3-6 Months High School Homestays Programs

Great experience but not because of AFS. Communication was terrible throughout the entire process. Completely disorganized- I arrived a week AFTER school had started. Significant program fee for zero support from the company. I would strongly recommend the experience, but don't use AFS.

My experience studying abroad in Costa Rica was truly unforgettable, and I am so grateful for the support and opportunities provided by my program. From the very beginning, the agency made sure I felt safe, supported, and prepared. They genuinely cared about my experience and my individual needs. Anytime I had a question or needed assistance, they were quick to respond and took action right away. Throughout my time abroad, I had countless opportunities to explore Costa Rica both within the city where I lived and beyond. The program provided many cultural activities that allowed me to better understand the country, experience new traditions, and practice my Spanish in real-life situations. These experiences helped me grow more confident and connected to the culture. My host family was another incredible part of my journey. They were kind, welcoming, and made me feel like a part of their family. They included me in everyday activities like grocery shopping, family game nights, and other moments that allowed me to experience authentic Costa Rican life. This program gave me memories, friendships, and personal growth that I will carry with me forever. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a meaningful and supportive study abroad experience.

My time in France was absolutely beautiful, I loved it and I would do it again 100 times, just with a different organization. While I was in France, there was no support for harsh times and host family abuse/toxicity, Many other AFSers who came to france this year have said the same—changing families is insanely difficult because AFS takes the side of the family, leaving a lack of support for the student. On the other hand, I learned so much about myself on this program. I fell in love, I became fluent in French, I have a university program chosen already, this program has really made me fall in love with the world around me, and I will forever be grateful. I just wish AFS was there for me more (Sorry if the wording of this is confusing, i’m still getting used to speaking english) I will forever cherish this time I spent abroad!!!

Before coming to Argentina, I was excited but also nervous because it was my first time living in another country for such a long time. Looking back now, I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. My host family welcomed me from day one and quickly made me feel like part of their family. They introduced me to Argentine traditions, food, and everyday life, and I built memories that I'll always carry with me. Attending school in Argentina gave me the chance to improve my Spanish, make friends from around the world, and experience a completely different education system. Outside of school, I loved traveling, exploring new places, going to football matches, drinking mate, and learning about the country's culture and history. There were definitely moments when I missed home, but those challenges helped me become more independent, confident, and adaptable. I learned that growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone. I'm incredibly thankful to Greenheart Travel for making this experience possible. They were supportive throughout the process and helped me achieve a dream I had for years. I would recommend this program to anyone thinking about studying abroad. You'll make lifelong friends, gain a new perspective on the world, and come home as a different person in the best way possible.

My year abroad was an experience filled with highs, lows, and surprises. Looking back, my experience was mixed, it didn't fully meet my expectations in some areas, but in others, I was pleasantly surprised. The good parts were incredible, living in a different country allowed me to experience a new culture, meet people from different countries and backgrounds, and gain a greater sense of independence. I enjoyed exploring new cities, trying local foods, and learning more about how people live and study outside of my home country. These experiences helped me grow personally and become more adaptable. However, there were also challenges that made the experience difficult at times. Adjusting to a new environment was harder than expected, and there were moments when I felt disconnected from my new life abroad or frustrated. I faced challenges I wasn't prepared to confront by myself, such as sudden loss, anxiety, and homesickness. While I had my host family and friends to support me, I was sure being at home with my family would help me with my problems. But, even though I struggled with these things, it added to my experience here and helped me learn how to rely on others, myself, and trust in the process. One of the most unexpected parts was noticing how my behavior changed in a new environment. In America, I tended to be louder and more active in class discussions. In Italy, I became more observant and passive, spending more time listening, translating, and noticing my surroundings. While this was not a change I anticipated, it taught me that growth can happen in ways you don't expect. I wouldn't count this as a positive or negative aspect, because in ways I feel like I lost a large part of who I am by being quieter, but I also just learned how to express myself in ways that I hadn't in my home country. Although my experience was mixed, I don't regret it. The challenges, lessons, and memories all contributed to a chapter of my life that helped me better understand both the world and myself. Overall, this year made me face problems I never expected to deal with, especially on my own; but I learned more this year than I planned to, so I am happy I went out of my comfort zone, tried a year abroad, and learned about myself.

