Korero AS was established by Sarah J. Lyons in 2015. Korero is a small, specialized student exchange firm.
- Org nr 915 894 593
- Country manager and owner: Sarah Joy Lyons
- Email:
@korero.no / hello@korero.no - Mob: +4792696989
- http://korero.no
Stikkordarkiv: #ExchangeOrganizations
CSIET non-endorsement
«Listing is neither an endorsement of an organization nor a guarantee of the quality of its programs. In addition, listing by CSIET does not suggest that only listed organizations are legitimate.» (CSIET)
What is a host family?
Before you leave home as an exchange student you may already have been in contact with your assigned host-family. Even if you have not, the exchange organization is supposed to have forwarded details on where the family lives, how many family members there are, their ages, contact information and host parent occupations. Included with that information are probably pictures of the family and their home. I do not know if all exchange organizations follow this guideline.
You might be told that you are going to a temporary family (see below). Other times the exchange student is that a representative will function as host family until a permanent family is found (see below).
What is a host family?
A host family is a family that has promised to allow you to live with them for the duration of your exchange student stay. There isn’t really a template for what a host family should look like:
- Mom, dad (with or without children)
- Mom (with or without children)
- Dad (with or without children)
- Dad, dad (with or without children)
- Mom, mom (with or without children)
- Old, youngish, young
The host-parents should be at least 25 years old. Any younger than that and they might well end up being friend and not boundary maker. I do not think there is an upper age limit. However:
- The host family should be without mental or physical issues that would keep them from being able to fulfill their role as care-taker.
- The host family should be in a financial situation that enables them to take in another family member.
- The host family should be able to accept that the exchange student might have different theological, political and cultural views than themselves (goes both ways).
Temporary host family
A temporary host family is one that is supposed to last very few weeks until the exchange organization has found a permanent host family. If the exchange student is lucky, the temporary family willingly becomes a permanent host family (24%). But in most cases this is not so. If a temporary host family is pressured into becoming a permanent one, it is fairly easy to see how problems might arise. (USIA study)
Finding a host family that is willing to take a student in for ten months is not a simple task. Rotary has solved this by having the exchange student stay with several host families (approx. 3).
Representative as host family
At times the only option available to a new exchange student is being placed with their representative until a family is found. Sometimes the representative becomes the permanent host family. (CSFES finds this highly questionable) Some exchange organizations will then assign you a separate representative to avoid conflict of interest. Sadly, in the case of conflict the host country organization will usually side with the representative.
Host family as guardian
Your host family is your guardian. They are supposed to keep you safe during your stay, make sure you do your homework, give you chores (just like the other family member), feed you, give you boundaries and make you part of their family unit.
Does the host family get paid?
Sometimes yes. Sometimes no.
Some exchange organizations are volunteer based organizations. In such firms the host family does not get paid no matter where you live. Other exchange organizations pay or do not pay their host family depending on what type of exchange program you choose.
Different countries have different rules. In the US there are both variations based on the type of visa the exchange student has (J-1 vs F-1). In Norway there isn’t a regulation about this, but many of the exchange organizations do not pay their host families.
Host family requirements
Most (probably all) exchange organizations have a set of rules they are supposed to follow regarding how they pick who gets to be a host family. The requirements I have seen with the firms whose brochures I have looked at state that they have a background check of the host family. These include:
- References from extended family.
- References from acquaintances.
- Home visitations.
- Candidate interview.
- Financial status check.
House/home
Variations are huge when it comes to type of host house you will be living in. The country/city/town you travel to will be a deciding factor. Different climates give different needs and so does financial status. However, whether you live in an apartment, house, palace, trailer-home, duplex or farm you may expect the following:
- Your own bed.
- A quiet space to do homework (might be a challenge in a home with young children).
- A place to store your clothes.
- Three meals a day.
- A somewhat clean/tidy house.
Host-family no, nos
Just as the above are minimum standards for what an exchange student should expect of the host-house, there are also things that should NEVER be an issue:
- The host family must be independent from government financial aid.
- The host family cannot live in government housing.
- Other exchange students (or possibly foster children) may live in the house. However, there cannot be too many of them for you to live with the minimum requirements stated above.
Problems CSFES has seen regarding host families
Most exchange students have a good or even great exchange student experience. However, not all brochures state the truth and not all representatives follow organization guidelines. Common problems are:
- Standard of housing. Some homes are filthy. They might stink. Others are practically falling apart.
- Host parents are out of work and receiving financial aid.
- Exchange student is seen as maid or au pair rather than a student coming to study.
- One or both host parents is/are not mentally able to provide appropriate care.
- Accusations, yelling, severity and manipulation of the exchange student.
Always tell your parents if you experience any of these (or other) problems. Document them (pictures, sms, videos …) and send the documentation to your parents. Please contact your representative or have your parents contact the home firm. If your representative does not take you seriously, try to contact your local consulate or an organization like CSFES. I have links to some such organizations on the top left of my front page.
What is an exchange organization?
Once an exchange student has decided that they think they would fit the exchange student life, they need to decide whether to travel through an exchange organization. Some countries, like Japan, give you no choice. You must travel with an exchange organization in order to get a visa to their country. I do not know what other countries have this as their guideline.
To know if you want to travel with an exchange organization, it is probably a good thing to figure out what an exchange organization is and how the exchange process is supposed to work (in an ideal world). I will try to cover both and more in this mail. Aside from previous knowledge High School Exchange has been my source of information.
What is an exchange organization
Basically, an exchange organization is a company that promises to take care of you and your needs while you are traveling as an exchange student to another country. They are supposed to stand in place of your parents are expected to exercise the kind of care that the parents themselves would exercise if they could. The needs they cover are:
- Safe and clean housing. The definition of a safe and clean house may vary from country to country. However, your host home should NOT be in a criminal neighborhood. When it comes to clean it should be somewhere between OCD clean and a layer of dirt on surfaces.
- Safe host family. I will cover this in a separate post.
- Schooling at an approved (by authorities) institution.
- Transportation to and from school.
- Documentation (see below).
What types of exchange organizations are there?
