This book, the Host Family Survival Kit (Now re-written under the name "Host,") is a must have for all prospective, and current host families.  Now you can order this book right now for just $15.95 by clicking  HERE or on the book cover above.

Youth Exchanges: The Complete Guide to the Homestay Experience Abroad - This guide book to more than 50 foreign exchange programs fro high-school students provides extensive information on the homestay experience.  Eight essays answer such questions as, How do I choose a program and What will I do when I get there?  A final essay discusses hosting foreign students in this country (The U.S.).  The directory entries note contacts, profit or non-profit status, country destinations, number of participating students, length of stay, ages served, fees, language and grade point requirements, selection process, and support services (orientation and counseling overseas).  An index by country served shows a wide range of destinations from Argentina to Zimbabwe.  Other appendixes include lists of passport offices and services that expedite passports and visas for a fee, foreign embassies in the U.S., other organizations involved in youth exchange, and a bibliography. 234 pages, $12.95

The Exchange Student Survival Kit - A valuable resource for American students going abroad or foreign students coming to the United States!  Here is a book written specifically to help students understand the unique experience of international exchange programs better and to avoid many of the common misunderstandings and problems that may occur in the course of their adjustment to a new culture; a new family, a new school and a new community.  The author has filled the book with examples taken from the experiences of dozens of exchange students from a broad spectrum of cultures. $14.95
 
Diary of a Host Mom was written by a woman who has hosted exchange students and who works with an exchange student program as an Area Representative. The book is well written and provides an "inside" view of what hosting a high school student is like for the student and his new American family.  Studentexchange.net does not endorse the program this author is affiliated with nor any other individual program.  We recommend any individual considering becoming involved in High School student exchange to do their homework before becoming involved with any one particular program.  

Amity  - Kind of interesting, they bring in volunteers from around the world to help teach foreign languages in U.S. schools.

*  Central Intelligence Agency (U.S.A.) -  The consumate resource for information about ANY country in the world.  The site includes the complete World Fact Book as well as Chiefs of State and Cabinet Members of every country.

Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange - A program jointly funded by the U.S. Congress and the German Bundestag that grant scholarships to 300 U.S. High School students to spend an Academic Year in Germany.

EduPASS - Although this site is primarily geared toward college exchange, it is an excellent place for any non-American to learn about American's social customs and cultural differences.  A must read for all students about to exchange to the United States!

Education Travel - A site out of London for Travel Agents and Educational Consultants who advise students about studying abroad.

* ePALS is the world's largest online classroom community, connecting over 2.6 million students and teachers through 34,634 profiles. Members from over 65,000 classrooms in 182 countries belong to ePals. ePALS makes it easy to learn and work together with anyone, anywhere using the Internet! A completely free service, ePALS provides members with the collaborative tools, ideas and community needed to communicate worldwide.  Connect with other ePALS members around the  world, in ways that are both fun and educational.  Whether at home or school, by engaging in projects and creating new friendships, members can learn more about their world.

Exchange Student's Web-Ring  - Excellent site where previous exchange students started a "Webring," providing other ex-exchange students a place to add their own personal Web Sites to the ring.

FLAGS OF THE WORLD - As stated, this site shows the current flag of every nation in the world.

HandiLinks Program Listing - A pretty concise listing of exchange programs, but includes programs for college students, adults, and teachers making it difficult to separate and find the High School Exchange programs

* International Education Financial Aid - Funding Education in the U.S.: International Education Financial Aid (IEFA) is a premier  Internet resource for financial aid information for students wishing to study in a foreign country. At  this site, you will find a comprehensive listing of grants, scholarships, loan programs, and other  information to assist students in their pursuit to study abroad.

International Student Insurance - Here you will find information on the best health, medical and travel insurance programs tailored to fit the needs of the international student abroad at the most affordable rate.

* International Student Travel Confederation (ISTC) - The International Student Travel Confederation is a nonprofit confederation of student travel organisations around the world whose focus is to develop, promote and facilitate travel among young people and students. ISTC Members provide student flights, other forms of transportation, student and youth cards (see sample below), travel insurance, work exchange programs and lots more.

Max Rauner's Site - An excellent resource regarding High School Student Exchange written in German and primarily geared toward German teens.  Mr. Rauner has written abook specifically for these teens.

National Registration Center for Study Abroad - Language Immersion Opportunities  Email

Oskars (Germany)  - German-American Student Exchange Magazine (very nice site!) Email

* Smilin' Jack - A nifty site designed by a pilot!  This resource provides students with a list of most major airlines along with their contact information.  In addition, he supplies links to a large number of airports, both in the States and abroad so travelers can look at the airline's terminal map.  Great idea for students traveling to other countries!

*  ISE Student ID Cards - This site offers students, youth and faculty the ability to purchase (for about $20.00us) identification cards.  These cards offer a great many benefits which they explain in detail.  Here, you can also purchse telephone callling cards!  Worth a look.

*  Student ID Card from ISIC - What is unique about the ISIC? ISIC is the world's most widely accepted student identity card. It is issued in over 90 countries to over two million students yearly and is officially endorsed by international organizations, national governments and student organizations.

Toefl Test Information - The official TOEFL test Web Site

US Immigration - A non-governmental resource for information about visas (fees charged)

US Journal - An online publication for International Student Response

Yahoo Student Exchange Listing - A menagerie of programs and links related to student exchange.  Hard to cipher through, but interesting none the less.
 

* A StudentExchange.net recommended Site
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