Your go-to local contact:
International Exchange Coordinator (IEC)
International Exchange Coordinators are the local representatives of EF High School Exchange Year, located in or around your community. Your IEC is your primary contact person. They are your first phone call whenever you have a question or need assistance. Their primary responsibilities include:
Finding caring host families
Screening host families and helping them through the application process
Working with high schools
Making monthly contact with host families and students
Mediating any issues that may arise between a student and family and/or school
Conducting mandatory EF meetings
Your regional resource:
Regional Coordinator (RC)
Regional Coordinators are responsible for overseeing a specific geographic region, including all the IECs, host families, students and schools in the area. RCs onboard and equip IECs and assist with any difficult situations that may arise. Host families and students can contact their RC if they need support or guidance at any point. In addition to supervising the region, RCs act as a critical link between their IECs and our main office. Most RCs are also IECs and directly support families in their community. Some areas of the country do not have an RC.
Global support:
EF offices
EF High School Exchange Year is the student's official program sponsor. We work collaboratively with the EF offices in their home countries to communicate regularly with our program participants. This way, we ensure quality and compliance with rules and regulations that govern the program. Additional responsibilities include:
Screening and preparing host families and students
Helping families select the right student for their home
Overseeing high school enrollment
Arranging student visas
Coordinating student travel to/from the US
Supporting local IECs, students, high schools and EF host families
Communicating with student's parents
Advice every step of the way:
Program Advisor
Program Advisors work with their regions’ RCs and IECs to assist in supporting host families, students and schools during the exchange. They also speak directly with our EF offices abroad to keep your student's parents up-to-date. Program Advisors work traditional business hours and are available for on-call emergencies.
Expert counseling on how to handle concerns:
Program Counselor
Program Counselors work with Program Advisors, RCs and IECs to assist in supporting host families, students and schools when concerns are more escalated, severe or urgent. They also communicate with our colleagues overseas to ensure the student’s parents are informed along the way.
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