Volunteer organizations: These exchange organizations base most of their work on volunteers. Usually, there is a small staff with average salaries that take care of essential bureaucracy. All other staff voluntarily work to help the student exchange experience be a good one. There are three organizations that I know of that function this way: Rotary, AFS and YFU/YFU-USA (not sure exactly how YFU-USA fits in with the rest of YFU) .
Non-profit organizations: Everyone from representative to owners get reimbursed in some manner. In the US, host-families are not paid. This is not true of most of the other countries. I’m not sure how to tell a true non-profit from one that knows how to play the tax games. This list shows how some companies might earn more than it would appear.
- Aspect Foundation (Aspect Education Group/Kaplan/Graham Holdings)
- EF Education (Signum International and Universal Care)
- EF have their own insurance company creating a potential conflict of interest situation: Erika Travel Insurance
- Explorius/Educatius/CETUSA (CET Management)
- Forte International Exchange Association/Astar Education (Forte Group)
- Into Education/Into GMbH (Either Into GMbH or SMG)
- Speak/Aspect High School (European Language Group/Speak Holdings)
For-profit organizations. These exchange organizations are in the business of making money. I do not know if their representatives get paid more than the non-profit ones (price per student placed). Nor do I have any idea what the quality of their product is. In the US, these firms fall into the F-1 student exchange programs. That means that the student is somewhat less protected by the regulations that protect the J-1 exchange student. Elsewhere, child protection laws are the same for all types of exchange organizations.
Communication between the various parties
In a student exchange situation there are several parties involved. You have the parents of the exchange student, the exchange student, the exchange organization in the home country, main office in host-country, host-country local representative, host-country school, host-family.
When you sign a contract with your exchange organization at home, you usually authorize them to function as a go-between for you and the partner organization. Most contracts forbid contact between parents and partner organization. In addition, the exchange companies do not want you to have contact with your child’s school. Nor do they encourage contact with the host-family.
Your child is supposed to communicate with their local representative who then brings the matter up the chain and eventually to the parents. The host-family is supposed to use the same route.
The experience of CSFES has been that the intended message is not always the end message. We encourage contact between parents and the student, parents and the host parents and in crisis between parents and the school. We also encourage you to keep all contact documented (emails, sms, reports of phone calls etc.). Just in case.
Home country exchange organization
Most exchange organizations will use the following procedure:
- After the potential exchange student has filled out application 1 (YFU’s is used as an example), the exchange organizations chooses the students they think will fit with their program.
- Where this is an option, the organization together with the student and her/his family decide if the student is to travel on a regular student exchange, on a more exclusive one or travel to a boarding school.
- Application part 2 (once again YFU’s) if filled in by parent and student and signed. From a certain date, the parent has now handed over guardianship of the exchange student to the exchange company.
- Collect all necessary documentation in connection with visa and schooling and forwards this to partner.
- Hold information meeting.
- Be a point of contact between biological parents and partner.
Partner organization
- Provides trained leaders and representatives.
- Matches representative and exchange student.
- Matches exchange student and host family.
- Makes sure ALL necessary documentation has been forwarded to the proper authorities in connection with host family, representative and school. (Every year this is an issue)
- Makes travel arrangements to and from host country.
- Some hold orientations camps.
- Responsible for all host-country trips.
- Is supposed to «be there» for the student 24/7.
- Assists the host family and exchange student with questions regarding visa and insurance.
- Supportive of school leadership.
- During emergencies they are to ensure the student has necessary assistance.
- Return student who break the laws of the host country.
USA: CSIET approved exchange programs (2015/2016)
«Listing is neither an endorsement of an organization nor a guarantee of the quality of its programs. In addition, listing by CSIET does not suggest that only listed organizations are legitimate.» (CSIET)
What this means, is that although these firms have paid to be on CSIET’s list over approved firms, CSIET does not take responsibility for having the exchange firms in their «club». However CSIET also state in their application form that:
«If the applicant is found to be in compliance with the Council’s standards, it is accepted for listing. This entitles the applicant to publicize the fact that its programs are conducted in accordance with the published standards. (CSIET)»
The main difference between J-1 programs and F-1 programs is the price. In addition, regulations differ. F-1 programs have fewer regulations guiding them but provide access to practical educations. F-1 programs pay the host-family and schools fees. A student does NOT need to be part of a student exchange program to get their F-1 visa (unlike the J-1 visa). The US Department of State lists its J-1 approved programs here. JVisas@state.gov
AACE – American Academic and Cultural Exchange, Inc.
PO Box 285, Reedville, VA 22539
Phone: (804) 453-9070
- Irene Seigler, President: aaceiseigler@comcast.net / seigler@ix.netcom.com
Listing status: Provisional
J-1 students
AACEA: Asian American Cultural Exchange Association (WHUB8FN: 2009)
1617 Brentwood Road Bensalem, PA 19020.
Phone: 267-303-4442
- aaceassoc@gmail.com – http://www.aacea.net
- Bernard Salera, President: bishan@aacea.us
Listing Status: Full
F1 Visum
ACES: American Cultural Exchange Service / ACE Language Institute (C2803679: 2005)
1 Lake Bellevue, Ste. 200, Bellevue, WA 98005
Phone: 425-453-2237 or 800-661-2237
- info@exploretheworld.org – www.exploretheworld.org
- Yongquian Li, President
- Debbie Li, Executive Director
Listing Status: Full
J1 Visum
ACIE – American Councils for International Education: ACTR/ACCELS, Inc. (CA: C2944281: 2006 / DC: 891314)
1828 L Street, NW, Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-833-7522 / Emergency: 1-800-621-9559
- inbound@americancouncils.org / general@americancouncils.org / info@americancouncils.org – www.americancouncils.org
- Dan E. Davidson, President: ddavidson@americancouncils.org
- Lisa Choate, Executive Vice-President: choate@americancouncils.org
Listing Status: Full
J1 Visum
AFICE: Academic Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (C2299827: 2003)
7242 La Jolla Boulevard, La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: 858-455-0302
- contact@afice.org – http://www.afice.org/
- Kevin J. Donaker-Ring, President: kdr.gddy@oneringcircus.com
Listing Status: Full
J1 Visum
- Secondary School Student Letter of Reprimand
- Violated regulations relating to, e.g., host family screening and selection, school enrollment, and SEVIS recordkeeping. 11/23/10
AFS-USA, Inc. (NY: 853110)
120 Wall St New York, NY 10005 USA
Phone: +1.212.807.8686 / 1-800-876-2376
- www.afsusa.org
- afsinfo@afsusa.org / hotline@afsusa.org
- Jorge Castro, Partner/President: jcastro@afsusa.org
- Kristen Bates, Chief Programs Officer: kbates@afsusa.org
Listing Status: Full
J1 Visum
- november 2010: Letter of Reprimand/Corrective action plan: Improve host family screening and selection; improve SEVIS recordkeeping.
