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School To School Exchange

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  • Overview

    In this unique program, US-based schools host a group of international students and teachers. Later in that same academic year, the US class and teachers travel to visit the same group in their home country. It is a true cultural exchange of schools!

    We have a strong presence in Spain, so this program is perfect for Spanish language classes. We also welcome matches with other countries on a case-by-case basis.

  • Partner Responsibilities

    Responsibilities of All Sending Partners

    • Identifying suitable candidates for Greenheart Travel 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 Travel 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 Travel with updated contact information
  • Packing List

    Documents

    Passport (should be valid for at least six months after scheduled return date, remember to leave a copy of your passport at home)

    Insurance Card

    Emergency Phone Numbers

    Clothing

    1 nice outfit (nice pair of pants, skirt or dress)

    2-3 pairs of jeans/ pants

    6-8 shirts

    8-10 pairs of socks

    10+ pairs of underwear

    Light jacket, sweater or sweatshirt

    Pajamas

    Baggage

    1 small suitcase or hiking backpack

    1 carry-on bag for personal items and day trips

    Shoes

    Comfortable shoes for walking/day trips

    Nice shoes for special events

    Toiletries

    Shampoo/conditioner

    Body wash/lotion

    Toothbrush/toothpaste

    Deodorant

    Hairbrush, hair ties/accessories

    Feminine hygiene products

    Note: All liquids should be less than 3oz for carry-on baggage and in most cases you will be able to purchase similar products abroad Miscellaneous

    • Umbrella or raincoat
    • Electronics converter (France/Spain use a two-prong plug type E or F)
    • Glasses/contacts/medicines you take regularly
    Optional Items

    Camera

    Book/blank journal & pens

    Headphones

    Things NOT to bring

    Hair dryer/straightener: The voltage in Europe is different and even using a converter may blow out your appliance or even a fuse!

    Things to Consider

    <ul>
    <li>Most airlines allow 1 checked luggage not exceeding 50 pounds. Leave room for souvenirs.</li>
    <li>Airlines allow one carry on and one personal item that can be stowed under the seat</li>
    <li>Students in Europe typically dress a bit more formally than teenagers in the United States. Consider what you would wear to school (no tank tops, no midriff baring shirts), avoid jeans with holes, flip flops, sweatpants or other casual clothing.</li>
    </ul>

  • Timeline

    If you haven’t organized a group trip with your students before, we have a timeline provided with suggestions on when and how to begin planning and meeting with students. We’ll take care of all the major and minor details of your group trip but it’s important that students, parents, and the school are kept informed as well.

    A Year and a Half Before Group Trip

    Begin promoting the trip to students and parents and determining which students will attend.

    One Year Before Group Trip

    Hold an informational meeting for both students and parents to go over general details of the trip and dates they should be aware of, such as:

    • Trip Start and End Date
    • Payment
    • Application Process
    • General Expectations While on Trip
    • Passport Applications

    6 Months Before Group Trip

    Begin hosting regular meetings for students and family members covering the following topics if desired. We can provide webinars, blogs, and resources as guidelines for these, and will also host a Pre-Departure Webinar for all students and parents.

    • Accommodations / host families
    • Food
    • History
    • Money
    • Passports
    • Rules / Regulations
    • Daily Schedules and Expectations

    2 Months Before Group Trip

    Schedule a date for the mandatory pre-departure orientation. Determine that everyone has completed what they need before the trip, including:

    • Scheduled Payments
    • Received Passports
    • Completing Any School Requirements
    • Read Necessary Information Regarding the Trip

    1 Month Before Group Trip

    Greenheart Travel will host a Pre-Departure Webinar for all students and parents. We will answer all questions and go over all logistics from departure to the return trip home. We will provide packing lists, insurance information, emergency contacts, and cultural immersion guides. Remind school and faculty of the upcoming trip, make necessary plans for students out of school.

  • Pricing

    Program price generally includes:

    • Round-trip international airfare
    • Activities provided by partner school abroad
    • Medical/accident insurance abroad
    • General liability insurance for schools while hosting
    • 24/7 Greenheart Travel emergency support
    • Assistance with ground transportation and hotel bookings abroad
    • 1- 2 teachers travel free with the exchange group
  • FAQs

    What is the School to School Exchange?

    What is the School to School Exchange (S2S) Program?

    In short, it is a reciprocal foreign exchange program for high schools. Your school hosts a group of international high school students and then, within the same school year, those students who hosted will travel to visit their exchange buddy.

    On both ends students stay with volunteer host families from the school and participate in school visits and activities which teachers organize.

    When does the program take place?

    Most US schools host early in the fall and travel over their spring break. However, we try to accommodate customized programs as much as possible so hosting and travel dates can be at any time during the school year as long as it is mutually agreeable to both schools involved.

    Can we travel in the summer?

    Probably not. Because this is a school sponsored trip that teachers and faculty are volunteering to coordinate, the majority of exchanges must take place during the course of one academic school year.

    How much does the program cost?

    Program cost is around $2300 based on a number of other factors but our average exchange in 2023 cost $2300 per student participant.

    How do you decide the program cost?

    80% of the program price is dependent on the cost of the flight. Program prices include round trip flights, medical/accident insurance, administrative assistance throughout the planning and execution of the program. We formulate program costs based on each schools travel details to ensure we are offering them the lowest price possible.

    Additionally most US schools collect around $150+ extra per participating student, to provide funding for the activity/transport expenses for the visiting expense. (The international school you are matched with will do the same on their end.)

    Can’t I just do this on my own?

    Possibly. Many schools prefer or require the support of an outside organization. Greenheart Travel offers 30 years of experiences and assistance to schools including the following services:

    • Procuring the lowest and most flexible prices for group reservations
    • Liability insurance and 24/7 emergency support
    • Medical/accident insurance as well as assistance processing any claims
    • International partners in the country of travel able to assist in case of emergency
    • Customizable program and recommended vendors
    Can I take my students to _____________________?

    Currently U.S. schools seeking an exchange outside of Spain will be considered on a case by case basis. We are always willing and able to pursue new locations, but we might need extra time to find a suitable partner for your school.

    What is required of student participants?

    We leave this up to the Teacher Coordinator and school. Some teachers require two years of Spanish, a special project to be submitted at the end of the exchange. We request that all student participants are in good standing academically and host families have attended orientation meetings in person.

    How do I learn more/sign up for the program?

    Complete an inquiry and a Greenheart staff member will be in touch with you! Please note that, ultimately, the program depends on the approval of a principal or school administrator.