Overview
Interested in becoming a Greenheart Exchange international sending partner?
Greenheart Exchange has been a sponsor of the J-1 Exchange Visitor visa since 1985. In our first year, we helped seven Spanish students find host families and attend high school in the U.S. on the J-1 visa. These days, we welcome hundreds of international participants each year who live with American families, participate in group activities, and study in high schools across the U.S.A. We have trained support staff in every corner of the country. We are dedicated to student success, to promoting cultural understanding, and to engaging participants so that they have the most impactful experience possible on their high school program.
Why choose Greenheart
- Experience since 1985 in facilitating cultural exchange programs in the U.S. that connect Americans with international students.
- We are the leading nonprofit cultural exchange sponsor that blends service learning and volunteerism into all of our programs, creating a community of compassionate and conscious global citizens.
- We are committed to the safety and well-being of our participants and uphold rigorous standards. Since 1990, Greenheart Exchange has been listed by the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET). Since 1985, Greenheart is designated by the U.S. Department of State to offer J-1 programs, and is a member of the Alliance for International Education and of the World Youth Student and Educational Travel Confederation.
- English classes are taught by certified, native-English speakers with a focus on practical communication.
- We offer programs throughout the U.S. and can customize them to include visits to major cities, universities, or points of interests.
- 24-hour emergency support from our home office.
- Supply certificates of completion for all programs, upon request.
Partner Responsibilities
- Identifying suitable candidates for Greenheart Exchange programs (program requirements differ)
- Providing interested candidates with program information and application materials
- Screening for English language proficiency
- Verifying and checking all applications
- Submitting complete applications to Greenheart Exchange for review and processing
- Communicating directly with applicants during the application process
- Assisting participants in obtaining the necessary visa from the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate; assisting with making travel arrangements
- Conducting pre-departure orientation
- Serve as home-country contact in the event of an emergency
- Maintaining regular hours, checking email daily and furnishing Greenheart Exchange with updated contact information
J-1 High School Programs
The J-1 High School Program (cultural exchange program) is an academic semester or academic year program for exchange students to live in and learn American culture. Students attend a public school in one of many locations across the U.S. while living with a volunteer American host family.
Participants improve their English ability, make friends, attend local schools, participate in activities, volunteer, and gain leadership skills, all while serving as an ambassador of their culture.
Group Homestay Programs
Group Homestay Programs are an ideal way for students aged 13 to 17 to discover American culture and create memories with their peers. Each program can be specially designed to meet the needs of your organization or school group, and can be arranged for any time throughout the year. Typical group sizes are 10-20 participants for a minimum of ten days up to three weeks.
What’s included?
- Room and board with volunteer American host families
- Support letter for tourist visa (if required)
- Transfer to and from nearest airport
- Welcome and farewell parties
- Full- or half-day excursions one to three times per week
- 12 hours of English language and American culture classes per week with certified ESL teachers, and all necessary materials (alternate programming is available)
- One Greenheart volunteer activity with an environmental or social service project
What’s not included?
- Airfare
- Pocket money for personal expenses
Additional Participant requirements
- Possess intermediate English skills (minimum two years English study)
- Display a genuine interest in English language and American culture
- Willing to become a member of an American family
- Agree to accept the host family assigned to them by Greenheart Exchange
Sample destinations and itineraries
Partners can choose a region for the program, and we will do our best to accommodate the request. With enough advanced notice (4-5 months) we are more likely to be able to accommodate very specific geographical requests. Popular destinations include (but not limited to) suburbs of: Boston area, Upstate New York, Washington DC, Philadelphia area, Chicago, Portland (Oregon), Atlanta, Denver, Texas (including Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas), Seattle, Phoenix, and Orlando.
While each program has its own unique schedule, check out an example of the schedule.
Sample destination packets:
Recruit Teachers
The Teach USA program promotes interaction and enhances mutual understanding between U.S. and international teachers. Participating teachers are placed in a K-12 host school for 1-3 years and teach a wide range of subjects. During this program, teachers can expect to sharpen their professional skills and take part in cross-cultural activities within their schools and local communities.
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Stories
Read more about Greenheart’s High School Programs
Alisa
High School Program 2023-24
I wish every teenager could experience that feeling of broadening their view
It felt like all this time I lived in my bubble not knowing what different cultures and what different perspectives actually were.Matias
Philippines
I knew from the very start of my exchange year that I wanted to be involved in musicals, so I auditioned.
I am so blessed and I am so grateful and honored to not only have met these people, my people, but to also experience this–to live this.
Frequently Asked Questions About Promoting Greenheart’s High School Programs
When is the best time to inquire about partnering with Greenheart Exchange’s High School Programs?
The best time to contact us regarding new partnerships is between September and December. We are however always available to connect and answer any questions and to discuss partnership opportunities.
Please complete the Partner Inquiry for more information!
How long are High School Programs?
Greenheart Exchange offers programs for high school-aged participants varying from 2-8 weeks on our short-term programs, and for 5 to 10 months on our J-1 program.
What ages are Greenheart Exchange’s High School Programs suitable for?
It varies based on the program!
- J-1 High School: 15-18 ½ at the time of arrival to the US
- Group Homestay Programs: 13-17 years old
Do program participants receive health insurance through Greenheart Exchange?
All participants receive health insurance coverage for the duration of their program. They will have access to an online claims and service center, with native language phone assistance 24 hours/day. Greenheart Exchange is also happy to help participants with claims processing and submission during and after their programs.
What are host families like?
Greenheart Exchange Host Families are flexible, open minded, and represent the diversity of the USA. Our families are of varied economic, religious, and racial backgrounds and include working parents, empty nesters, singles, and single parents. Greenheart Exchange does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religious, or political beliefs. Because of this, all of our families are as unique as the participants they are hosting!
How does Greenheart Exchange choose host families?
Participant safety is our number one priority. We thoroughly vet each host family prior to approval so our participants know that they meet not only U.S. Department of State Regulations to host high school students, but also adhere to additional checks by Greenheart Exchange. Our host families are engaged with the mission of cultural exchange and are committed to providing the best possible experience for our participants
How much do Greenheart Exchange’s High School Programs cost?
Please complete a Partner Inquiry and indicate the program(s) you are interested in working with us on. From there, we can start to discuss pricing and other aspects of Greenheart Exchange’s programs.