- januar 2013: Letter of Reprimand: Improve host family application and selection
- Glassdoor employee reviews
AIFS: American Institute for Foreign Study) Foundation – AYA: Academic Year in America (For-profit) (CT: 0020554: 1967 / CT: 0002034: 1973)
Potential area of conflict: One of AIFS/AYA’s subsidiaries is the insurance company Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI), http://www.culturalinsurance.com/
AIFS
1 High Ridge Park, Stamford, CT 06905
Phone: (866) 906 2437 / (203) 399 5000
- info@aifs.com – http://aifs.com/
- Melanie French, President & Director: mfrench@aifs.org
- William L Gertz, President & CEO: wgertz@aifs.com
AYA:
1 High Ridge Park, Stamford, CT 06905
Phone: 800-322-4678
- aya.info@aifs.org – http://www.academicyear.org/
- Melanie French, President and Director: mfrench@aifs.org
- William L Gertz, President and CEO: wgertz@aifs.com
Listing Status: Full
J1 Visum
- C.R. v. American Institute for Foreign Study, Inc.
- J.S., et al vs American Institute for Foreign Study, Inc.
- Doe v. American Institute for Foreign Study, Inc.
- Piper v. American Institute for Foreign Study, Inc.
- W. v. Zirus et al
- D.D. v. Zirus et al
- S.M. v. Zirus et al
- J.D. v. Zirus et al
- M.B. A/N/F J.B. A Minor v. Camp Stewart for Boys, Inc. et al
AHLI – American Home Life International (PA: 2069787: 1991)
Christian mission
2137 Embassy Drive, Suite 202; Lancaster, PA 17603
Phone: 717-560-2840
- amhomelife@amhomelife.org / www.amhomelife.org
- Deborah Siegrist, Administrator Admissions: deborahs@amhomelife.org
- Keith E. Mayer, CEO: keithm@amhomelife.org
Listing Status: Full
F1 Visum
AHN-USA: American Homestay Network
8201 164th Ave NE, Suite 200, Redmond, WA 98052
Phone: 888-268-1903 / Fax: 925-396-7063
- http://www.homestaynetwork.com/
- Glenda Sinclair, President: glenda@homestaynetwork.com
Listing status: Provisional
F-1 Visum
AHS: American Homestay Services
5877 Commerce Street, room 116 , Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Phone: 1-412-567-8617
- info@homestaynet.us / homestaynet.us
- Andrew Hang Chen, President: andrew.chen@homestaynet.us
Listing status: Provisional
F-1 Visum
AIEP: Apex International Education Partners (CT: 1038929: 2011)
51 Depot Street, Suite 211, Watertown, CT 06795
Phone: 203-992-2437
- info@aiepusa.com – www.aiepusa.com
- David Guerrera, Director: dguerrera@aiepusa.com
- Feng Chen, Director: fchen@aiepusa.com
Listing Status: Provisional
F-1 Visa
AISE-YL: Amicus International Student Exchange – Young Life / The Young Life Campaign (Non-profit) (TX: 0008104801: 1941)
Christian mission
420 N. Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Phone: 877-438-9572 / Fax: 719-381-1750
- http://www.younglife.org/
- Contact: Dennis Rydberg, President
- Elizabeth Jessup, Director: ejessup@sc.younglife.org
Listing Status: Full
J1 Visum
Ameristudent LLC (CA 201427910449: 2014)
9261 Jordan Ave, Chatsworth CA 91311
Phone: 877-385-8425
- connect@ameristudent.com
- Robert Chevalier: CEO: robert@ameristudent.com
- David Westgate: International Director:
Listing: Provisional
F-1 Visum
(Kaplan) Aspect Foundation (CA: C1265653: 1985 / WA: 601403559: 2009)
211 Sutter Street, 10th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94108
Phone: 415-228-8050 / Emergency: 1-800-US-YOUTH
- exchange@aspectfoundation.org – info@aspectfoundation.org – http://www.aspectfoundation.org/
- Donita Zblewski, Regional Director: donita.zblewski@aspectfoundation.org
- Vivian Fearen, President CA: vivian.fearen@aspectfoundation.org
Listing Status: Full
J1 Visum
- Letter of Reprimand Corrective Action Plan Probation (Five Years) Program Reduction (15%) Violated regulations relating to host family placement. 8/14/2010
- State Department punishes exchange student company as criminal probe widens
ASSE International, Inc. (CA: C0780437: 1976)
228 North Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Phone: 949-494 4100 / Emergency: 1-800-333-3802
- info@asse.com / needhelpnow@asse.com / asseusawest@asse.com / asseusasouth@asse.com / asseusamidwest@asse.com / asseusaeast@asse.com /
- www.asse.com
- Bill (William) Gustafson, President and CEO: wgustafson@asse.com – Bill@asse.com
Listing Status: Full
J1 Visum
- ASSE International, Inc. v. John F. Kerry, et al
- Asse International, Inc. v. Student Management Group, Inc. et al
ASSIST: American Secondary Schools for International Students and Teachers (NH: 122328: 1987)
P. O. Box 969
Suite 217 – Suffield Village, 68 Bridge Street, Suffield, CT 06078
Phone: (860) 668-5706
- assist@assist-inc.org – http://www.assist-inc.org/
- Kristen Sullivan, Program Coordinator, at kristen@assist-inc.org
Listing Status: Full
J1 Visum/F1 Visum
ATAD: Association for Teen-Age Diplomats, Inc (NY 77263: 1951)
212 Fitzhugh Street S, Rochester, NY 14608
Phone: 585 872 2916
- http://atad.org/
- Marian, Koerin President: marcobrin@aol.com
Listing Status: Full
F-1 Visum
AYUSA International (subsidiary of Intrax, Inc. CA: C1115919: 1982)
600 California Street, 10th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94108
Phone: 415-434-1212 or (toll-free) 800-727-4540 / 888.552.9872
- studentsupport@ayusa.org / info@ayusa.org – www.ayusa.org
- Sherry Carpenter, Executive Director: scarpenter@ayusa.org
AYUSA Germany: info@ayusa-germany.de | John Wilhelm, President
AYUSA Japan: info@ayusajapan.org | Takeshi Yokota, Vice President
Listing Status: Full
J-1 Visum
