The list of all exchange student programs certified to operate in the U.S. can be found at www.csiet.org. Don’t use one not on that list. However, you should also check with your high school counselor for recommendations. An organization is only as good as the local representatives. It’s very important that there are local people to help you through the process.

Rotary is the cheapest, but most competitive. Other good programs are Aspect, AFS, 4-H, YFU, depending upon where you are located.

For information on the exchange student experience, check out http://www.exchangestudentworld.com/

That’s a web site written by exchange students for exchange students and has a lot of helpful information for every stage in the process from application through returning home.

Good luck and have fun!