At EF, we believe that cultural exchange makes the world a better place. That belief remains as true today as it was when our program started over 45 years ago.
Cultural exchange continues to be a powerful force for good in our world. The personal connections our program builds help to bridge differences and distance between cultures and countries. Everyone who participates in an exchange is playing an active role in making the world a kinder and more wonderful place.
Enduring support for J1 Secondary Student Exchange
J1 Secondary Student exchanges are strongly supported in the United States. The U.S. government places a high value on the experiences these guests have in our country, because they know that those impressions will last a lifetime. This strong support for J1 exchanges has been clear throughout the history of the program – including in some of our most challenging moments, like the COVID pandemic and its associated travel restrictions. We remain confident in this long-standing tradition of support and celebration of this long-valued approach to public diplomacy.
Guidance for navigating the current political climate
National political conversations in the U.S. can be loud, divisive and attention-getting – and our participants will no doubt see that the current temperature of these conversations has been heightened. Our students will likely have the opportunity to join discussions about politics and may be asked about their own perspectives. These conversations create valuable opportunities for learning and sharing. It is also important to recognize that while the national political conversation can be divisive and headline-worthy, the work being done by local governments in their host communities will often reflect the values of working together toward positive change, addressing challenges thoughtfully and collaboratively.
Safety, communication and preparedness
We consider ourselves the experts in exchange not because we know exactly what will happen, but rather because we know we will always lead with the same values and experience. Should any unforeseen situation arise, our program prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of all participants. We stay in close contact with colleagues at the U.S. Department of State and our local partners, ensuring we have up-to-date information and can communicate quickly if needed. Our experience navigating past challenges like COVID gives us confidence in our ability to continue providing safe, enriching experiences for everyone involved.
Guidance for students on exchange in 2026
All of our students are visiting the US on active J1 visas issued by the US Department of State. Every EF student is registered in the Department of Homeland Security's Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Should a student at any point in time need access to their documents or records, EF recommends that all students save pictures/copies of the following documents on their phones, or otherwise have them readily available while on exchange:
Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor J1 Status (DS2019). This form includes the student's SEVIS ID in the top right-hand corner
Passport (information page & US J1 visa page)
EF recommends that all students have the following contact information saved and accessible during their exchange:
Host family name, phone number and physical address
Local coordinator name and phone number
EF High School Exchange Year’s 24/7 contact information: 1-800-447-4273.
Department of State J1 Visa Emergency 24/7 Helpline. 1-866-283-9090
Their home country’s consulate. Can be found here.
EF recommends that students avoid protests or areas/gatherings of unrest and follow guidance from local authorities.
Students should report any concerns about their safety or well-being to EF High School Exchange Year by calling 1-800-447-4273.