Partner with Greenheart Exchange
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. Now, we welcome over 2,000 participants each year who live with American families, participate in group activities and/or study in high schools across America. We have trained support staff in every corner of the country, dedicated to student success, promoting cultural understanding and engaging participants to ensure that they have the most impactful experience possible on each of our high school programs.
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; due to our rigorous standards, Greenheart Exchange is listed by the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET) since 1990, is designated by the Department of State to offer J-1 programs, and is a member of the Alliance for International Education and World Youth Student and Educational Travel Confederation (WYSE Travel Confederation).
- English classes are taught by certified, native-English speakers with a focus on practical communication.
- 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 National 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
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:
Independent Homestay Programs
The Individual Homestay Program (IHP) is ideal for participants interested in a program that focuses exclusively on American culture and home life, while greatly improving English language skills.
Individual teens and adults (15 and older) become members of an American family and get to know U.S. culture firsthand through a true immersion experience. Participants are placed with a carefully screened, volunteer host family that provides a safe environment. This program is suitable for mature participants who are comfortable traveling to the host community on their own and having unstructured time throughout their stay. Programs may be two to eight weeks in length.
Program Options
High School Visit
Sample the American high school experience! Three to five days per week, participants observe classes at a school in their host community. This program is not available in Alaska, California, or Hawaii, and is for a maximum of four weeks, between September and May.
Language Buddy
Share your own culture and language with your host family! During the program, international participants will set aside three to five hours each week to tutor a host family member in their native language. Participants must be at least 18 years old for this program and can also extend the program for up to 12 weeks.
Volunteer
Make a difference while practicing your English and making American friends! Participate in a volunteer experience with environmental, humanitarian, or educational organizations while living with an American host family.
Destinations
Our Independent Homestay program is available throughout the U.S., and participants are placed in one of three regions of their choice. Request fulfillment is based on availability.For an additional fee, participants may choose just one destination region, or the guarantee of a placement in a home with a teenager (for teen participants only).
Participants may select their top three regions from our regional map.
Participant requirements
- Must be at least 15 years old and mature enough to travel alone
- Able to communicate in English at a conversational level
- 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
What’s included?
- Room and board with volunteer American host families
- Transfer to and from nearest airport
- Support letter for tourist visa (if required)
- Certificate of completion, upon request
- Support of a Greenheart Exchange Local Coordinator
What’s not included?
- Airfare
- Accident and medical insurance (may be added at an additional cost)
- Meals and entertainment outside of the host family home
- Pocket money for personal expenses
- Optional activities or program add-ons
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.
FAQ
When is the best time to inquire about partnering with Greenheart Exchange’s High School Programs?
The best time to contact us regarding new partnership would be between September and December. We are however always available to connect and answer any questions, and we are always happy 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 J1 programs.
What ages are Greenheart Exchange’s High School Programs suitable for?
It varies based on the program!
- J1 High School: 15-18 ½ at the time of arrival to the US
- Group Homestay Programs: 13-17 years old
- Independent Homestay Programs: 15+ years old (no age maximum!)
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 American Culture. 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 US 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.
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