Enrich your school

Bring exchange to your academic community

Open your students' eyes to the world through cultural exchange

One of the most influential educational decisions you can make for your students is to welcome exchange students into your school. We at EF are here to help you take the first step.

Welcoming exchange students to your school complements existing learning experiences.

Over the course of an academic year, your own students will gain first-hand knowledge of different cultures and customs. In sharing their Ireland, they’ll discover what they love about their own country, and they’ll examine their own values and beliefs more critically.

More than 70 secondary schools across the country already enrich their classrooms each year with EF exchange students.

A mission to connect the world

Whether they’re engaging in the classroom, participating in school activities, or just hanging out with friends and classmates, EF exchange students don’t just experience your school’s culture — they become a part of it.

Enrich student life

Having EF exchange students benefits your school community. School organisations, and clubs are strengthened by new cultural perspectives, as students from around the world connect on shared interests and exchange ideas with peers from across the globe.

Globalise your classrooms

EF exchange students prepare your own students for a globally-minded future. Global awareness is an indispensable skill in the world today, and as academically motivated members of the classroom, our students are a valuable resource to your school community by sharing more about daily life in other parts of the world.

Create multinational friendships

The friends that EF exchange students make while abroad are not just for the year; they are for life. Most of our students stay in touch with their friends and family long after they have returned home. Irish students may even get invited to visit their exchange friends in Europe or Asia in the future!

Contribute to diplomacy

Offering an Irish secondary school experience through student exchange breaks down borders and builds bridges that promote cross-cultural understanding. Enroling EF exchange students in your school or college does more than change the lives of students and families, it supports an Irish-wide goal to expand understanding and communications between countries.

Where do our students come from?

Learn more about their home countries

Austria

Denmark

France

Germany

Italy

Japan

The Netherlands

Norway

South Korea

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

Taiwan

Celebrating 40 years of cultural exchange.

Promoting public diplomacy since 1979

EF High School Exchange Year has been promoting global awareness through student exchange for over 40 years. We bring more students to the UK, US, and Ireland each year than any other high school exchange program. Since 1979, our organisation has connected more than 100,000 international students with caring host families across all three countries. We proudly work alongside the UK government in promoting public diplomacy through our programme. We are vetted by the exchange authorities in the UK, and adhere to all applicable regulations governing exchange programmes and the safeguarding of children.

Frequently asked questions

How does EF High School Exchange Year find families who are interested in hosting?

Host families express interest in several different ways. EF staff promote hosting through varied outreach methods such as local events, outreach to their personal networks, or targeted social media efforts. Our organisation also receives enquiries via our website and social media, and we welcome referrals. All host family applicants must meet certain requirements and are vetted with a thorough screening process. They are families who welcome exchange students into their homes with the intention of treating them as another member of the family.

What is the criteria for student acceptance onto the programme?

We review all candidates individually and only accept those who we feel will succeed on the programme. We look at overall aspects such as grades, personality, English level and maturity. Students must be enroled in secondary school in their home country with at least a “C” grade average. They are required to demonstrate their English capabilities through an online application, as well as with an in-person interview. Their application also requires letters of recommendation in addition to a Health Certificate signed by their doctor. Students are required to get certain vaccinations before departure. If your school requires additional vaccinations, your Regional Manager will work with the EF office to set those expectations with any enrolled students.

Do EF students arrive on a visa and is my school responsible for issuing it?

Who will be my school’s main contact?

What does my school do if a problem arises with an EF exchange student?

Your first point of contact is your Regional Manager. He or she is trained to support you in most situations. If for some reason you are unable to contact your RM, you can contact the EF office at 01 592 6000.

With more than 40 years of experience working with 100,000+ exchange students from all over the globe, EF High School Exchange Year has well-documented procedures for addressing student problems, from academic to language to behavioural. Your RM will work closely with you, the student, the host family and our professional staff to mediate any issues.

More detailed information on EF procedures can be provided by your RM.

What are the school requirements for EF High School Exchange Year students?

School attendance is mandatory unless a student is ill or receives permission from the school to be absent with notice from their host family.
Students are expected to assume a full course load, put forth a strong effort, and maintain a “C” or better throughout the year in each class.
Students are expected to abide by all school rules and are expected to be positive members of the school community.
Students are expected to sit any exams required by the school.
Students are required to meet all academic requirements set forth by the visa and Irish immigration.
Students are required to abide by any and all local, county, and national laws.

Put your trust in us

One of the distinct advantages of working with EF High School Exchange Year is our commitment to making things as easy as possible for your school. Our students and host families are fully prepared for the exchange experience, and throughout the year our dedicated staff is ready to support you 24 hours a day.

The student selection

We only accept students who will flourish on an intercultural exchange. Our thorough screening and preparation process set our students up for success.

Students from around the world

Our students come from 15 different countries in Europe and Asia. They are proficient in English and eager to be part of the high school life.

The EF support network

We provide exchange students, host families and schools with individualised support and proactive outreach. EF staff are located all over Ireland and are available for expanded support.

Bring cultural exchange to your school

Take the first step

Tell us about your school

Speak to an EF Regional Manager

Welcome your first exchange student

Request more information

Let’s connect!

Talk to us directly: 01 592 6000

Send an email: [email protected]