Departure information

Saying goodbye is never easy, but with the right preparation and planning you can make it a smooth experience for your student and your family.

Farewell Meeting

Your IEC will either schedule a meeting or will set aside time during a final get-together to talk about your student’s upcoming departure. The purpose of this Farewell Meeting is to help you bring the exchange to a meaningful close. You will also be asked to give feedback on the program and suggestions for improvement. As with the Welcome Orientation, students are required to attend and host families are strongly encouraged to participate as well.

Flights and the journey home

Flight information will be available at least one week before your student’s departure.

Delayed or cancelled flights

If your student’s return flight is delayed or cancelled, they should ask the airline to rebook them on a new flight. The airport will have the most up-to-date information about what flights are available. Then either you or your student should call EF Travel Support to notify them of the change. They will contact your student's family back home to let them know about the new flight details.

 

If your student's flight is delayed until the next day, EF Travel Support will help find an airport coordinator to chaperone your student for the night. If there is not an airport coordinator available, EF Travel Support can help them find and book a hotel room for the night.

 

EF Travel Support assists students flying with an EF booked flight. If your student selected the “Book your own flight” option, then this support is not available.

EF Tip

Save the EF Travel support phone number!

1-800-634-8351

Find the right exchange student for your family

Does your family have any hobbies or interests that you'd like to share with an exchange student? Are you looking to learn more about a particular region of the world? Consider some of these topics and start browsing student profiles today.

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© EF Education First 2011-2021. EF High School Exchange Year is operated by EF Educational Foundation for Foreign Study, a non-profit corporation designated by the U.S. Department of State to operate a J-1 student exchange program. Note: Featured photo/videos do not include prospective students, and are representative of program participants.