- Letter of Reprimand Corrective Action Plan / Violated regulations relating to, e.g., host family screening and selection, school enrollment, and SEVIS recordkeeping. 11/23/10
- Anderson v. Intrax, Inc. et al
Azumano International / Japonica Inc. / CI Travel (OR: 272935-88: 1991)
320 SW Stark, Ste. 506, Portland, OR 97204
OR: (503) 294-6488 / WA: (206) 623-7060
- seattle@azumano.com – portland@azumano.com – http://www.azumano.com/ (webaddress not accessible)
- Sho Dozono, President
- Sylvia Groce, Director
Listing Status: Full
F1 Visum
CASE: Cultural Academic Student Exchange (NJ: 0100387842: 1988)
112 Squire Hill Road, Montclair, NJ 07043
Phone: 800-458-8336 / Phone: 201-773-8299
- info@case-usa.org – www.case-usa.org
- Jana De Fillipps: jana@case-usa.org
Listing Status: Full
J-1 Visa
- Letter of Reprimand / Violated regulations relating to SEVIS recordkeeping. 11/23/10
- Bilton v. Cultural Academic Student Exchange
CAW: Children Around the World (KS: 0914564: 1985)
521 Herschel Rd; Wichita, KS
Phone: 316-641-0005
- childrenaroundtheworld@yahoo.com – www.childrenaroundtheworld.info
- Contact: Susan Watkins (316) 641-0005
- Catie Garrison (316) 305-8863
Listing Status: Full
F1 Visum
CCI Greenheart (Center for Cultural Interchange) – Greenheart International (IL: 601398923: 1992)
712 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: 312-944-2544 or 800-634-4771
746 N. LaSalle Drive, Chicago, IL, 60654
Tel: 312-944-2544 /Toll-free ( in the U.S. ): 866-CCI-0061
- www.cci-exchange.com / http://www.greenheart.info/
- greenheart@cci-exchange.org / contact@cci-exchange.org
- Megan Bhati, Director J-1: mbhatia@cci-exchange.org
- Juliet Jones, Program Director F-1: jjones@ccigreenheart.org
-
Gwen Vitzthum J-1/F-1: gvitzthum@ccigreenheart.org
Listing Status: Full
J1 Visum/F1 Visum
- Letter of Reprimand / Violated regulations relating to, e.g., host family screening and selection, school enrollment, and SEVIS recordkeeping. 11/23/10
- Study Group USA, Inc. v. Center for Cultural Interchange, Inc. et al
Explorius Education (CETI, CETUSA, Educatius)
CET International / Subsidiary of Explorius Education
110 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: +1.949.940.1140 / Toll-Free: 1.888.423-887
- http://cetinternational.com/
- Terry Watson, CEO: terry@cetusa.org
- Joe Stipek, President
Listing status – Full
F-1 Visa
CETUSA: Council for Educational Travel, USA (CA: C1760860: 1995) / Subsidiary of Explorius Education
678 Front Avenue NW, Suite 091A, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Phone: 616-365-9940 / Toll-Free: 888-238-8721
- highschool@cetusa.org – http://www.cetusa.org/
- Terry Watson, CEO: terry@cetusa.org
- Peg Spoelstra, Program Director: peg@cetusa.org
Listing Status: Full
J1 Visum
- 1st january 2012: Notice of Intent to Deny Redesignation Application; Sponsor Withdrawal from Program: Inappropriate use of the Exchange Visitor Program; Disregard of health, safety, and welfare of participants; Inadequate SEVIS recordkeeping (Summer Work Program)
- 2nd february 2013: Letter of Reprimand: Failure promptly to notify the Department of litigation (Summer Work Program)
- Council for Educational Travel, USA v. International Student Exchange Program et al
Educatius, Inc (DE: 4641887) (Subsidiary of Explorius Education)
22 Batterymarch St., Boston, MA 02109 USA
Phone: +1 617 292 0035
Listing status: Provisional
F-1 Visa
- 2014 Jan 24: Mormon Ex-Bishop accused of luring teen boy
- 2014 Mar 31: «… This contractor pays local districts $2,000 per student, an administrative fee to Oakland Schools and a monthly stipend to host families …»
- 2015 Jul 22: «… tuition costing $17,816 for a full year or $8,811 for a single semester …«
CHI: Cultural Homestay International (CA: C0812697: 1977)
104 Butterfield Road, San Anselmo, CA 94960
Phone: 415-459-5397 / 1-800-432-4643
- chimain@chinet.org / http://chinet.org/academic-year/
- President Tom Areton: chitom@chinet.org
- Contact: Jackie Sant-Myerhoff: chijackie@chinet.org
Listing Status: Full
J1 Visum
- 2013 Nov 6: San Anselmo issues use permit ultimatum to CHI
CIEE: Council on International Educational Exchange, Inc. (PA: 2051986: 1991)
300 Fore Street, Portland, ME 04101
Phone: 1.800.40.STUDY or 1.207.553.4000 / Fax: 1.207.553.4299
- www.ciee.org/highschool
- highschool@ciee.org / contact@ciee.org
- Penny Alexander (Africa and Australia) : palexander@ciee.org
- Janine el Tal (Middle-East, North-Africa & South-Asia): jeltal@ciee.org
- Caroline Maas (Northern Europe): cmaas@ciee.org
- Clara Rodes (Southern Europe): crodes@ciee.org
- Craig Hastings (Latin America & Caribbean): chastings@ciee.org
- Colin Bezenar (Asia): cbezenar@ciee.org
Listing Status: Full
J-1 Visa / F-1 Visa
CIIE: The Cambridge Institute of International Education
Phone: 781-996-0400
- Email: info@thecambridgeinstitute.or
- http://thecambridgeinstitute.org
- Christine Lin, President
Listing Status: Provisional
F1 Visum
GPH: Green Planet Homestays (subsidiary of CIIE) (MA: 001050720: 2011)
gphomestay
1025 Main Street, Floor 3, Waltham, MA, 02451
Phone: 781-996-0429
- Email: info@gphomestay.com
- http://www.gphomestay.com/
EduBoston
Address: 161 Harvard Ave. Suite #13A, Allston, MA 02134
Phone: 617-254-1117 / 国语：+86 13701002798
- Email: contact@eduboston.com
- eduboston.com
Listing status: Full
F-1 visa
EF Education First, Inc / EF High School Year (CA: C1301690: 1984)
Potential area of conflict: The insurance company EF uses – Erika / Efekta Insurance – is a subsidiary of EF Edcuation.
