on here are very accurate. The office in Boston is extremely young. The average age is likely not even 25. Turnover is annual, but sometimes semi-annual, to be perfectly honest. They do care mainly about money and law suits. There are significant "double-standards". Some students get away with breaking rules, others get "final warnings", which mean very little, and others get sent home immediately for the same issue. It is quite bizarre. And, again, all of these decisions being made by 22-24 year old recent college graduates. There are blatant lies on behalf of the EF Boston staff to local coordinators and host families. Again, this is likely due to the young ages of the staff and lack of real-world experience. I don't want to go into detail, but it is rather disheartening.

I would protect your families, and steer clear of not only the organization's high school exchange program, but anything affiliated with EF (tours, language schools, etc...).

Best,

I have been hosting exchange students with EF for 6 years now. Each year my family host a student from a different country and have loved everyone of them and consider them as part of the family. EF has been a very supportive organization and with our family every step of the way. The students on the program are wonderful and have a true passion about learning what it means to be an American. I would highly recommend EF to anyone that wants to make a difference in the world. Thank you EF, for all that you do for your students and host families!

September 16, 2017

Good evening,

I am a local IEC in the _______, Ok area. Recently, I raised a concern to the local, regional coordinator by the name of Rose _______ about a student by the name of ___who was placed in _________, OK. Although my statement about the alleged inappropriate touch that the student shared with my husband James and I was forwarded in a separate email, I am writing today regarding my concern of how this crisis was mishandled. Repeatedly, my husband James and I informed Allison _______of our concerns regarding our safety of going to the _____ family home to pick up the student's belongings. Our concerns were, and I’m sure one would agree that with James and I initially reporting the alleged inappropriate abuse we did not feel comfortable going into an environment in which we reported the allegations.

When reports are made to Child Protective Services (CPS) the person who reports the abuse typically remain anonymous, and their identity is often concealed. Although a protocol is in place to contact CPS for allegations such as the ones in which _____ reported, what is in place to ensure that families are trained on how to de-escalate and manage such crises? Despite our best efforts of expressing our concerns with Allison, we felt as though our concerns were not valued. Moreover, we felt an enormous amount of pressure to go to the host families home despite our concerns and reported concerns from the student to pick up the student's belongings that were left. As host parents turned IEC's, we do not receive compensation for opening our homes to these students. However, to feel as though our concerns regarding safety is not of concern to EF High School Exchange is deeply troublesome.

I recently mentioned safety in the previous paragraph, allow me to further elaborate on this point. Allison informed my husband from New Jersey (according to the caller identification) that when he gets to the _____ home to call her ten minutes prior so that she can be on the phone with Mr. ____ in the event, he had questions about the student leaving. However, the day prior Allison was made aware that this location typically has limited cell phone coverage. I am requesting that someone explain how is calling and being on the phone beneficial in such instances? Does EF High School Exchange not collaborate with local organizations or include as part of their training a crisis intervention hotline that is staffed with personnel who are trained to assist and help coordinate the appropriate personnel to go into the residence in which the abuse took place?

Overall, my family felt abandoned during this process. We further felt as though our duty of reporting put us in a potentially hostile situation and further made us lose confidence in this program. To ensure my husband’s safety of obtaining _____ items I contacted the local law enforcement authorities (Deputy Michael _____) to assist in the retrieval of her belongings. Due to the nature of the concern, the deputy felt as though additional backup may be needed.

As I conclude, Allison asked James, and I if we felt as though Mr. ______ would become violent as if we were fully capable of answering this question. Let me say that despite the program’s best efforts of screening people, there are still character traits that are not screened and that no test can account for. Now that this issue has been brought to your awareness, what plans will you put in place to ensure that no family will undergo the feeling of being isolated and alone to handle such issues? Host Parents need to be reassured that everyone involved with EF High School Exchange program is of concern. Not just the student.

I look forward to working with you in the future about the issues outlined in this correspondence.

