Mission Statement
EF Educational Homestay Programs is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of international understanding through cultural exchange and language learning. Founded in 1979, EF EHP today brings students from 20 countries to the United States and Canada for language study programs, lasting between two and eight weeks. To date, more than 100,000 students have participated in our homestay programs.
EF Educational Homestay Programs are a means to introduce international students to the American lifestyle, culture and language. Students learn about their community and its culture, inhabitants and traditions. EF EHP Host Families, in opening their homes to students, have the opportunity to learn about their student's culture while sharing their own. Students gain a realistic impression of the U.S., independent of images they may have seen at home on television.
The program is designed to give students additional English language skills and a glimpse into every day American life. English as a Second Language classes build vocabulary and speaking skills. Half day and Full day activities to local attractions provide fun-filled experiences ranging from visits to museums and historical sights to an afternoon of bowling or swimming at a local beach. Optional trips offer more opportunities to learn about the area and in some cases, experience some world-famous tourist attractions.
EF EHP programs give participants the chance to see the world in a new way, and to learn how this experience can help to span the differences between peoples of different cultures. The friendships that develop on EHP programs often last a lifetime.
Description
EF Education has been dedicated to breaking down language and cultural barriers for over 40 years. Our programs in language learning abroad, cultural exchange, and educational travel have earned us three million satisfied customers. EF is the world's largest private, non-profit, educational organization, with over 100 offices and schools in 43 countries.
Our language programs are based on immersion-learning. We know that learning doesn't end when classes do, and students will continue to practice their new language while having breakfast with their host family, asking for directions to the museum or calling out plays on the football field.
The opportunity to host an exchange student is a rewarding opportunity where both student and host family learn about eachother's cultures. Such experiences have far-reaching and even lifelong impact not only for the student but also for the host family and extended family and friends.
