Greenheart Exchange

Cultural exchange is the sharing of different ideas, customs, traditions, values, viewpoints, and knowledge with someone who may have a completely different background.  It could be as simple as learning how to say “Hello” in a new language or trying a new food.  At its essence, it is finding common ground, making meaningful connections across borders, and cultivating global understanding. It is kindness, mutual respect, and diplomacy. It is what Greenheart does best.

Since 1985, Greenheart has facilitated cultural exchange programs in the USA and abroad for more than 175,000 students and adults. Our mission of connecting people and planet to create global leaders drives all that we do at Greenheart Exchange (programs in the USA) and Greenheart Travel (programs outside the USA).

Greenheart Exchange works with the U.S. Department of State to sponsor students and adults who come to the USA to study or work on J-1 visas. Greenheart Exchange finds host families, host schools, and host businesses for exchange visitors and works hard to make sure everyone has a great experience. 

Greenheart Travel helps students and adults participate in high school abroad programs, summer language camps, teach and work abroad opportunities, TEFL courses, and/or Gap Year programs.

Hosting an international student is a rewarding and enriching experience for the students and for the hosts. Hosts learn about another culture, while also sharing their daily lives, values, foods, traditions, and holidays. It is an experience that broadens horizons and increases global awareness for everyone involved—not just the student, but also the host parents and siblings, the school communities, and the neighborhoods where they are hosted.   

Hosting Summer Work Travel students or Intern/Trainees in your business is an excellent opportunity to expose your U.S. staff and customers to the world. Hosting international exchange visitors also gives them the opportunity to experience the American way of life and get to know the people in the United States. Meanwhile, your business gets the temporary help needed during the seasonal rush and/or an intern/trainee’s different point-of-view on projects.

Greenheart brings pre-screened, highly-qualified and experienced K-12 teachers to accredited schools that meet or exceed state standards. We make it easy for schools to recruit teachers and we sponsor their J-1 visas. Bring the world to your school community by hosting one of our international teachers who specialize in subjects like STEM, world languages, or Special Education.

Greenheart is always looking for enthusiastic people who are well-connected in their communities to become Local Coordinators (LCs). LCs bring cultures together by finding volunteer host families / high schools, and matching them to exchange students from 60+ countries. LCs are paid for placements and for keeping in touch with hosts and students throughout the academic year to make sure everyone has a good experience.

Please contact Greenheart Exchange right away if you have a question or concern about one of your participants in country. Our office hours are Monday through Friday 9am – 5:30pm Central Time. During office hours, you can call your Greenheart Exchange contact or Local Coordinator directly, or call 1-866-684-9675. If it is outside of office hours and an emergency call our EMERGENCY phone at 1-855-767-5642. If this is a medical emergency, please call 911.