Sincerely,

_____________

Note all names and locations have been forwarded to higher authorities and are listed in the original email

We entered the journey of having an exchange student with open hearts and excitement. After six months, our student began expressing a strong negative opinions about Americans. Our area coordinator was notified. At 7 months he was suspended from school. Our area coordinator was notified, but there was no repercussion from EF. At 9 months, he broke his tibfib and had emergency surgery. My husband and I both missed work to care for him. We signed all necessary financial documents for him to be cared for (even with Aetna insurance). We served him food, cleaned his room, rearranged our house, gathered all of his assignments, all while trying to maintain our normal family life with two other active teenagers. EF never acknowledged our new role as nurse. They never asked if this new role was too much for us. They are not your advocates. These students pay over 15k to come and sit on the couch of your home. They aren't really vetted except for their ability to pay the fees. And when a bad egg comes or unfortunate circumstances happen, you and your family bare the burden. Want an exchange student? Great. Go with Rotary. EF Exchange is not your partner.

About 6 moths ago I was approached to be an Exchange Coordinator at EF exchange. I have been talking to EF for about 6 months now, taking training, filling out applications, providing references, going through background checks, taking endless calls, inviting people into my home, refinishing my basement, buying a bed , creating a room for a student.
Last week I was told that my student was in the process of sending her transcripts to the school and we were almost there!

Today out of the blue I received a phone call from the applications department telling me that I was no longer being considered for a host family role because of 2 reasons:

1) I am not gainfully employed: I discussed this with the person that recruited me before this process commenced saying that I would perhaps be laid off at the end of March. I have severance until August and I am deep into an interview process for which I expect to receive an offer in the next week.

2) Apparently I am not "comfortable" with all of the requirements that a host family has to complete. Did I not:
Remodel my basement (at the tune of $5K) to make a space for the student?
Buy a bed for the student and create a space for her (another $700)

It was less than 2 weeks ago I voiced that I thought I would like to be a host family but not a coordinator. I needed to have an experience before I was able to effectively recruit families and let them know what they should expect. Does this constitute my not being comfortable? I think if anything it shows a vested interest in wanting to immerse in the process before being an advocate for it.

I am thoroughly disgusted by the operations at EF. If you are considering going through EF to host a student- look elsewhere.

Beware of false CPS complaints that EF will file. If a kid sees a better opportunity or "better host home" they will lie to get moved. If you don't travel and spend a ton of money you won't be good enough to volunteer as a host family! Huge liability to your family to host a student with this org.

STAY AWAY FROM EF!!!!! Worst organization ever... If you are a host family and have a problem good luck getting any help. EF Staff only get involved if their are concerns; however, host families are the ones who suffer as they do not hold students accountable. They are more interested in being "friends" with the teenage exchange students and collecting money from families. You can't trust or believe anything you are told by any of the coordinators or directors, they tell you one thing then do another and they completely undermine the authority in your home. Don't ever host female exchange students from Denmark, Norway or Sweden... (either in my home or in friends homes) are narcissistic manipulative LIARS. EF caters to the students and fail on supporting host families. Let me say this again, STAY AWAY FROM EF!!!!!

I have worked with EF for over 10 years now. We love hosting and we try to change up which country we choose from each year. Thailand, Norway, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden .... we love them all and each one brings us an exciting challenge and a chance to show off our little part of the world. Our lives have changed since we began this journey - with no kids of our own at home, it keeps us active and involved in our community.

We have hosted and worked with EF for the past 10 years, and it truly has changed our lives. The support that we receive prior to the kids arriving, while the kids are here, and if anything ever comes up they are there to help us out at anytime 24/7/365. The training that we get throughout the year keeps us on top of the High School Exchange programs. We did investigate many other programs before we decided that EF was the right program for us to be a part of. And to say that it was one of the best decisions we have ever made as a family. The amazing additions to our family are for always and forever!

