Ages 13–18
Both boys and girls between the ages of thirteen and eighteen are eligible to participate.
A Summer Abroad. A Friendship for Life.
The French-American Family Exchange connects children and grandchildren of Society families for reciprocal summer visits, cultural discovery and friendships that can last for generations.
For eligible young people ages 13–18.
Registration for the 2027 exchange year is open. The next information webinar is 1 November 2026.
The Program
An introduction between families
Eligible participants include children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces or grand-nephews of members of the French Society and of the American constituent societies. Both boys and girls between the ages of thirteen and eighteen are eligible to participate.
Exchange visits typically take place during the summer vacation period. Generally, a visit of two to three weeks is arranged for one child with the family of a counterpart in the host country. The reciprocal visit may take place during the same summer or a later summer, depending on the arrangements made by the families.
The program's role is to introduce compatible families. Participating families work together on the specific timing, travel and hosting arrangements.
All financial obligations are the responsibility of the participating families. Familiarity with French is beneficial, but an American participant is not required to have studied or speak French.
At a glance
What families should know
Two- to Three-Week Visits
Visits generally last two to three weeks during the summer vacation period.
Reciprocal Family Hosting
Each family hosts a counterpart's child, in the same summer or a later one.
French Language Not Required
Familiarity with French is beneficial, but not required of an American participant.
How it works
Six stages, from first interest to lasting friendship
01
Register Interest
Tell us about your family in less than two minutes. No account or password is needed.
Register your family's interest02
Learn and Attend a Webinar
Join a live information session with the coordinators and ask your questions directly.
See the next webinar03
Apply for a Specific Summer
Complete the annual application for the exchange year your family has in mind.
Start an application04
Receive a Family Match
Coordinators in France and the United States compare families and propose an introduction.
How matching works05
Prepare and Travel
Families agree dates and arrange travel, documents and insurance together.
Preparation guidance06
Stay Connected
Friendships often continue for years — many families visit one another again.
Watch family stories
Film
See the exchange for yourself
Program Overview
An overview of how the French-American Family Exchange introduces families and arranges reciprocal summer visits.
Published by American Revolution Institute
Hear From a Parent Who Participated
A parent describes what the exchange meant for her child and for the whole family.
Published by American Revolution Institute
Register Your Family's InterestNext information webinar
Sunday, 1 November 2026
2:00 PM Eastern · 8:00 PM Central Europe. The coordinators explain how the exchange works, how families are introduced, and answer questions from parents and grandparents.
Speakers: Tom Grant · Comte Yorick de Guichen · François de Sambucy
Session details
- Date
- Sunday, 1 November 2026
- Time
- 2:00 PM Eastern / 8:00 PM Central Europe
- Platform
- To be confirmed
- Joining link
- Sent by email to registered families
Interested Last Year but Didn't Receive a Match?
You do not need to begin again. Confirm that your family remains interested and update your dates, preferences and participant information for the coming exchange year.
Could the Next Exchange Be Yours?
Families begin with a short registration of interest. Coordinators take it from there.