Foreign exchange programs with good reputations?

Question

I am looking into a foreign exchange program to go to Austria, France, or England and was wondering if anyone went with a certain program and were happy with it--I need one that is good and has a good reputation.

Answer 1

Good question! There are literally HUNDREDS of them out there!

Your first stop is to make sure the program is listed with CSIET (www.csiet.org). That will ensure some oversight. However, there still over 100.

Your next stop is your school counselor. He/she will have most likely worked with different programs. Get a recommendation! Generally, AFS, YFU and Rotary are considered the premier organizations and most reliable. They are the largest and oldest in the world. Aspect isn't bad either, but doesn't have a large list of countries to choose from. I wouldn't mess with others.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Feisty gave you their name, here is their list:

http://www.csiet.org/mc/page.do?sitePage...

All the top rated programs in the US.

I, personally, can speak for YFU/ATAD, Sister Cities, and AFS, but I think Csiet is an independent oversight organization that ranks them for their value and the happiness of the students.  

Have a terrific time, and fall in love with your second home town!