| Last updated on February 6, 2008 |
EF Foundation for Foreign Study connects talented, enthusiastic high school students from around the world with caring families across the country. Together, we build bonds of friendship and trust that have the power to change the world.
Since 1979, our team of dedicated volunteers, local coordinators, and staff has helped over 90,000 students from nearly 40 countries participate in international exchange programs. Our tradition of excellence, combined with our unparalleled support on the local and national levels, has made us the largest facilitator of high school year programs for exchange students coming into the United States.
A Local Organization with Global Reach
We are committed to making international exchange benefit everyone. We work hard to get students ready for their transition into American life, and at the same time give our coordinators and host families the tools to be prepared and confident hosts. Our community-based focus with international reach sets EF Foundation apart. We are:
Local. EF Foundation’s greatest assets live and work right in your community. Local coordinators find caring host families, match students and families, develop relationships with high schools, and team with a regional coordinator to provide assistance and guidance all year long.
National. Our Boston office manages each local support team, providing extensive training and 24/7 support. EF Foundation is designated by the US Department of State as an Exchange Program Sponsor. We have been facilitating exchange for over 25 years, and bring more students to the country each year than any other program.
Global. We have partner offices around the world. These international ties allow us to coordinate every aspect of the exchange experience, from the selection of students within their own countries to their placement here in the United States.
Affiliations and Credentials
EF Foundation is an established organization with extensive ties to the volunteer and international education communities worldwide. We have relationships with the following:
United States Department of State. EF Foundation is designated by the United States Department of State as an issuer of DS-2019 Forms for J-1 visas. As an Exchange Program Sponsor, we extend these visa eligibility certificates to approved students who desire to spend an academic year or semester in the U.S.
Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET). CSIET is a private, not-for-profit organization which monitors, disseminates information about, and establishes standards for reputable international youth education and exchange programs. On the basis of materials submitted and reviewed, CSIET has granted listing to EF Foundation in its Advisory List for the 2006/07 school year.
Alliance for International Education and Cultural Exchange. EF Foundation is a member of the Alliance, an association of non-governmental organizations comprising the international educational and cultural exchange community in the United States. Its mission is to formulate and promote public policies that support the growth and well-being of international exchange links between the people of the United States and other nations.
NAFSA: Association of International Educators. EF Foundation staff members are members of NAFSA, a member organization promoting international education and providing professional development opportunities to the field.
President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. EF Foundation is proud to offer the President's Volunteer Service Award, created by The President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. The award is intended to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service.
Description:
In 1961, Congress adopted the Fulbright-Hays Act, also known as the Mutual Education and Cultural Exchange Act. Designed to increase understanding between the United States and other countries through person-to-person interaction, it opened the door for high school student exchange. Since then, exchange programs have become a vital part of America’s public diplomacy.
The United States remains the leading destination for international students wishing to study abroad. In fact, interest in an American high school year has increased substantially in the last five years. Young people around the world know that the only way to get to know the real America is to see it for themselves. By getting involved with EF Foundation, you give them the opportunity to do just that!
How Does High School Student Exchange Work?
One word sums up the success of EF Foundation’s high school student exchange program in the United States: volunteers. When families, communities and schools agree to host international visitors, student exchange flourishes.
As an Exchange Program Sponsor, EF Foundation takes care of all of the logistical aspects of the students’ experience: selecting and preparing qualified students, booking flights, proofing insurance coverage, and facilitating the student visa process.
It’s our Regional and International Exchange Coordinators, however, who make exchange happen in their communities. They find qualified host families in their regions and secure enrollments for our students in local high schools. Thanks to their hard work, our exchange students have families and schools eager to welcome them when they arrive.
Once students arrive, EF Foundation works with its local counterparts to make sure everyone involved in the exchange has a successful year using our unique network of support. When students return from their exchange experiences with a new perspective on the world—and host families have scrapbooks filled with precious memories—the work of student exchange has been accomplished!
Why is High School Student Exchange Important?
While sharing your America is fun and rewarding in its own right, student exchange is about more than just ‘right now.’ It is a vital part of public diplomacy, as personal connections formed in adolescence make exchange students ambassadors for America throughout their lives. Not only do students spread the good word about America abroad, they often remain friends for life!
Contact person: Olivia Des Chenes, Recruitment And Placement Manager, (phone)
Office fax number: (617) 507-6178
Address:
 |
One Education St.
Cambridge, MA 02141
(See a map) |
Web Site: http://www.effoundation.org
Be the first person to offer feedback on this agency!
Post a volunteer reflection to share your experiences with other volunteers!
