Student Summer exchange programs for Highschool freshmen?

Question

My 14year old high schooler learns Spanish and wants to go and learn Spanish in more depth. He would love to participate in a foreign exchange program for the summer or a a few weeks in the summer. It would be great if he could live with a family, but a youth group would be also fine.

We would be willing to send him to whatever spanish speaking country.

We asked at our high school and they have no idea or clue about any program.

I have googled some websites, but I would love to hear from YOU if you know of a great program and what maybe your experience was.

We would be willing to host also a student at our house and show him around and let him see what our culture has to offer.

Any ideas??? Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Many exchange organizations have homestay summer programs such as AFS, YFU, Aspect, etc. The trick is finding one that will allow 14-year-olds. Most will not. The minimum age for an exchange is 15. So, check those three, but the odds are he may have to wait a year.

As a long time host parent and exchange program representative, I'd question the advisability of sending a 14-year-old, and certainly would not agree to host one as I do not believe they have the maturity for the experience.