En Famille International
The Exchange of a Lifetime
Live with a real family – Learn their language – Discover a second home
One Exchange. Two Homes.
This is what sets an EFI exchange apart
The Golden Rule: an exchange runs both ways
There is no fee-paying host family and all stays are reciprocal. If your child goes to live with a family abroad, that family’s child comes to live with you in the UK, for the same length of time. This can be anywhere from one to six months. You welcome them as one of your own children, with the same home, holidays and school routine.
Your Family (UK)
Welcomes the exchange family’s child as your own, with the same home, holiday and school routine.
The Partner Family (FR • ES • DE • IT)
Welcomes your child in the same way without hosting fees — as a family member, never as a guest.
Could an EFI exchange work for your family?
Five questions / 30 seconds
Answer all five questions below, then enter your email address to send your choices to our UK team.
Years of exchanges
Exchanges since 1978
European Countries
Months per exchange
Core exchange ages*
*Motivated 16–17-year-olds considered case by case.
What Your Child Gains
A transformative experience with a lifetime of memories
True Immersion
The language stops being a school subject. Most children are holding their own at the dinner table within weeks.
Confidence
Gains in independence and cultural maturity — your child will return transformed.
A New Sibling
A real bond with their exchange partner that can extend well into the future.
A Second Family
A European connection that lasts long after the exchange ends.
Language Progression
What families typically report on a six-month exchange
First words, first greetings, settling in
Following family conversation and joining in
Comfortable in a French classroom, and out with friends
Living the whole of daily life in the language, without translating
Marked improvement in all domains:
Reading
Listening
Speaking
Writing
Our Exchange Countries
Reciprocal exchanges between families in five European countries
United Kingdom
London · Manchester
France
Paris · Brittany · Bordeaux
Spain
Madrid · Barcelona · Seville
Italy
Rome · Milan · Florence
Germany
Berlin · Munich · Hamburg
Why En Famille International?
A French non-profit organisation acting internationally
Non-Profit Est. 1978
Building bridges for half a century
24/7 Support
A local representative in every country
Family-Based Immersion
Live like a local from day one
Take Education Further
With a lifelong international network
About En Famille International
Bringing families together since 1978
En Famille International is a French non-profit based in Brittany, founded on the simple idea that the best way to learn another language and culture is to live it as part of a family, not through a group trip or language school.
EFI is governed by parents who have completed exchanges themselves. This keeps the organisation true to its founding principles. Our team, working with our local UK representatives, interview, visit and support each UK family.
What Families Say
In their own words, after their exchange
Marie has been accepted onto a selective international academic pathway at her school, thanks to her tenacity and a fruitful exchange. A thousand thanks again for your dedication!
The girls have known each other for 5 years now and they truly share a sisterly bond. That's the magic of EFI! Creating beautiful stories!
We feel as though we have a family in various corners of the world. I encourage every family who can, to live this experience once, twice, three times…
The exchange is an enriching experience, both for the children and for the rest of the family — it teaches us to live together and to learn from one another.
Matching, vetting and school paperwork take 6–12 months. To leave in September 2027, families should start their application by March 2027.
Tell us about your child
Your answers are emailed to our team who will respond by email, or on a 15-minute call if you would rather talk it through.
Ready to Begin?
6 steps to your exchange
- 1. Apply — Send us your file online
- 2. Interview — Meet the EFI team
- 3. Match — Receive a partner proposal
- 4. Agree — Both families confirm
- 5. Prepare — Paperwork, visa, school
- 6. Go! — The adventure begins
EFI — With You At Every Step
- Local representatives in every country
- 6-week check-ins with both families
- Language progress and wellbeing reports
- 24/7 emergency contact — never alone
Find Out More
The detail behind the exchange, page by page
Safeguarding
Every family completes an interview, home visit and preparation meeting before matching. We monitor each exchange through regular wellbeing reports and provide a 24-hour emergency contact. For UK placements of 28 days or more, we support families with the required private fostering notification.
How we vet every family »Pricing
A six-month exchange costs €2,900 (approximately £2,490 at the current European Central Bank reference rate), with no VAT payable. The fee covers family assessments, preparation, supervision and support. Host families do not pay each other.
See what the fee funds »FAQ
Find answers about schooling, term-time absence, visas, legal requirements, safeguarding, contact and the matching process.
Read the FAQ »News
Read updates about EFI events, information sessions and family meetings.
Read the latest news »Get in Touch
Contact the UK team to discuss hosting, sending your child abroad or attending an information session or family meeting.
Contact us »