EF High School Exchange Year

EF High School Exchange Year is for those who want to exchange and immerse themselves in a new culture. An exchange year is your chance to experience the world at a deeper level than just a regular trip abroad. When you stay with a family and go to high school at one of our three destinations, USA, UK or Ireland, you will be fluent in English, feel more self-reliant, have friendships for life and a new understanding of the world .

Why choose EF? You can trust us safely

• EF all the way

We do not use any external partners, so we have control over your entire experience - right from the application process, through your entire exchange year, and onwards.

• The safety of the students is paramount

Nothing is more important to us than our students' security and safety, and EC staff is always there for you — 24 hours a day, all year round.

• We are experts in English

With our programs offered only in the US, UK and Ireland, we focus on giving our exchange students the best possible English language culture experience.

• We have 50 years of experience

EF has been working with host families for more than 50 years and we have helped these families and more than 100,000 students from all over the world come together. We know how to create a successful exchange program.

Below you can see a timeline showing how our exchange program works, from enrolling students as well as yourself, finding and screening all our host families and all the way through the exchange year.

exchange students

Application

You apply for the EF High School Exchange Year and are guided all the way through the process of the employees at your local EC office. The application process includes transcripts, teacher recommendations, an English assessment, an interview and much more. It is not everyone who gets admitted to the program and due to limited places we recommend that you get started with the application process as early as possible.

How we match

Once your application is approved, the EF High School Exchange Year will officially record you on the program. Next we find a host family for you with the help of the local exchange coordinators throughout your host country.

The year begins

After a thorough preparation in your home country and a Community orientation when you arrive in your host country, move on to your host family to begin your life-changing exchange year.

A global family

During your exchange year you will be much more than just a guest in your host family's home. You will be part of a global family for years to come.

Host family

Application

Families expressing an interest in becoming hosts are guided through the application process by a local exchange coordinator in their community and community staff in the host country. The screening process includes a home visit, a personal interview, an online application, and a background check.

How we match

Once the host family has been approved for the program, their local exchange coordinator will look at the students' profiles with them. In collaboration, the family and coordinator find the perfect match.

The year begins

The exchange student arrives before the start of the school year, which marks the beginning of a life-changing experience for both parties. Throughout the year, the EC is available to support host families and students around the clock, seven days a week.

A global family

While the exchange student is in the host country, it is just like having a new family member. And the relationship does not end when the year is over. This family lasts forever.