Summer Programs

Passport Exchange: Student Foreign Exchange Programs

We believe that one of the best ways to get to know America and to learn English is as a guest of an American host family through our foreign exchange program.

Passport Exchange has, since 1979, introduced Spanish, French, and Italian students to the homes and communities of American families. The program encourages students from Europe and the United States to establish bonds of friendship and understanding, and to improve their foreign language speaking skills.

There are two types of placements:

I. Immersion into a Family

For four to six weeks during the summer a student lives with a host family and takes part in their family life, which might be to travel to a summer residence, participate in a remote ESL program, attend overight camp or other non-Andover activities. Arrival time is individually arranged and contingent upon the availability of an appropriate host family. (Best suited for families who do not work fulltime.)

II. Passport Exchange Homestay Andover

For one month in the summer (usually July) a student lives with a host family and takes part in our Andover based program at our headquarters at 91 Main Street. On Monday through Friday the students meet for English conversation classes combined with excursions to cultural and recreational attractions in the Boston and New England area. Evenings and weekends are times reserved for the host family and friends. Participation in activities by host family members is welcome. (Designed for families who may work fulltime.)

Who Participates?

Boys and girls at the secondary school level, between the ages of 25 and 18 from Spain or University students and young adults from 18 to 26. Most have an intermediate level of spoken English. All students are screened abroad for individual interests and preferences and placed with an American family.

What Do I Need to do to be a Host Family?

If you are interested in hosting a Spanish student, all you need is a warm, friendly home with an extra bed, but this need not be in a separate room. Your European student will enjoy sharing space and facilities with your own children. Interaction between family members is an important part of the exchange program. As a family, you will want to introduce your guest to other areas of interest, besides the organized excursions. Since many historical sites require the student to listen carefully to a guide, it is recommended that families plan these trips themselves so that a conversational interchange can be carried on in a more informal manner.

Additional paperwork and detailed orientation is finalized during the spring.

Generous stipends are offered to host families, or if appropriate, tutoring packages from Beaven & Associates.

Summer Travel To Spain

Inquiries about student and family travel to Spain are welcome. Click here for more information.

Families who have hosted are eligible for special reciprocal packages during the summer or year following their hosting experience. Call for details.