I would 100% recommend this program. Not only can you become fluent in a second language, you learn the type of person you are and how to live independently. The trips we took with the people in the program were some of the most fun i’ve ever had and I have gained so many different perspectives on the world. Everyone of the Staff; Pepa, Ena, Ana, and Chelo are so nice and easy to talk too.

Our daughter had a lm incredible experience with Seville abroad for a semester in Seville. Her family was fantastic, the program staff are supportive and encouraging and really got to know our daughter as a person. While the regular connection with Americans was sometimes a barrier to fully immersing in Spanish life, it provided a deep safety net for social connection and friendship. The thing that most impressed us were the staff at Seville Abroad - they are truly incredible people who seem to always go the extra mile (kilometer!) for the students and their families. We feel so lucky to have found them.

My name is Jadie, I did one highschool year abroad in Italy with the help of Greenheart. With the experience I had using Greenheart travel, I am very happy and satisfied. If I ever had a problem, issue, or anything that I was stressed out about, they were there. If i sent an email they would respond almost immediately, and if the time change didn’t align they have a 24/7 hotline. I am very pleased with their company and would highly recommend this program to anyone who is wanting to go abroad for however long. My parents can confirm this, as Greenheart always updated them even if I didn’t. I would one hundred percent recommend this program to students trying to get out of their comfort zone and grow their future.

I'm 17 and was nervous about spending 4 weeks in China without my parents. But honestly, it was incredible. My homestay family was so welcoming – my host mum packed me lunch every day. Mandarin classes were actually fun, not boring. We learned phrases we could use right away. Weekends we visited the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. I made friends from France, Germany, and Brazil. Came home speaking basic Mandarin and feeling way more confident. Already saving up to go back for a gap year. Highly recommend.

This experience has been the best most educational and formative of my life. It has changed me as a person and permanently altered my mindset for the rest of my life. If you choose to do this it will be something you never forget. You will gain memories, friends, and a new home no matter how long you stay.

Our daughter spent an entire year with Seville Abroad, and we cannot speak highly enough about the program. Pepa and her team were excellent from the first contact my daughter made, answering all of our questions and meeting with us to discuss the various school placement options. She worked hard to match our daughter with a host family, and when an issue arose with the initial placement, she immediately addressed the situation and found a replacement host family for the remainder of the year - the transition couldn’t have been smoother. Seville Abroad provides wonderful opportunities for the students to travel both within and outside of Spain, as well as language and cultural immersion opportunities in Seville itself, forging strong bonds among the students participating in the program. Our daughter returned to us happy, confident, mature and incredibly independent (not to mention nearly fluent in Spanish). So grateful that she had this opportunity!

“Thank you Lisa for everything. I am currently at my layover in Toronto and I am leaving for Germany in an hour. Thank you for the amazing time in Canada and all the organization. I really enjoyed my trip here and i am so sad to leave. But at least i have these amazing memories and a lot of new connections to people from all over the world. That all would not have been possible without you and i am so grateful for you and that you pour your whole heart into the kids experiences in Canada. Thank you so much!!” Aylin - Germany

I learned so much during my year abroad in Germany. I had a great host family and experience in Berlin. I made so many international friends and connections in Germany. It is an eye-opening experience that I believe everyone should partake in.

I went abroad during my junior year of high school and had the time of my life! I was matched perfectly with my host family, and really enjoyed the city that I lived in. AFS was really great in matching me with a family that best supported my needs, and matched my personality best. I became fluent in the language and made several friends that I still talk to now, even after being back in my home country for over 6 months. I think this is such a unique study abroad experience because you see how Germans live their daily lives, and you become one of them. Although I had doubts and was scared at first, I wouldn't trade my experience for anything. If you are wondering about doing this program, I would 100% recommend you to!

Studying Abroad was an absolute dream of mine and choosing AFS to accomplish this was the best choice I made. I always felt safe, seen and heard throughout my whole experience even months before and after finishing my experience. Once I let my Family and friends know I was studying abroad with AFS they all had known someone close or distant that had gone abroad with AFS. Now that my experience is over I see how I made the best choice in organization and would do it all over again with AFS. If you are still deciding what organization to go with, let this be your sign to go abroad with AFS no matter the program or duration it will be a family you will always be able to turn back too.

