The European Schools' Parents' Associations run an informal student exchange network called Intercambio, to facilitate student exchanges between schools. Not all schools are willing or able to accommodate exchange students. Most of them, however, have so far managed to take on exchange students from other European schools. Frankfurt is in principle open to any requests from other schools as long as there are no technical difficulties such as time table restraints.

European School Frankfurt allows its students to be away on an exchange during specific times:

• During S4 for four weeks (the exact dates of the exchange are agreed upon by the host school and the ESF)
• During the first half of S5 for a whole semester, at least until the S5 exams (usually in December)

The permission to participate in the student exchange program depends to a great extent on the student's academic performance and on the availability of the student’s subject choices in the host school. Not everybody is allowed to go. Also, not every student in S4 can go at the same time. Parents should realise that an exchange is a major step in a child's life and should be considered with care.

Steps to take

• At least 6 months before the desired time (for S4), respectively latest in January of S4 (for S5), the student needs to contact the Secondary director.
• If the Secondary director agrees in principle, the parents need to formally request the exchange, attaching a motivation letter by the student.
• The Secondary director will look up the student's subject combination and will contact the host school. This process can take time.
• When the host school agrees, parents and student will be informed and further necessary steps will be discussed.

A big issue is finding a host family at the visited school. Parents should start organising early, preparing the following information:

• Which school does your child want to visit?
• When and for how long?
• A one-page introduction by your child, ideally in the host country language, with a photo. Include contact information, also if the child has contact information such as Facebook.
• Can the information be published on the Parents' Association's website?

The Parents' Association will distribute this information to parents to help find a host family.

If a family takes on a child, expect to pay for accommodation, food etc. Of course, if it is a mutual exchange, the cost should neutralise.

For further information, if you want to accommodate a student or if you are looking for accommodation, please use the contact form on this website.