Everything you need to know about foreign exchange programs for high schoolers
- Learn more about Study Abroad programs for High Schoolers
- What are the requirements to be a foreign exchange student?
- How to become a foreign exchange student?
- How to host an exchange student?
- How does an exchange student program work?
- Who pays for exchange students?
- Benefits of exchange student programs
- Start your study abroad adventure today
Learn more about Study Abroad programs for High Schoolers
A foreign exchange program for high schoolers is one of the most exciting ways to discover a new culture, learn another language, and grow as a person. Whether you join a summer abroad program or spend a full exchange year overseas, Nacel Educational Travel offers safe, life-changing experiences for students around the world.
"My experience in France was amazing! I traveled through Nacel to Lisle-sur-Tarn, a small town in the south of France, and lived there for 1 month. My host family was great, and I felt like I was at home." Leo, Nacel student, Summer Homestay Immersion France
"My experience in Asturias, Spain was wonderful. I had the best host family, the best school, and the best host sister and friends. Now I’m both bicultural and bilingual. I wouldn’t trade my experience for the world!" Brandy, Nacel student, High School exchange in Spain
"The Asturias, Spain program is one of a kind. It provides a unique, full-immersion experience with many opportunities for rich cultural experiences, including native language spoken, community celebrations, and generations of family living nearby." Allison, parent, Summer Homestay Immersion Spain
A foreign exchange program for high schoolers might be the perfect adventure for you! Whether you want to study abroad for a summer or spend a full exchange year, this guide explains the requirements, application process, and benefits of joining an exchange student program.
What are the requirements to be a foreign exchange student?
Most foreign exchange programs for high schoolers are open to students who are curious, adaptable, and eager to learn. To participate, you should:
- Be between 14 and 18 years old
- Have a good academic record and a desire to learn
- Show maturity, motivation, and curiosity about other cultures.
- Have basic language skills in the host country’s language (for example, English, French, or Spanish).
- Be able to adapt to new environments and respect different traditions and lifestyles.
To prove their ability to become an exchange student abroad, students must also complete an application, provide school transcripts, a motivation letter, a video, and usually take an interview to ensure they’re ready for the experience.
This is worth it! Families often see how enriching these experiences can be.
"Our kid spent a year abroad, became fluent in French, and was enriched with a great experience. Cultural immersion cannot be better with a great match with a hosting family." Karina, parent
"Our daughter wanted to practice her Spanish language skills outside of the classroom. The host family was very nice, and the fact that the family did not speak English gave our daughter an excellent opportunity." Mother of Nisha (15)
How to become a foreign exchange student?
Starting your study abroad journey is easier than you think. With Nacel’s help, you’ll be guided through every step.
- Choose a trusted organization: Work with an experienced exchange agency, which offers personalized guidance and support.
- Select your destination: France, Spain, Ireland, Canada, and more.
- Apply online and submit your application package: Submit your school records and motivation letter, as well as a presentation video.
- Get matched with a host family or a boarding school abroad: Nacel carefully selects safe, welcoming families.
- Obtain your visa and travel documents: Your organization will help you prepare everything you need before departure.
- Prepare for departure: Receive full support and orientation from your personal advisor.
"Nacel was receptive to our initial inquiries. The staff was very informative, friendly, and instilled confidence in both students and parents about the exchange experience." Allison, parent
If you’re searching for a cheap exchange student program, Nacel also offers shorter summer abroad programs for high schoolers and public-school placements to make studying abroad more affordable.
How to host an exchange student?
Becoming a host family is another way to enjoy the magic of cultural exchange. Host families open their homes to international students, offering them support and belonging.
"The host family placement was wonderful. It was a great fit for the student. They were highly supportive, caring, and kept up communication with parents of the exchange student." Allison, parent
"I had the best host family. I wouldn’t trade my experience for the world." Brandy, Nacel student
“I just wanted to say a very big thank-you for helping assist Damon on his exchange for France. He had an absolutely WONDERFUL time. His host family were the loveliest, kindest, best host family that anyone could ever have on their exchange trip.” Father
How does an exchange student program work?
In an exchange student program, you’ll live abroad with a local family, attend a nearby high school, and fully immerse yourself in the host country’s culture. Programs can last from a few weeks to an entire school year.
Organisations like Nacel manage:
- Matching exchange students with host families
- School placement
- Visa/logistics support
- Ongoing supervision
"The process with Nacel was very quick and straightforward. My advisor provided all the information I needed, and I felt informed and accompanied at every step of the process." Leo, Nacel student
"We are very thankful to our Nacel advisor, Céline, who navigated us through visas, adaptation, and successful completion." Karina, parent
Who pays for exchange students?
In most foreign exchange programs, the student’s family covers:
- The program fee, which includes placement, supervision, and school enrollment
- Flights, travel insurance, and visas
- Personal expenses during the stay
In some countries, host families volunteer to host, allowing some cheap exchange student programs. This can make studying abroad for high schoolers more accessible. Some programs may offer a small stipend or cover expenses depending on local regulations.
"We found the price reasonable for the quality of care and organization provided. The experience was priceless for our daughter." Parent testimonial
Read our dedicated blog article about the cost of a High School exchange program.
Benefits of exchange student programs
Joining a study abroad program for high schoolers offers lifelong benefits academically, personally, and culturally.
- Cultural awareness: Discover new perspectives and customs.
"During this month, I was able to experience French culture, tried new food like escargot and foie gras, and significantly improved my French level." Leo, Nacel student - Language fluency: Learn naturally through everyday conversation.
"Our kid became fluent in French and was enriched with a great experience. Cultural immersion cannot be better with a great match with a hosting family." Karina, parent - Academic growth: Experience a new school system and global education.
"I had the best school and the best host sister and friends, and now I’m both bicultural and bilingual." Brandy, Nacel student - Friendships: Form deep bonds across borders.
"Making friends and talking to the students was helpful in learning useful and common phrases.", Caitlin, Nacel student - Personal growth: Build confidence, independence, and empathy
"It helped our daughter to reconnect after the pandemic year and boosted her international career aspirations." Karina, parent
“It really was life-changing for Guy and something he will never forget. He made so many friends and most importantly, he became a young man and grew up a lot …” Father
Start your study abroad adventure today
A foreign exchange program for high schoolers isn’t just about learning in the classroom. It’s about learning through life. Whether you choose a summer abroad program, a semester, or a full exchange year, you’ll come home transformed.
"The school and town in which our student lived were supportive, kind, and welcoming, more than we ever imagined. We highly recommend the Nacel Asturias exchange program." Allison, parent
"Our experience with Nacel was just incredible. Our kids are friends now, and we hope it lasts many years." Karina, parent
"My host family was great, and I felt like I was at home. I would definitely recommend Nacel to other students who are interested in an exchange program, especially if they are interested in France." Leo, Nacel student
Céline Gibassier is an Educational Advisor at Nacel International. She shares her passion for cultural exchange and language travel with students who want to study abroad and live new experiences.
She studied at Sciences Po Strasbourg and spent time abroad, giving her both strong academic knowledge and practical experience in student mobility, program development, and host family coordination.
Based in France, Céline has built a wide international network in the language travel and education fields. In her role, she helps students and host families work well together, ensures quality service, and supports meaningful and life-changing travel experiences.
