Greenheart Travel - Frequently Asked Questions

No visits are allowed during the high school program. If your family wishes to visit, they should plan to meet you after your program is completed. In this instance, Greenheart Travel’s National office and international partner office should be informed of your family’s plans.

We are unable to take your location preferences into account. Our priority is to identify a host family and community that are the best match for you.

Applicants must submit a $500 non-refundable deposit for the High School Abroad Program. More information about the program payment and cancellation policy is in the Greenheart Travel teen brochure. Payments may be made by personal check or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Discover). Please make checks out to the Center for Cultural Interchange (CCI).

We offer a $1,000 scholarship every year for fall applicants. We also offer special discounts for students whose families have hosted one of our inbound exchange students.

All families are carefully screened. They must complete an application, their references must be checked, and an in-home interview must be conducted by the partner organization. Many current host families have hosted before.

It is best for students to bring an ATM/debit or credit card with them. Most cards are accepted at ATM machines abroad and this is by far the easiest and most convenient way to access money.

We can accept graduated students on a case by case basis and only for certain countries. The student must be within the age requirements for the program.

There are no guarantees that you can take certain classes at your host school. Greenheart Travel will be able to provide information about the general curriculum for your age level in your host country; however, in most cases you will not be able to sign up for specific courses until AFTER you have arrived in your host country.

We require two years of foreign language study for Italy, Spain, France, Japan and Germany. The language requirement is waived for the Netherlands (Dutch), Sweden (Swedish) and Brazil (Portuguese). Language lessons are available during the program for Greenheart Travel students in these three countries. We offer high school abroad in the following English-speaking countries: Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.

Each participant is assigned a local coordinator in the host country. The coordinator will help the participant to work through any concerns or issues that may arise concerning their family, school, etc. Host family changes are very difficult. It is therefore expected that the student and family try to resolve any issues that arise prior to requesting changes.

You will receive a pre-departure orientation from your local representative here in the US. Our partner office in your host country will organize an orientation for you abroad. Normally this is conducted within a month of your arrival to the host community.

Australia’s school calendar works on a different system than the U.S. First semester is held from February – July and second semester is from July – December.

Japan’s school calendar works on a different system than that of the U.S. First semester is held from March – August and second semester is from August – January. There are two choices for the academic year, the Spring start: March – January or the Fall start: August – June.

Applications for the fall start are due by April 15 and there is an early bird discount for applications received by January 2. Applications for the spring start are due by September 15 and there is an early bird discount for applications received by June 2. We may be able to accommodate late applications on a case-by-case basis; contact us for details.

Each applicant should consult their school’s guidance counselor regarding the procedure for transferring credits for coursework completed abroad. Although in general most schools will accept credit for at least half the classes taken abroad, each school is different. Applicants should also verify with their school in advance that they will be able to meet all required courses for graduation. It is less likely that credit will transfer on a 3 month program, but it is very important to contact the school directly about any 3, 5 or 10 month program. Each student is also responsible for requesting a copy of their transcript from the host school before returning to the U.S.

There is no guarantee that you will have a host sibling your age. Your host family may have young children, teenage children, or grown children who no longer live at home.

Applicants must submit a $250 non-refundable deposit for the Independent Homestay Program. Payments may be made by personal check or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Discover). Please make checks payable to the Center for Cultural Interchange (CCI).

This is a very flexible program and you can set your own start and end dates for one to four weeks throughout the year.

No, the host family should not be expected to provide you with a tour or otherwise entertain you. This program is not a tour program; it is an intensive cross-cultural experience. You will be received as a member of the family who will involve you in their daily activities.

You may choose three cities or regions that interest you in order of preference. While we cannot guarantee your preferences, we will make every effort to accommodate them. You may wish to divide your homestay between two different areas of one country, or you may choose consecutive programs in two different countries.

You can set your own start and end dates for one to four weeks throughout the year.

You may choose three cities or regions that interest you in order of preference. While we cannot guarantee your preferences, we will make every effort to accommodate them. You may wish to divide your homestay between two different areas of one country, or you may choose consecutive programs in two different countries.

Unlike a tour program, this program is an intensive cross-cultural experience. You will be received as a member of your host family who will involve you in their daily activities. Your host family is not expected to act as your tour guide, however you may wish to tour the host country independently before or after your homestay.

Applicants must submit a $250 non-refundable deposit for the Language School Program. This deposit is applied to the program fee. Payments may be made by personal check or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Discover). Please make checks payable to the Center for Cultural Interchange (CCI).

Participants stay with host families who will supervise the students, check to be sure that they are home on time, etc. They will notify the school if there are any concerns they have about the student’s well being. The schools hold supervised activities for the students during the evenings.

The natural parents will need to sign a permission form for curfew for their child. The curfew is generally 1 a.m. during weekdays, and 2 a.m. on weekends (it is common for teenagers in countries such as France and Spain to stay out later than in the U.S.). When students do go out at night, it is typically in large groups of friends, and they are able to return home together. Natural parents may choose an earlier hour for curfew if they wish. If they do so, they should realize that their child may return home alone and should advise him/her to take a taxi home instead of public transportation.

The Junior Programs are offered during the summer months. Participants arrive on Sunday and start classes the following Monday. For specific arrival dates, please contact us.

We recommend that you stay with a host family. In some cases dormitory type arrangements are possible. Dormitory accommodation does not always include meals.

Students will typically receive a certificate upon completion of the program stating the number of hours studied and the level obtained. The applicant should check with their current school to determine if they would be willing to accept the course for credit as well as determine what steps the applicant would need to take.

Three and four week Language School programs are available year-round. Classes for most locations start every Monday and end on Fridays. Participants should plan to arrive the Sunday before the first class and depart the Saturday after the last class. Beginners should check with our office for specific start dates.

CCI and Greenheart Travel are a non profit 501(c)3 organization, so a portion of your Volunteer Abroad program fees may be tax deductible. Contact us for more information. We recommend that you also consult with your tax professional to discuss your particular case, as application of tax laws can vary based on individual circumstances.

The minimum age required for most Volunteer Abroad programs is 18. We do offer programs for teens 16 and up in Ecuador and Costa Rica. There are no age limits - it is never too late to volunteer!

Local accommodation is included, generally with host families. Housing may also be in nearby apartments or on-site facilities, depending on the project.

Project areas vary depending on the country. Please see particular project information for details, or contact us.

Anyone with some enthusiasm and a desire to help others. Volunteers are all ages and come from all walks of life: college students seeking to enhance their resumes, retirees looking for a way to give back, or working professionals looking for more than just a vacation.

We will inform you of your travel and visa requirements. All travel and visa arrangements are your responsibility, but need to be booked according to our instructions.