The Call to Adventure
A first-of-its-kind domestic exchange program
American Exchange Project is a free intercultural exchange program and a uniquely all-American adventure.
The summer after graduating, high school seniors spend one week showing a cohort of peers the best parts of their hometown and another week immersing themselves an American community completely different from their own. Both weeks are rooted in adventure, connection, and community pride.
From tangy barbecue in Texas to fresh-caught lobster in Massachusetts, L.A.’s glittering coastline to Montana’s sprawling ranch country, American Exchange Project adventures will change the way young adults see their country, their neighbors, and themselves.
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Exchange Registration
We want the American Exchange Project in every town in the country. If you’re an educator, parent, student, or community leader who wants to take part in the adventure, fill out our new exchange registration form today.
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Student Sign-Up
High school seniors who are on track to graduate from one of our partner high schools are eligible to participate in the American Exchange Project. If that sounds like you, sign up for your summer adventure now.
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Host Family Sign-Up
American Exchange Project adventures rely on the generosity of community members across the country. We’re always looking for families who can welcome students into their home over the summer. If that’s you, learn more or sign up below.
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Donate
The American Exchange Project is free for every participant because we believe nothing should get in the way of a young adult who wants to learn more about their country. Help us make these once-in-a-lifetime adventures happen by donating now.
How It Works
One Travel Week,
One Hometown Week
The American Exchange Project is a two-week adventure built on the idea of reciprocity: Students spend one week immersing themselves in a community that’s very different from their own, and they spend another week showing students from across America what it’s like to grow up in their hometown.
Teamwork, Dreamwork
A Community Effort
Travel Weeks and Hometown Weeks are facilitated by Exchange Managers—most often educators within a high school—and a team of volunteers. Exchange Managers work with their students to design a Hometown Week itinerary that shows off their town. Traveling students stay with host families, who generously open their homes and hearts to students from across the country.
The Best Part
Completely Free (Really)
There should be no financial barrier to entry for high school students who want to better understand their country and the people who call it home. Thanks to generous funders including the Hearthland Foundation and Carnegie Corporation of New York, as well as hundreds of individual donors across the country, our exchanges are 100 percent free for anyone who participates.
Explore America
With Us
Everything you need to know about about the American Exchange Project, whether you’re a student, a parent, an educator, a host family, a donor, or a volunteer
American Exchange Project in the News
“This Minnesota Teen Never Flew On a Plane Before. Then, a Free Program Dropped Her and 9 Others Into Times Square”
“Students From Rural U.S. Visit Bay Area As Part of American Exchange Project”
“Students Making Friends Across the American Divide”
“Exchange Program Swaps Kids In Red and Blue States to Offer Open Minds, Culture Shocks”
“What to Know About American Exchange Project”
“Urban and Rural Teens Swap Hometowns and Are Shocked by What They Learn About Each Other”
“Despite Red-Blue Divide, Teens From Different Sides Look to Find Common Ground”
“New Exchange Program for Dallas Students Is One We Can All Learn From”
“Student Exchange Program Swaps Kids in Red and Blue States: ‘Changed My Mind’ on Stereotypes”
“‘It Gave Me a New Perspective’: Student Exchange Program Attempts to Bridge Divided US”
“From Silicon Valley to Muskogee, Oklahoma: Can Exchange Program Help Bridge the Ideological Divide Among Teens From Opposite Ends of the Country?”
“Students From Across America Visit Eastern Oregon With the American Exchange Project”
Support Our Work
Make a gift, transform a life
Your generosity makes every free, all-American adventure possible. Explore your options for giving, or donate now.