I. What is an exchange program/student?

   A. Semester, year, or summer 
   B. Total immersion 
      1. in host family 
      2. in school 
      3. in language 
         a. previous study sometimes required 
      4. in culture 
   C. Two-way exchange 
      1. sharing of home culture with host family 
      2. sharing of host culture upon return 
   D. Active Programs
   E. The Student 
 
 
I. What is an exchange program/student? 
   A. semester, year, or summer 
 
      A summer stay is great for a beginner's taste of the culture, and some intensive language acquisition. Students
often have cultural courses or seminars, as well as excursions, during the day and then are with their host families
for evenings and weekends. 
      A semester program is designed as a middle ground -- student can get a real sense of the culture, and make amazing
linguistic progress, all without leaving home for more than five months. Students are enrolled in school for the
semester, but this also allows them to keep up with their American studies more easily. 
      A year away from home takes a lot of courage, but the benefits can be worth it. Students truly become a part
of their host family, their school, and their community. They also, with appropriate motivation, can become essentially
fluent in their host country's language. Students are enrolled in an appropriate grade level in school and follow
courses with a normal native class. 
 

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   B. Total immersion 
      1. in host family (see family) 
      2. in school (see school) 
      3. in language -- previous study sometimes required 
      4. in culture (see culture) 
 

   C. Two-way exchange 
 
      The exchange experience is not a one-way street. The student is expected to share his or her home culture, and
language when appropriate, with their host family, school, and community. 
      A large part of the exchange experience comes after the actual program is over. The student is expected, upon
return to his or her home country, to share their experience, including host culture and language. Many students
speak at schools or for other groups. I have chosen to make this site. 
 

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   D. Active Programs  (these are external links...please read my disclaimer)