How to support students during and after COVID-19

Learn more about the eligibility of J-1 Private Sector Exchange students and F-1 students.

Thanks to the help of our amazing field staff & host families

Our students are able to adjust through these hard times by learning to do their school online, following social distancing rules & becoming closer with their host family.

Looking Ahead

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted intercultural learning for more than half of our international students. We are doing our best to navigate through these uncertain times. Our students and host families are our top priority and we are following along closely with the recommendations issued by CDC, USDOS, federal, state, and local guidelines.

This pandemic continues to create new challenges for students, schools, communities, and our organization. We are committed to upholding our promise to promote international goodwill and cultural exchange during and after COVID-19. We are moving ahead with planning the future of our students in August 2020.

Support Diversity And Cultural Awareness

If you are interested in knowing more how you can help and support our exchange students, please fill out this form:

"I will say becoming a host family was one of the best experiences of my life! We gained new family members from Italy...and Italy gained a piece of my heart! The entire experience was amazing....absolutely amazing!"

- Angela (ETC host mom)

Field Director letter

Brenda Ferland

Field Director

The High School Foreign Exchange Industry has been impacted by this unprecedented crisis and we are all concerned for the future of our industry.

Education Travel & Culture (ETC) will continue promoting international goodwill and U.S. diplomacy by campaigning a solid effort to welcome foreign exchange students. We will persist on expanding and collaborating with others to further our mission during these trying times.

More than ever before exchange organizations need to work together. The challenges of international border and embassy closures, as well as what appears to be an overwhelming number of high schools refusing to accept J-1 students this fall has the entire program in jeopardy. We have 250+ students scheduled to participate in our 2020/21 program and while the road ahead is unknown, we are committed to delivering on our promise to make the dreams of these young students come true.We welcome your collaboration and support in this matter. #etcstrong

“This unexpected pandemic arrived & suddenly everything changed. However, this time has allowed me to have an even stronger bond with my host parents.”

– Alba from Spain