Aspect Foundation has been dedicated to excellence in cultural exchange and education programs since 1985. Whether you are a host family, coordinator, international student or natural parent, it is important to feel supported and excited about your exchange experience. Aspect Foundation is committed to doing just that.

  1. Aspect Foundation pioneered the Exchange Student Bill of Rights and Responsibilities. Providing safe, enriching exchange experiences is our highest priority.
  2. Aspect Foundation is designated by the U.S. Department of State as an exchange program and has a full listing under the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel.
  3. Aspect policies go above and beyond the Department of State’s strict requirements, including more rigorous host family screening procedures, student admissions standards, and student tracking.
  4. We are small enough to give each and every exchange student and host family personal, individual service. We are large enough to have the resources and experience to provide first-rate programming and support to all of our participants.
  5. You will always have someone you can call. Local International Coordinators, Regional Managers, National Advisors, Headquarters staff and our foreign partners all work together to communicate and support all parts of the Aspect program and answer any questions you may have.
  6. When you call Aspect, a real person answers. No recorded messages, no option-trees. Day or night, during business hours or on our 24-hour emergency line, we pick up the phone.
  7. Aspect provides informative, dynamic training. Host families and students all receive handbooks, in-person orientations, and monthly check-ins and coordinators receive extensive one-on-one training and support.
  8. All of our staff and coordinators are re-certified annually to work with exchange students and host families.
  9. We believe in giving back. From our student service projects around the country, to Aspect Headquarters staff volunteering monthly at nonprofits around San Francisco, we put our hearts into being active members of our communities.
  10. Our staff members have been exchange students, world travelers, and host families themselves. We bring a personal dedication to our work and understand what it is like to experience brand new cultures while sharing your own.