One Education Street, Cambridge, MA 02141
Phone: 617-619-1739 / 800-447-4273
- www.efexchangeyear.org / www.effoundation.org
- Contact: Kate Garrett: Kate.Garrett@ef.com
- Alex Banning, Director of Compliance: alex.banning@ef.com
Listing Status: Full
J-1 Visa
- 2007 Dec 9: Exchange group gets probe after teens complain
- 2009 Mar 23: Swede in US school exchange nightmare
- 2009 May 17: When a foreign exchange year goes bad
- 2012 Oct 5: Closure of EF High School Exchange Programs in Australia and New Zealand
- 2013 April: 20 more years for ‘host father’ serial sex abuser
- 2013 Nov 11: USA-drømmen ble et mareritt for Trude (17)
- 2014 May 5: Austauschjahr in den USA wurde zum Albtraum
- Better Business Bureau, more complaints
- Glassdoor reviews
- USA v. Johnson
- Johnson v. USA
EMF: Educational Merit Foundation For Student Exchange (TX: 0120246701: 1991)
6526 Lakecrest Drive, Sachse, TX 75048-5773
Phone: 972-495-3868 or 800-467-8363
- info@emfusa.org / http://www.emfusa.org/
- Marie Claude Dijoud, President: mcdijoud@emfusa.org
Listing Status: Full
J-1 Visa
ERDT Share! (Educational Resource Development Trust) (CA: C0709510: 1974)
2601 Ocean Park Blvd., Ste. 322, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Phone: 310-450-4624 or 800-321-3738
- info@erdtshare.org – www.erdtshare.org
- CA: Kelly Jones, President: kjones@erdtshare.org
Listing Status: Full
J1 Visum
- High School Letter of Reprimand / Inappropriate use of advertising and marketing materials 3/11/12
- 2012 Mar 13: Foreign exchange students sexually abused in program overseen by State Department
ETC: Education Travel & Culture, Inc. (OR: 658793-80: 1998)
1029 SW Washington Street, Portland, OR 97205
Phone: 503-222-9803 / Toll Free: 877-222-9803
- info@edutrav.org – www.edutrav.org
- Contact: Jocelyn Oswald: joswald@edutrav.org
Listing Status: Full
J-1 Visum
PSE: Private & Public School F-1 Exchange (OR: 398110-96: 2013) (Subsidiary of ETC)
1029 SW Washington St., Portland, OR 97205
Phone: (503) 222-9803 / Toll free: (877) 222-9803
- www.pse-edu.org
- info@edutrav.org / info@pse-edu.org
- Contact: Kristina Neiman: kneiman@pse-edu.org
Listing Status: Provisional (2014/2015 – 2015/2016)
F-1 Visa
FACE: The Foundation for Academic Cultural Exchange (CA: C1527695: 1986)
855 Pennsylvania Dr, Reno, NV 89503-3311
Phone: 1-800-447-3105 / 775-624-9143
- face_student.exchange@yahoo.com – http://www.facexchange.org/
- Contact: Richard Wiseman
Listing Status: Provisional
J-1 Visa
- 2005 Oct 25: Loophole landed student in home of felon (regulations have since changed)
F.L.A.G. (Foreign Links Around the Globe) / Beyond / CBYX / FLAGship (MI: 756179: 1989)
950 Trade Centre Way, Suite 303, Portage, MI 49002
Phone: 269-629-0532 or Toll Free: 800-942-3524
- contact@flag-intl.org / www.flag-intl.org / http://flag-intl.net
- Contact: Christine McCarthy: ccmccarthy@flag-intl.org
- Wilmar Mazi Cunha, Founder: mcunha@flag-intl.org
Listing Status: Full
J1 Visum/F1 Visum
- november 2010: Letter of Reprimand/Corrective Action Plan: Improve host family screening and selection; improve program administration; improve SEVIS recordkeeping
FIEA: Forte International Exchange Association / A Star Education Institute (Missouri: 00328564: 1989)
7115 Leesburg Pike Suite 217, Falls Church, VA 22043
Phone:703-237-1688
- forteexchange@forteusa.org / forte@forteexchange.com / info@forteintl.com
- www.forteexchange.org
- Contact: Ava Chen: avac@forteexchange.org
- Diane Latvala, National Director: dianel@forteexchange.org
Listing Status: Full
J-1 Visa
- november 2010: Letter of Reprimand/Probation (One Year)/Corrective Action Plan: Improve program administration
FWF: Face The World Foundation (CA: C1830743: 1993)
755 Baywood Drive, Ste 380, Petaluma, Ca 94954-5511
Phone: 707-559-5800 / 800-216-3223
- info@facetheworld.org – www.facetheworld.org
- Mary M. Kass, President: mary@facetheworld.org
- Karen Wagner: karen@facetheworld.org
Listing Status: Full
J1 Visum
- november 2010: Letter of Reprimand, Probation (One Year)/Corrective Action Plan/Program Reductions (40% and 10%): Inappropriate host family placement
- Lee v. Face the World Foundation et al
- 2010 Feb 2: Lawsuit Filed By Buhler Exchange Student Settled
GAPP: German American Partnership Program, Inc. / Goethe Institut e.V. (455151: 1977)
30 Irving Place, New York, NY 10003
Phone: +1 212 439870
- info@newyork.goethe.org / gapp@newyork.goethe.org
- www.goethe.de/newyork – http://www.goethe.de/
- Dr. Christoph Bartmann, Executive director: director@newyork.goethe.org
- Dr. Wenzel Bilger, Program Director North America: bilger@newyork.goethe.org
Listing Status:Full
J1 Visum
Gateway Education USA, Corp (CA: C3424186: 2011)
600 N. Rosemead Blvd, Suite 115, Pasadena, CA 91107
- www.gateway-education.com
- Contact: Julien Zang: julien.yang@gateway-education.com
Listing Status: Provisional
F-1 Visa
Global Insights Inc. / Global Insights Student Exchange Program Inc. / GLSEP (CA: C2505879: 2003)
1094 Gordon Combs Road, NW, Marietta, GA 30064
Tollfree: 1-888-246-7863 / Direct: 770-514-7346
- info@globalinsights.org – http://www.globalinsights.org/ –
- Sherry H. Buchla, President: sherry@globalinsights.org
Listing Status: Full
J1 Visum
GLSN: Global Language Service Networks, Inc. / Global Interns & Exchange LLC (NY: 3994033: 2010)
9841 Airport Blvd, Suite 410, Los Angeles, CA 90045
Phone: 800-310-5386
- admin@glsn.org – www.glsn.org
- Sunny Kang, Managing director: director@glsn.org
Listing Status: Full
F-1 Visum
Heritage Student Foundation Inc. (66857816: 2009)
318 Half Day Road Suite 211, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
Tel : (847)737-1483 (U.S.)
