Exchange Visits

Overview

Exchange visits provide valuable opportunities for young people to develop confidence, independence and intercultural understanding. They allow participants to experience life in another community or country while applying learning in real-world situations.

These visits can strengthen language skills, broaden perspectives and help students build skills that support both academic learning and future opportunities.

Types of Exchange Visits

Exchange visits can take several forms. Each type involves different responsibilities for host families and establishment staff. Some examples are:

The type of exchange should reflect the visit’s learning aims and the level of supervision required. Arrangements should ensure host families/organisations are vetted, known, trusted and monitored. Consent should be fully informed.

Planning and Safety Considerations

Exchange visits require careful planning to ensure safety and a positive experience for participants.

Monitoring and Review

During the visit, you should monitor students’ wellbeing and maintain regular contact where appropriate. After the exchange, review the experience, gather feedback and identify improvements for future visits.

If you need advice when planning an exchange visit, contact your Educational Visits Coordinator (EVC), Educational Visits Adviser, or employer for guidance.

Links to further reading

Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026 - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education--2

OEAP National Guidance available at https://oeapng.info