Four years ago, an International Exchange Coordinator in Casper, Wyoming reached out to me about EF and it's mission. Hosting an exchange student had been something I had thought about for a while , however, I wanted to research EF Foundation (as well as other exchange organizations) to ensure I was choosing an organization who would provide outreach and support to its students and host families - particularly given the fact that I am a single man with no children!

Needless to say, EF was my choice and I am so thankful to be a part of the EF family! I have hosted four students through EF (I just placed my fourth on the plane back to Sweden yesterday) and will host TWO students this coming school year!!! EF has transformed my life!

I have been a volunteer host family with EF for many years now. This fall my family and I will welcome our 5th exchange student. We have shared our culture, our American way of life and our values with the students that have lived with us and we've learned so much about the world at the same time. It's clear how much EF cares about the students, the natural parents and the host families and does a wonderful job of bringing us all together. Our lives have been truly blessed by this organization.

This year we hosted 2 young men from Switzerland and The Netherlands. These guys make numbers 7 & 8, sons in our family over the years.

EF does a Great job in everything from screening the students in their home countries to the support from the local area coordinators and everything in between.
In our years as a host family, we've never had an issue come up that was anything more that a "normal" family would deal with and by being honest and open with communication and Not trying to blame others, we've had Fantastic years.

Anyone who thinks being involved in something this great is easy & anyone can do it is fooling themselves. The tears that flow at the airport when it's time for them to go home could wash away a drought, BUT so worth it because we have Family all over the world.

Great job EF & keep up the great work

We have been with EF for 10years now and our life would not be the same without this great company.. We have hosted 17 students and love each of them as our own child..
EF has continues to enrich our lives and students from all around the world..

I simply love this company...

Amazing organization. Have had 4 exchange students from different organizations. This one is a BY FAR the best organization out there. Will not even think about hosting through anyone but EF. My children have "sisters" from across the globe and we thank EF for all their support and always being there!! We can't wait for the next one coming in August!

Next year will be our fourth year in a row to host through EF. It has been an amazing experience for our entire family. We have family all over the world and it's an amazing feeling. We have been fortunate enough to visit our former students in their home country and been treated so kind by their grateful families. My family has learned so much about different cultures and it has been really educational. It's fun to see the students experience different things for the first time, and it opens our eyes to things we take for granted as Americans. The home office in Boston has always been available to us anytime we had any questions and are quick to help. They care about their students and the host families equally and do their best to make sure it's the best experience possible for everyone.

EF High School Exchange Year has changed our life. We now have family all over the world. We have a beautiful daughter in Italy that we have already went to visit and she has returned to the US to visit us as well. We have a daughter from Denmark that we have seen twice since she went home a year ago. We are now sending the two newest members of our family back to their homes in Germany and Spain. Our son's will be missed but we know we will see them soon. EF was available to us 24 hours a day and assisted quickly with any concerns or questions we had. The levels of support from EF was above and beyond anything I could have expected. I not only believed that they had my back but were also always available for the students to make sure they had the exchange year they always dreamed of. I will be involved with EF High School Exchange Year for many years and I'm truly looking forward to it.

STAY AWAY FROM EF!!!!! Worst organization every, the Boston office is full of very recent college graduates that don't have a clue. If you are a host family and have a problem good luck getting any help. They are more interested in being "friends" with the teenage exchange students then holding them accountable or enforcing the rules. You can't trust or believe anything you are told by any of the coordinators or directors, they tell you one thing then do another and they completely undermine the authority in your home. My other piece of advise don't ever host female exchange students from Denmark, all three that I have been exposed to (either in my home or in friends homes) are narcissistic manipulative LIARS. Even with proof EF wouldn't do anything about it. Let me say this again, STAY AWAY FROM EF!!!!!

They are terrible organization that I do NOT recommend anyone to involve with. They treat you like a crap and have absolutely no respect. They don't care what kind of family their foreign exchange students will be staying with. All they care about is money. As long as they can get money, they don't care about students and volunteers. They also practice illegal activities regarding placing students. They have got in many troubles before, but they act like they are good organization when they are not. I advise everyone to stay away from this b***s*** worst organization ever.