The American Exchange Project is stitching our country together:
one student, one high school,
one hometown at a time.

We send high school seniors on a week-long trip to an American community very different from their own, and help them welcome other students into their hometown for the same incredible experience. And it’s all 100% free.

What We’re Hearing

  • “The best experience of my life! My viewpoint on everything suddenly feels more balanced and less blinded. I feel like there’s a part of me in city and country America which helps me to look inside myself for answers, not the ‘mono-cultured’ opinion of the place I live.”

    2022 Student

  • “Every AEPer has one thing in common that truly unites us: [we are] kids just being ourselves and trying to find out our next step in life. I’ve been able to learn that even with our geographical differences we are not that different. We are all American.”

    Zack
    Traveled from Kilgore, TX  to Albany, CA

  • “As the days have gone by, we’ve gotten closer and closer, and now they feel like family. Today is bittersweet because I wish I could keep them for two or three more weeks. I’m really gonna miss them. I’m not gonna cry, but this has been an awesome, awesome experience.”

    Tessa Hughes
    Teacher in Flowood, MS (middle)

  • "The first day, we went hiking on a glacier...By the fifth day together, we were already planning our reunion."

    Matthew
    Traveled from Kilgore, TX to Anchorage, AK

  • “I think that this program should be more common than the prom. This is one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself.”

    Owen
    Traveled from Albany, CA, to Riggins, ID

  • “I was surprised by how willing everyone was to have authentic discussions and listen to each other. Even if we didn't always agree or rarely agreed, we were able to ask questions and even learn stuff about each other.”

    2021 Student

  • “Every kid in America needs to do this. What we are learning is that important.”

    Josh
    Traveled from Albany, CA, to Dillon, MT

  • "The amount of pure organic moments that occurred within interactions were beyond anything I could have expected and were truly inspiring to see unfold! Couldn't be prouder to have such great young gentlemen as my 'kids' and can only hope I was as good of a host as you were guests! Check that, no longer guests, but friends!"

    Host Parent
    In Cotulla, TX

  • "If I was to tell rising seniors one thing about the program it would be that there’s no catch. It’s actually real. They need to do this.”

    Ava
    Traveled from Portland, ME to Dillon, MT

  • “Even after more than a year of college, I still think of that week as the best and most important week of my life.”

    Matthew
    From Stamford, CT

  • "Seeing this brought me to tears, to watch our own kids break down the stereotypes about folks from here, and to see the way those kids [visiting AEPers] understood it.”

    Mayor of an AEP host town

  • “We have a daughter in Kilgore, and a daughter in New York.”

    Host Parent
    In Kilgore, TX

Come travel with us.

How the American Exchange Project
Works

When does it happen?

The American Exchange Project experience takes place over two weeks in the summer: a Travel Week for discovering in an American town very different from your own, and a Hometown Week of hosting visiting AEPers from across the United States in your community. (These weeks are not necessarily consecutive.)

Who can do it?

All high school seniors on track to graduate from one of the American Exchange Project’s partner high schools are eligible to sign up for AEP. Students should also be ready to participate in activities throughout the year to help build the exchange in their hometown through their school’s American Exchange Project Committee.

Where will I go during Travel Week?

In 2024, the American Exchange Project partnered with 54 high schools in 32 states. Once you sign up, we’ll consider where you’re from, your interests, and your availability to place you and a group of other AEPers from across the country in one of our partner communities.  

What will I do during Hometown Week?

In the school year leading up to the Hometown Week exchange, you’ll work with your classmates on an American Exchange Project Committee at your school to plan an unforgettable itinerary that reflects the best of where you’re from. Then, for one week over the summer, you’ll get to experience it alongside visiting students—plus, take in some of the coolest hidden gems in your town and state.

What’s the timeline?

Sign-ups open in October and close on November 22. Throughout the winter, students design their Hometown Week itinerary and build friendships through in school’s American Exchange Project Committee. March brings AEP Day to all of our partner schools—that’s when you’ll find out where you’re headed during Travel Week in the summer! (Exact timing depends on when the town you’re visiting hosts their exchange.)

Summer brings one week of exploring in a new state during Travel Week and one week of welcoming other AEPers to your community for Hometown Week.

Is it really free?

The American Exchange Project covers all costs associated with the program. This includes airfare, meals, housing, local transportation, and fees for events and activities.

Why is this free?

The American Exchange Project adventure is free thanks to hundreds of donors from around the world and within each of our partner towns who care deeply about bringing together our divided country and offering our students an incredible experience.

We believe this ought to be a public good. Nothing should get in the way of a young person who wants to learn more about their country and their fellow citizens. 

AEP in the News