Our Programs
ERDT enVision short-term Homestay Programs:
Group University Program Youth Cultural Exchange (YCE)
Group Homestay
Individual Immersion Homestay
Individual Ranchstay & Farmstay
Individual Volunteer Ventures Homestay
Our customized approach allows the Overseas Partner input regarding program design and program objectives.
In all enVision programs, the participant has the support of a local Exchange Program Coordinator.
Youth Cultural Exchange (YCE) University Program
Youth Cultural Exchange (YCE) USA is a unique experiential and seminar program in a local community homestay setting that investigates challenging issues in U.S. civil society. EnVision has been running such programs for the past ten years.
Interactive YCE program seminar topics (focus on listening and discussion skills) include:
- Issues around access to U.S. education, especially at university level
- Portrayals of culture in U.S. movies and TV, stereotypes and social reality
- Immigration, attitudes and policies
- Law enforcement, issues around policing in the U.S. and the needs of the local community
- Volunteerism in the U.S., role of local non-profit organizations (NPOs) in formation of civil society
- Governance in the U.S.; implications federal, state, local authority
The seminar topics are supplemented by related visits to local community organizations: visits to universities and interaction with college students, tour of police department and interaction with police officers, hands-on volunteer project at NPOs.
Participants also have a schedule of tours and fun social activities: tour of Los Angeles, UCLA visit, Universal Studios, and more
- Duration: 10-18 days
- Participant age: University
- Location: Southern California
- Group Size: 10 students (minimum)
- Timeframe: Year-round
Group Homestay
The enVision Group Homestay Program is specifically tailored to the needs of the overseas partner. All groups follow a customized itinerary and live with local host families.
Included: airport transfers, coursework, transportation during the program, meals and accommodations with host family, daily activities, placement and monitoring by a local coordinator.
Not included: flights from/to designated airport, health/accident insurance, optional excursions, personal expenses.
- Duration: 1 day to 3 weeks
- Participant age: Teenage through young adult
- Group size minimum: 10 participants
- Location: Local communities in Southern California
- Timeframe: Year-round
Group itineraries are customized to the desires of our partners and the participants
Volunteer Ventures Homestay
The enVision Volunteer Ventures Homestay Program offers a practical experiential program rooted in philanthropy, public service, and community support. Participants will have at least 20 hours per week of supervised volunteer experience in local non-profit organizations, educational institutions, senior care facilities, community outreach and support organizations. Participants are hosted by a local family for the duration of the volunteer program and will have the opportunity to travel in their free time.
Included: transfers to/from designated airport, accommodations and meals, placement and monitoring by a local coordinator.
Not included: flights to/from designated airport, health/accident insurance, personal expenses.
- Duration: 2 – 4 weeks
- Participant age: At least 18 years old
- Location: Most placements are made in local communities in California; some placements are also made in Mid-Western states and on the East Coast.
- Timeframe: Year-round
Individual Ranchstay & Farmstay
Participants are expected to engage in hands-on farming and ranching activities under the supervision of the local host rancher/farmer. They will spend 2-6 hours per day alongside the host rancher/farmer in activities such as feeding animals, grooming/exercising/riding horses, cleaning stables, taking produce to market, and repairing farm equipment, etc.
Participants may be hosted at the home of a rancher/farmer or may be placed in a nearby home and travel daily to/from the ranch or farm.
Included: airport transfers, daily transportation (if required) to/from ranch or farm, meals and accommodations with host family, placement and monitoring by a local coordinator.
Not included: flights to/from designated airport, health/accident insurance, personal expenses.
Share! Program
ERDT’s flagship program is the SHARE! J-1 High School Exchange Program.
ERDT was designated a J-1 sponsor of our high school exchange program by the U.S. Department of State in 1980.
ERDT SHARE! matches between 500-600 teens annually from 30 different countries with volunteer host families throughout the United States and enrolls the students in local public high schools for a semester or academic year.
Partner With ERDT enVision
enVision is always looking to partner with qualified organizations abroad to build new relationships and create meaningful international exchange opportunities.
