Foreign Exchange Program

I was an exchange student in high school. We had a sister school in Stuttgart, Germany. One year they came to us, and the next year we went to them.

I second Leigh's thoughts, talk to the school and see if THEY have a recommendation for you.

I know that this does not answer the question, but the fact that you "can't seem to find any reviews or ways to make sure they are reliable programs" is a red flag, to me. You're asking here, but have you asked teachers, administrators and counselors at your daughter's school and in your school system? That seems like the place to begin.

If these (or any other) programs are pressing you to register now, get forms in immediately and send money ASAP -- beware.

I am assuming your daughter is in high school. Ask the school. Chances are they have had exchange students there before and could tell you the name of the program.

It's been quite a few years ago now, but I went on a summer exchange through the Lion's Club, and their program is reputable. Rotary International also sponsors an exchange program, but I'm not sure if they have summer programs or only academic year ones.

I would not go through a program you can't find information or reviews about.

You need to ask a school.
Or university.
And do it THROUGH a school or university.
And, where is your daughter wanting to go, for this?
It can't be willy nilly.

I would worry if you can't find any reviews or other ways to verify the quality of these programs.
Have you spoken with families who have used either of these?
Have you talked to your daughter's school? Usually the college/career center has excellent advice and resources re foreign exchange.
What about your city? Our town has a sister city somewhere in Germany or Austria. I've never looked into it personally but I know foreign exchanges have been done that way as well.
You need references and background information, I can't imagine sending my kid abroad without very thorough and positive reviews and recommendations!

I was an AFS exchange student. They were great, reliable, and looked after us. They originate from the American Field Service. I'm not American, but of course they have gone worldwide. www.afsusa.org.

As others have mentioned, I would be concerned by not being able to find reviews. My brother-in-law ran the foreign exchange program for the Rotary Club in his area for a long time and it was a wonderful program. They did have students throughout the year, even in the summer. We hosted a German student 5 years ago through the SHARE program. It was well organized, and we had a good experience. Our student thoroughly enjoyed his time here, and felt the program was well run. We still keep in close touch with him.

I hope things work out well for your daughter. Foreign exchange programs can be such excellent growth experiences for teens.

Check out Youth for Understanding. It is the largest and oldest exchange program in the world. I was an exchange student back in 1981 and it was wonderful.

We hosted three foreign exchange students when I was in High School and I haven't heard of these programs. I second Youth For Understanding (YFU). Also, if she is studying a foreign language ask her foreign language teacher. Our son is staying with a family near Barcelona over spring break as part of the Language and Friendship program through his HS.

My then 14 year old participated in a student exchange to Japan through the local YMCA. Although, not all offer this program.

My all-girls high school offered AIFS (American Institute for Foreign Study), and some of my classmates went and raved about it. I was supposed to go, but my dad died, and my mom didn't want me to go.
http://www.aifsabroad.com/

High schools have little to do with this and are careful to put a stamp of approval on one. Just google.

B.,
I can't speak to the two programs you mentioned, but I was an exchange student during the summer between my junior and senior years in high school. The program the school used was AFS and it was a fantastic program. They did a great job of getting a large group (I'm talking hundreds!) of exchange students together for a few days to learn a little bit about the culture and language of our host countries before we embarked on the international leg of our trip. The students that were going to the same country all traveled together, and our host families even set up group outings so we could all get together a few times while out there. I know part of the success of any program is based on the family you are placed with, but every student in Norway with me (there were 7 of us) had phenomenal families and we all had the time of our lives. I can't speak highly enough about the program.
And kudos to you for allowing your daughter to expand her world view in this way. It really is an amazing experience and I'm sure whichever program you choose, she too, will have the time of her life!