EXCHANGE PROGRAMS

PHS hosts two traditional exchanges with German and French students, as well as a trip to a Spanish-speaking country each summer. In-person exchanges and trips are officially back after a 3-year pause due to COVID! Read below for more information on how we typically run our programs as well as who to contact if you would like more information.

GERMAN EXCHANGE

Every year we host a student exchange with a high school in Germany. German exchange students come to Palatine in October, and PHS students go to Germany during the summer. Whether you are hosting a German student, traveling to Germany, or both, this long-standing program is an amazing cultural experience. For more information about this exchange, please see Mr. Correa in World Language.

Are you interested in hosting a German Exchange Student in the Fall of 2023? If so, please complete this interest form.

FRENCH EXCHANGE

The French exchange happens every other year. French students come to Palatine in April, and PHS students go stay with the same student they hosted in France during the summer, getting a first hand experience being immersed in the French language and culture. For this exchange, students must be at a certain proficiency level in French.

On the off years of the French Exchange, PHS hosts a trip to Quebec, Canada during the summer. Students get to stay with host families, take French language classes, and visit the wonderful sites and attractions of Quebec City, Montreal, and more. Please see Mrs. Melbou in World Language for more information.

SPANISH LANGUAGE TRIP

As far as Spanish language immersion, instead of a traditional exchange program, PHS students can go on yearly trips to Spanish-speaking countries, which rotate every year between Guatemala, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Spain. Students will stay with host families and attend a local language school, where they will take classes for part of the day and participate in many excursions during the other part. Depending on the trip, excursions include city tours, hikes up a volcano, Salsa dancing lessons, cooking lessons, visits to local orphanage, and more. Please see Mrs. Eide (formerly Ms. Wermes) in World Language for more information.

Get in Touch

Exchange Programs: What We Do