- http://www.heritagestudent.org
- Email : info@heritagestudent.org
- Contact: Kevin Cho: kevin@heritagestudent.org
Listing Status: Full
F1 Visum
IBG: Ivy Bridge Group, Inc (CT: 0967150: 2009)
3470 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 850, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Phone: 888-424-4613 (9:00am – 6:00pm EST)
- http://www.ivybridgegroup.com/
- E-mail: info@ivybridgegroup.com
- Contact: Nancy Lewis: nlewis@ivybridge.com
Listing Status: Full
F-1 Visa
ICES: International Cultural Exchange Services Inc. (GA: K119211: 1991)
5556 Stage Rd., Concord, VA 24538
Phone: 800-832-7913 (USA) / 304-562-4793 /800-344-3566 (USA) / 434-522-8124
- www.icesusa.org
- Contact: Bonnie Gunter: bgunter@icesusa.org
- John J. Christ: lcrist@icesusa.org
- John Ices: johnices@aol.com
Listing Status: Full
J1 Visum/F1 Visum
- november 2010: Letter of Reprimand/Corrective Action Plan: Improve host family screening and selection; improve program administration
IEO: International Education Opportunities (PA: 4091162: 2012/PA: 4090818: 2012)
261 Old York Road, Suite 410, Jenkintown, PA 19046
Phone: (+1) 901 US Study (901 877 8839)
- info@ieopps.com – http://ieopps.com/
- Peter Schorsch, managing director: peter@ieopps.com
Listing Status: Full
F1 Visum
iE-USA: International Experience USA (VA: 0577283-5: 2002)
209 South Water Street; Northfield, MN 55057
Phone: 507-301-3613 / Toll Free Number: 888-266-2921
- info@international-experience.net / usa@international-experience.net
- usa.international-experience.net/
- Jodi Lundell, National Director: j.lundell@international-experience.net
- Joseph Bissell, Regional Director: j.bissell@international-experience.net
- Darlene Benjamin, AA: d.benjamin@international-experience.net
Listing Status: Full
J-1 Visa / F-1 Visa
IF: International Fellowship Inc. (NY: 167419: 1957)
Christian mission
P.O. Box 130, Westfield, NY 14787-0130
Phone: 716-326-7277 / Toll Free: 800-647-8839
- infelwes@gmail.com – www.internationalfellowship.org
- Contact: Norman Zent
Listing Status: Full
J1 Visum
JIES: Joy International Exchange Student, Inc. (PA: 4058913: 2011)
205 Hopkins Ct; North Wales, PA 19454
Listing Status: Full
F1 Visum
NCSD: Newcomb Central School District (SED Code: 151001040000)
PO Box 418, 5535 State Route 28N, Newcomb, NY 12852
Phone: 518-582-3341
- http://www.newcombcsd.org
- Clark «Skip» Hults, Superintendent: shults@newcombcsd.org
Listing Status: Provisional (2012/2013 to 2015/2016)
F1 Visum
- 2011 June 12: Tiny Town Recruits Students Worldwide
- 2012 May 17: Lisbon school explores financial stability through foreign exchange student program
- 2014 Feb 24: Public schools recruiting international high schoolers
NICE: Next International Cultural Exchange Inc. (PA: 3871362: 2009)
290 Pennbrook Parkway, Lansdale, PA 18914
Phone: | Toll Free:
- www.nextglobal.org – http://www.nextacademy.net
- contact@nextglobal.org
- Monica Byun, Program Director: monicabyun@nextglobal.org
Listing Status: Full
F1 Visum
NOD: Nacel Open Door (J1) / NISS: Nacel International (F1) (MN: 33723: 1986)
380 Jackson Street, Ste. 200, St. Paul, MN 55101
Phone: 651-686-0080 / 1-800-622-3553
- www.nacelopendoor.org
- info@nacelopendoor.org
- Emily Lemon, J-1: elemon@nacelopendoor.org
- Gina Robertson, F-1: grobertson@nacelschools.org
Listing Status: Full
J1 Visum/F1 Visum
NWACE: New World Academic and Cultural Exchange, Inc. (DE: 4955132: 2011)
496 Reginald Lane; Collegeville, PA 19426
Phone: 610-831-0998
- http://www.nwace.org/
- Brent Smallwood: BrentSmallwood@NWACE.org
- Donna Marie Bates: DonnaMarieBates@NWACE.org
Listing Status: Full
F1 Visum
NWSE: NorthWest Student Exchange (WA: 601047305: 1987)
