Program Options
Program fees
Which Exchange Is Right for Your Child?
The biggest difference between EFI programs is time.
A shorter program introduces students to another family and culture. Longer exchanges create more opportunity for school participation, language development, deeper relationships and independence.
There is no single program that is right for every student.
Age, readiness, school commitments, family schedule and exchange goals all matter!
Summer Exchange
Up to 30 days
Family immersion
School participation
Language exposure
Intensive introduction
Best considered for:
Students wanting a shorter time abroad or with limited availability
Short-Stay Exchange
Up to 90 days
Family immersion
School participation
Typically a significant part of the experience
Language exposure
Extended
Best considered for:
Students ready for more time abroad, deeper immersion and a fuller experience within a school semester.
Long-Stay Exchange
91–180 days
Family immersion
School participation
Language exposure
Greatest amount of time for development and fluency
Best considered for:
Students seeking greater language fluency and a deeper understanding of the culture
Summer Exchange
Up to 30 Days in Each Country
A Summer Exchange offers a meaningful introduction to reciprocal exchange in a shorter amount of time.
Students spend up to four weeks living abroad with their exchange sibling and family, then share the experience from the other side when they welcome that same student into their own home. Throughout both parts of the exchange, the students stay together, becoming part of each other’s family life, activities, traditions and everyday routines.
While the time abroad is shorter, the experience is still built around the heart of EFI: reciprocity, family life, cultural immersion and genuine connection.
A Summer Exchange May Be a Good Fit for Students Who:
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Have limited time away because of school, sports or other commitments
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Want to experience reciprocal exchange before considering a longer program
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Are ready to live with another family but not yet for several months abroad
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Want meaningful cultural and language immersion during a school break
Short-Stay Exchange
Up to 90 Days in Each Country
A Short-Stay Exchange gives students enough time to move beyond being a visitor and begin experiencing the rhythms of everyday life in another country.
Students live with their exchange sibling and family for up to three months and then welcome that same student into their own home for a comparable period. They share family routines, activities, outings and community life, while having more time to form friendships and become comfortable in their new surroundings.
Where timing and local school policies allow, students may also attend school and participate in activities. With several weeks or months of daily exposure, students have meaningful opportunities to hear and use their new language in real situations and become increasingly comfortable communicating.
A Short-Stay Exchange May Be a Good Fit for Students Who:
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Want more time abroad than a Summer Exchange allows
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Are ready to spend several weeks or months with another family
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Want to experience everyday family and community life in another country
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Want meaningful exposure to a new language through daily use
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Want a substantial exchange experience with greater flexibility in timing
Long-Stay Exchange
91–180 Days in Each Country
A Home Away From Home
A Long-Stay Exchange gives students something that takes time to develop: the chance for another family, school and community to begin to feel like home.
Students spend between three and six months living with their exchange sibling and family, then welcome that same student into their own home. As the weeks become months, students move beyond learning how life works in another country and begin simply living it. Family routines become their routines. Friendships have time to deepen. School and activities become familiar. They are there for ordinary Tuesdays as well as birthdays, holidays and memorable adventures.
That additional time can also make a remarkable difference in language learning. Students hear and use their new language throughout daily life, giving understanding, vocabulary and conversation more time to develop naturally.
Most importantly, a Long-Stay Exchange allows relationships to grow beyond the experience itself. Students have the time to find their place within another family and community, creating the sense of belonging that can make another part of the world feel like home.
A Long-Stay Exchange May Be a Good Fit for Students Who:
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Have limited time away because of school, sports or other commitments
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Want to experience reciprocal exchange before considering a longer program
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Are ready to live with another family but not yet for several months abroad
-
Want meaningful cultural and language immersion during a school break
Not Sure Which Program to Choose?
You do not have to decide before contacting EFI.
Tell us what your family is considering and we can help you understand the differences.
Finding the Right Fit
Program Length Is Only Part of the Decision
The longest exchange is not necessarily the best exchange.
The right exchange is the one that fits your child and your family.
Two students of the same age can be equally well suited to exchange and thrive with very different program lengths. An eight-year-old may be ready for several months abroad, while an older student may be better suited to a shorter stay because of school, activities, personality or family commitments.
When helping families consider their options, EFI looks at the whole picture, including:
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Age and individual readiness
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Interest and motivation
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Comfort with new people and experiences
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Adaptability and communication
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School and activity commitments
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Family schedule and availability
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Previous travel or time away from home
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Language experience and goals
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The type of experience the student and family hope to have
There is no single formula for the “right” exchange.
Our role is to help families find the experience in which their child has the best opportunity to feel comfortable, engaged and excited to participate.
Not Sure Which Program Is Right?
You do not need to have it figured out before contacting EFI.
Tell us a little about your child, your family and what you hope to gain from an exchange. We can talk through the options, answer your questions and help you determine which program length may be the best fit.