The safety and well-being of our program participants is our utmost priority. Given the increase of COVID-19 outbreaks across our country, with many states rolling back re-opening plans, we believe the risks of operating the program this fall outweigh the benefits while still in the midst of a pandemic without a clear end in sight. In addition, new guidance provided to us from the Department of State added logistical challenges to producing our program this year. There is still a great deal of uncertainty in many states and communities regarding their level of quarantine, the facilitation of in-person classes, extracurricular activities and restrictions to social gatherings.

• The standard deadline of August 31st for all paperwork to be finalized for each student remains in effect.
• Students must enter the United States no later than September 30th into a fully screened placement, including in-home interview.

• To be considered fully screened, a placement must also meet additional criteria:

  • Students may not travel to a community that is actively under quarantine to start their year.
  • Students may not travel to a school that is utilizing 100% virtual learning to start their year.

Throughout the spring and early summer, we were hopeful that the situation in the United States would improve; however, that was not the case. Over the past few weeks, we have encouraged students who are able to defer their exchange year, which has been a largely successful initiative. Many students, host families and parents felt relieved to have this option. Making this decision now will also allow students to enroll in school at home or make other plans to continue their education.

All students who are impacted by this decision will have the opportunity to defer their program year to 2021 if it aligns with their academic and personal goals. All other students will work with their local EF office to review additional options. Many students are being offered alternate study abroad options on other EF programs, vouchers for future travel for themselves or a family member, or in many cases a refund. Each country has its own consumer laws which influence or determine the offerings in that country.

We are thankful for your support of the program during this challenging time! We recognize that you may be feeling a range of emotions and want to support you and your student as best we can:

1. If you had previously been in contact with your student, reach out to connect with them. Recognize that your student’s emotions may be different than yours and that everyone processes challenging news in a different way. Discuss ways that you can process this news together and stay connected virtually.

2. Contact your local coordinator or our office. Share your concerns and get your questions answered by reaching out to your local IEC or our office at 800-447-4273 or [email protected]

3. Consider hosting in 2021. We acknowledge that a family’s ability to host may be different each year. Though this year has been disrupted for many, we invite all host families to consider hosting in 2021 if they are able. There are many brave students who have deferred their exchange to next year and whose profiles will be made available in the coming days. In some cases, it may even be possible to host the same student you were planning to host this year! Contact your local coordinator or the EF office to let us know.

4. Share your stories. We are all missing the energy and excitement exchange students bring to our lives, our homes and our communities. Whether you are a repeat host family or were just getting ready to welcome your first student, let’s keep the spirit alive by sharing your stories, posting pictures, and reminding one another of the power of exchange!

Yes, EF High School Exchange Year will continue to operate and looks forward to providing exceptional, life-changing exchange experiences to our dedicated students, host families and network of International Exchange Coordinators for years to come. We have already started the process of placing many of the deferred students for January and next fall.