4530 Union Bay Place NE, Ste. 214, Seattle, WA 98105
Phone: 206-527-0917
- www.nwse.com – nwse@nwse.com
- Jeffrey Stuart Laband, ED: jlaband@nwse.com
- Celine Waldmann, International Program: celine@nwse.com
Listing Status: Full
J1 Visum
- november 2010: Letter of Reprimand: Improve program administration
NWSPP: NW Services PEACE Program
1415 W. Franklin St., Boise, Idaho 83702 U.S.A.
Phone (208) 345-1021 / Toll Free (888) 976-3977
- www.nw-services.com
- Contact: Katie Thimann: katiet@nw-services.com
- Kimberly Kaiser, Director/President: kimberlynws@aol.com
Listing Status: Full
J1 Visum
- mars 2012: Letter of Reprimand: Inappropriate use of advertising and marketing materials
OCEAN: Organization for Cultural Exchange Among Nations (AZ: 07123155: 1994)
2101 E. Broadway Rd., Suite. 4, Tempe, AZ 85282
Phone: 1-888-996-2326 / (480) 907-7285
- http://ocean-intl.org/
- info@ocean-intl.org / ocean@ocean-intl.org
- Contact: Jose DePontes, President or Laura Stahl, Director
Listing Status: Full
J1 Visum
PaxLaurasian Exchange (PAX and TLI)
PAX – Program of Academic Exchange (NH: 149066: 1990)
14 Willet Avenue, Port Chester, NY 10573
Phone: 914-690-1340 / Toll Free: 800-555-6211
- academicexchange@pax.org – www.pax.org
- Contact: Libby Cryer, President: libbyc@pax.org
- Bradley Smith, President
Listing Status: Full
J1 Visum
- 2006 Nov 6: DA declines suing host in exchange saga
- 2010 Apr 2: RUHS Takes Disciplinary Action After Investigating Teen Parties
- Glassdoor employee reviews
TLI: The Laurasian Institution (Subsidiary of PLE) (IL: 56206213: 1990)
12345 Lake City Way NE #151, Seattle, WA 98125
Phone: 206-367-2152
- tli@laurasian.org / http://www.laurasian.org
- Contact: Sarah Fellows: sfellows@laurasian.org
Listing Status: Full
J1 Visum
- 1st februar 2012: Letter of Reprimand: Improve host family screening, selection, and placement
PLIES: Pacific Link International Educational Services (CA: C1979996: 1997)
1400 E. Angela Blvd. Unit 110, South Bend, Indiana 46617
Phone: (888) 966-0752 / Skype: pacificlinkus
- pacificlink.us / info@pacificlink.us
- Lisa Nagle, President: lnagle@pacificlink.us
Listing Status: Provisional
F1 Visum
RHI: Renascentia Hall International, LLC (DE: 4948384: 2011)
700 Barksdale Road, Suite 2, Newark, DE 19711
Phone: 302-273-2009 / Tollfree: 855-344-5515
- http://www.renashall.com/
- Email: info@renashall.com
- Jiarun (Jerry) Xiao, President: jxiao@renashall.com
Listing Status: Provisional
F-1 Visa
RI: Reflections International (WI: R032336: 1997)
32724 State Highway 130, P.O. Box 57, Lone Rock, WI 53556
Phone: 608-583-2412
- http://www.reflectionsinternational.org
- Harmut Weithe, President: hweithe@gmail.com
Listing Status: Full
J1 Visum
Rotary
Rotary Districts 5950 and 5960 / North Star Youth Exchange
- 11251 Red Fox Drive, Maple Grove, MN 55369
- Phone: 763-553-1604
Rotary California-Nevada District 5190
- P.O. Box 3510, Sparks, NV 89432
Rotary Central States Youth Exchange Program (Districts 5580, 6220, 6250, 6270, 6290, 6310, 6330, 6360, 6400, 6420, 6440, 6450, 6460, 6490, 6510, 6540, 6560, and 6580)
- 467 East Red Pine Circle, Dousman, WI 53118-8831
Rotary Youth Exchange: Empire State (District 7150, 7120, 7170)
- 10308 Ridgecrest Road; Utica, NY 13502
- Phone: 315-732-3883
Rotary ESSEX (Eastern States Student Exchange)
- 811 West 5th St., Unit 2, Lansdale, PA 19446
- Phone: 610-277-7553
Rotary Youth Exchange Florida, Inc. (Districts 6890, 6930, 6940, 6950, 6960, 6970, 6980, and 6990)
- 141 Elmwood Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32259
- Phone: 904-673-5566
Rotary Ohio-Erie Youth Exchange Program (Districts 6380, 6600, 6630, 6670, 6690, 6740, 6780, 7530, 7670, and 7680)
- 3157 Halstead Blvd., Jackson MI 49203-2553
Rotary YES/SCANEX (Districts 5000, 5240, 5260, 5280, 5300, 5320, 5330, 5340, 5420, and 5490)
- 1525 N Crescent Heights Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90046
South Central Rotary Youth Exchange (Districts 5500, 5510, 5520, 5610, 5630, 5650, 5670, 5690, 5710, 5730, 5750, 5770, 5790, 5810, 5830, 5840, 5870, 5890, 5910, 5930, 5970, 6000, 6040, 6060, 6080, 6110, 6150, 6190, 6200, 6760, 6800, 6820, 6840, 6860, and 6880)
- A-TCBY-23A, 425 West Capitol, Little Rock, AR 72201
Western States Student Exchange, Inc.
