What is a good foreign exchange program?

What is a good foreign exchange program?

• I want to be a foreign exchange student in Norway so which program should I use? Which one is good, but cheap?

• Answer:

  How wonderful it is that you are considering this! Going on exchange truly is unlike any other experience. YFU (Youth For Understanding), AFS, and Rotary are frequently called "the big 3" when it comes to exchanges - long histories and good reputations, although a few others are making their way up that list. Please forgive my bias towards YFU - it's the one that I have direct experience with (I am a 7-time host mom and volunteer). I am gaining indirect experience by corresponding with former students. When I have asked exchange students why they chose YFU, I get the following answers: (1) YFU gave them more bang for their buck and/or (2) someone they knew and trusted recommended YFU. 95% of the fees collected by YFU go for direct program costs (airline tickets, support in hosting country, etc.). YFU has been around for 60 years and has learned how to make exchanges successful. This year the 250,000th student traveled with YFU. If you choose another organization, please make sure that it is listed with the Council for Standards on International Educational Travel (csiet.org). They routinely audit programs for quality. While it is possible that a good organization is not listed with them, it is less likely and I would advise doing more research on anyone that is not listed with them. YFU also havs many scholarships to help with the cost of going on exchange. Good luck to you no matter what you choose.