EFI Exchange Programs
Find the Exchange That Fits Your Child and Family
Every EFI exchange begins with the same foundation: two students, two families and a reciprocal experience shared in both countries.
What changes is how that experience takes shape.
EFI offers summer, short-stay and long-stay exchanges in destinations across Europe and North America. Some students are ready for several weeks abroad. Others want the time to attend school, develop stronger language skills, build friendships and become deeply integrated into another family and community.
Choosing an exchange is about more than selecting a destination or deciding how long to go. Age, maturity, goals, school commitments, family schedules, readiness and cost all play a part. EFI helps families understand their options and consider the experience that makes the most sense for their child.
Explore program lengths, destinations, fees and scholar award opportunities, and begin imagining what your child's exchange could look like.
Exchange Length
From a summer abroad to several months of full immersion, the amount of time students spend together shapes the experience.
EFI offers summer, short-stay and long-stay exchanges, allowing families to choose a timeframe that works with their child's age, readiness, goals and school commitments. Longer does not automatically mean better. The right amount of time is the one that gives your child the opportunity to thrive.
Destinations
EFI offers reciprocal exchanges across several countries in Europe and North America, each with its own languages, traditions, schools, communities and rhythms of everyday life.
Choosing a destination is exciting, but EFI encourages families to look beyond the map. The family your child will live with, their exchange partner, the language, community and overall compatibility of the match can ultimately matter far more than choosing a particular city or country.
Program Fees
An exchange is an investment in an experience that can shape your child well beyond the time they spend abroad.
EFI program fees support the professional work behind every exchange, including student and family screening, personal interviews, thoughtful matching, preparation, language assessments, exchange coordination, regular check-ins, coaching and ongoing guidance.
Families can explore the full investment involved in an exchange, including program fees and additional expenses such as travel, insurance, school costs and hosting.
EFI Scholar Award
We believe curiosity about the world should be encouraged!
The EFI Scholar Award provides selected students with financial assistance toward EFI program fees. Awards recognize students who demonstrate motivation, academic ability and a genuine interest in language, culture and international learning.
For some families, that assistance can help bring an exchange that once felt just beyond reach a little closer.
Finding the Right Exchange
There Is No Single "Best" Program
A four-week exchange may be exactly right for one student, while another may be ready to spend several months abroad.
Age matters, but it is only part of the picture. EFI also considers maturity, independence, motivation, language goals, personality, school commitments, family schedules and readiness for the challenges and opportunities of immersion.
You do not need to have all of those answers before contacting us.
Part of EFI's role is helping families understand what different exchange lengths can offer and what may be appropriate for their child. Our application and interview process gives us the opportunity to get to know your student and family before making those decisions together.
Not Sure Where to Begin?
That is perfectly fine. Many families come to EFI knowing they are interested in an exchange but not yet knowing the country, length or timing that makes the most sense.
Tell us a little about your child and what your family is considering. We can help you understand the possibilities and where to go from there.