Districts 5010, 5020, 5030, 5050, 5060, 5100, 5110, 5130, 5150, 5160, 5170, 5180, 5220, 5230, and 5400
Listing Status: Full
J1 Visum
States’ 4-H International Exchange Programs (WA: 602362806: 2004)
1601 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2230, Seattle, WA 98101
Phone: 206-462-2200 / Toll-free: 800-407-3314
- exchange@states4h.org
- Yoko Kawaguchi. President: Yoko@states4h.org
Listing Status: Full
J1 Visum
SAI: Student American International (CT: 0532406: 1996)
4325 Dick Pond Road, Unit A, Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
Phone: 843-650-2101 / Tollfree: 800-639-0564
- http://www.studentamericaninternational.com/
- info@studentamericaninternational.com
- Melissa Polos, President: melissadir@studentamericaninternational.com
Listing Status: Full
J-1 Visa
SMG: Student Management Group
ESI: Exchange Service International / Metro NY, Inc. (Subsidiary of SMG) (NJ: 0100193473: 1983)
112 Squire Hill Road, Montclair, NJ 07043
Phone: 973-655-0185 / 800-458-8336
- www.exchange-service.org -or- www.student-management.com/programs/exchange-service-international/
- Contact: Stacy Brewer: info@exchange-service.org
Listing Status: Full
F-1 Visa
ISE: International Student Exchange, Inc. (SMG) (CA: C1111847: 1982)
119 Cooper Street, Babylon, NY 11702
Phone: 631-893-4550 / 800.766.4656
- https://www.iseusa.org
- Tiffany Galloway Adams, Regional Director: contact@iseusa.org
- Wayne Brewer, CEO ISE / Founder SMG: wayne@iseusa.com
Listing Status: Full
J1 Visum
- 1st september 2011: Letter of Reprimand/Corrective Action Plan: Improve host family screening, placement; improve SEVIS recordkeeping
- Fischer v. International Student Exchange, Inc. et al
- Antigo et al v. Lombardi et al
- Glassdoor employee reviews
STS Student Travel Schools AB
STS Foundation (NJ: 0100284870: 1986)
100 Main Street, Suite 420, Concord, MA 01742
Phone: 1-800-522-4678
- info@stsfoundation.org / http://www.stsfoundation.org/
- President, Ellen Hoggard: ellen@stsfoundation.org / Phone: 1-800-522-4678 Ext. 300
- National Director of Field Operations, Joan Formoso: joan@stsfoundation.org /Phone: 1-800-522-4678 Ext. 309
Listing Status: Full
J-1 Visa
- 1st November 2010: Letter of Reprimand/Corrective Action Plan: Improve host family screening and selection; improve program administration; improve SEVIS recordkeeping
- 2009 June 9: Plea agreement offered in fraud of foreign exchange students
STS Global Studies
100 Main Street, Suite 420, Concord, MA 01742
978-451-4554 / Emergencies: 978-451-4554
- http://www.sts-select.com
- Senior Program Manager, Carol Downes Coin: 978-451-4554 Ext. 101 / carol.downes@sts-education.com
- Program Assistant, Ainura Ozturk: 978-451-4554 Ext 102 / ainura.ozturk@sts-education.com
Listing Status: Full
F-1 Visa
TLUSA: Terra Lingua USA (MO: N00057652: 1997)
3 Helen Road, Terryville, CT 06786
Phone: 203-525-1231
- info@tlusa.org – http://www.tlusa.org/
- Kellie Iacovella: kellie@terralinguausa.com
Listing Status: Full
J1 Visum
- November 2010: Letter of Reprimand: Improve host family placement
TZ: The Zource (AZ: 01824521: 1986)
2028 South Highway 53, Suite 3-323, La Grange , KY 40031
Phone: 502-222-1969
- http://thezource.com/
- Aumomaleahh Omar Livingstone, President: alivingstone@thezource.com
Listing Status: Provisional (2012/2013 to 2015/2016)
F-1 Visa
USSE: United Studies, Inc. Student Exchange (OK: 2100480508: 1989)
P.O. Box 22863, Hot Springs, AR 71903
Phone: 501.321.2000 / Toll Free: 800.869.8585
- http://www.unitedstudies.org/
- info@unitedstudies.org
- Greg White, President: gwhite@unitedstudies.org
Listing Status: Provisional
J-1 Visa
University Track Preparation (NY: 4118031: 2011)
1115 Broadway 10th Floor, New York, NY 10010
Phone: 631-365-0103
- http://www.utphighschools.com/
- info@utphighschools.com
Listing Status: Provisional
F-1 Visa
WISE: Foundation for Worldwide International Student Exchange (WA: 601261476: 1990)
WISE® Foundation
P.O. Box 1332, Dyersburg TN-38025, USA
Phone: 731-287-9948 / 800-264-0948
- wise@wisefoundation.com – http://wise.wisefoundation.com/wise-programs/high-school/
- David Dahl, President: dave@wisefoundation.com
Listing Status: Full
J-1 Visum
- 23rd November 2010: Letter of Reprimand/Corrective Action Plan: Improve host family screening and selection; improve program administration; improve SEVIS recordkeeping)
- 2011 Oct 8: Antigo et al v. Lombardi et al
- 2012 Jul 31: The Foundation for Worldwide International Student Exchange v. Doan et al
- 2012 Nov 21: Foundation for Worldwide International Student Exchange v. Doan et al
- 2013 Jun 5: Exchange Students Accuse Host Family of Mistreatment
WL: World Link, Inc. (IA: 259881: 2001)
905 M Avenue, Kalona, IA 52247
Phone: 319-656-4590
- exchange@worldlinkinc.org – www.worldlinkinc.org
- Curtis Stutzman, President: Stutzman@worldlinkinc.org
Listing Status: Full
J1 Visum
YFU USA: Youth For Understanding USA (DE: 3487282: 2002)
641 S Street, NW., Suite 200, Washington, DC 20001
Phone:
- www.yfuusa.org – marketing@yfu.org
- Contact: Scott Messing:
- Michael E. Hill: CEO & President:
Listing Status: Full
J-1 Visa
- November 2010: Letter of Reprimand/Corrective Action Plan: Improve host family screening and selection; improve program administration; improve SEVIS recordkeeping
- Risteen V. Youth For Understanding
- Office of Inspector General’s Audit Office report: OIG Investigation 2002 with regard to the irregularities of YFU, Inc.’s transfer to YFU-USA (so-called bankruptcy)
- Glassdoor employee reviews
Full Listing: Full compliance with the CSIET Standards.
Provisional Listing reflects the Evaluation Committee’s determination that an organization, during its first or second evaluation, is judged to be in compliance with CSIET standards on the basis of its application materials.
Conditional Listing is issued to organizations that the Accreditation Committee determines are substantially in compliance with the standards but which need improvement in one or more areas.
Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET)
- Christopher B. Page, Executive Director: cpage@csiet.org