Greetings - Our daughter attended both the Seville Abroad Summer Program (2023) and the High School Abroad program (2024/2025). We were really impressed by the Seville Abroad program in general and would definitely recommend it to others. Our daughter loved both of her experiences and the time that she spent living and studying in Spain. The program includes a variety of incredible experiences including living with a host family, attending a local high school, and traveling both regionally in Spain, as well as around Europe and North Africa. Our daughter really enjoyed the structure of the program and the opportunity to develop new friendships, both with local teenagers, as well as with other students associated with the Seville Abroad program. Additionally, our daughter benefited from the multitude of oppotunities to immerse herself in new culture experiences and to improve her Spanish language skills. We loved the experience so much that we are currently exploring the opportunity to have our son attend the program as well. In conclusion, we would be remiss without making mention of the Seville Abroad staff (Pepa, Chelo, et al.) for the care that they put into the program and towards curating a positive and dynamic immersive experience for all of the students. With that said, thank you for everything that you do on behalf of the Seville Abroad program and for providing this opportunity for students to broaden their horizons and unlock new potential.

My. Daughter attended Seville Abroad 2024 to 2025 Grade 12. She had an amazing experience both culturally and educational. The Organizers are amazing and responsive to any issues. They are nurturing and attentive. Her placement with her host familly was great. There were many outings and trips organized which allowed bonding among the group as well as immersion into the Spanish culture. It was definitely an amazing life experience. Seville is a very safe city. And easy to get around. My daughter came back speaking Spanish quite fluently. She did not speak Spanish before. I would recommend this program for the experience.. you will not be disappointed with the Orgsnizers. They are all truly wonderful individuals and treat their group l like familly.

Our daughter had the most incredible experience through this exchange program — one that went far beyond learning a new language or exploring a different culture. From the very start, we felt completely supported by the wonderful team behind the program. Their dedication, professionalism, and genuine care made all the difference. They were always available, attentive, and truly committed to making sure everything went smoothly for both the students and their families. Equally remarkable was the host family, who welcomed our daughter with open arms and hearts. She wasn’t just a visitor — she became part of their family. She was cared for, loved, and included in every aspect of their daily life. It gave us, as parents, immense peace of mind knowing that she was surrounded by kindness, warmth, and support at all times. What stands out most from this experience are the deep, meaningful relationships our daughter created — with her host family, with friends, and with the wonderful people who run the program. These are connections that will stay with her for a lifetime. As parents, we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Watching our daughter grow, gain confidence, embrace new challenges, and expand her understanding of the world has been truly rewarding. We are deeply grateful to both her amazing host family and the dedicated team behind the program. This is an experience that enriches the life of any young person and leaves a lasting impact on everyone involved. We wholeheartedly recommend it to any family considering it.

Our daughter participated in an exchange program in Sevilla, and we couldn't be happier with her experience. The program was well organized, providing her with the support and structure she needed to thrive in a new environment. Her host family was warm and welcoming, making her feel like a true member of their home. Sevilla itself is a stunning city, rich in culture, history, and vibrant life—she loved exploring its beautiful streets and sampling the local cuisine. We’ve seen personal growth in our daughter since her return to Norway. She’s gained confidence, independence, and a broader perspective on the world. This program not only enriched her academically but also helped her develop important life skills. We highly recommend this exchange to any family considering an international experience for their child. We can recommend «Sevilla Abroad»

We were looking for a program for our 11th grade son. The search immediately got really overwhelming! There seem to be an infinite number of options. What made us look at Seville Abroad was the fact that they are not an intermediary with multiple programs (sub-contracts) around the world. The people we email or call are the SAME people that work with host families, run the office in Seville, and interact with our son. It was very comforting to know that the Seville Abroad team got to know our son. They chose a perfect host family for him, and were very attentive throughout the year. Seville Abroad had very thoughtful programming within Spain. This includes a great office where our son could stop by for any extra help with school, Spanish, etc. or just to hang out. They presented a lot of optional trips that were a great way to connect our son with the other exchange students. Our son developed really wonderful relationships with the staff of Seville Abroad. Pepa and her team are passionate about their program, the city of Seville, and the idea of creating these experiences for youth. Our family recommends them without any hesitation. They provide incredibly personalized support and our son had a transformational experience thanks to them.