Face The World Foundation (FTW) is a nonprofit educational and cultural exchange organization based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Since 1980, FTW has promoted global learning and exchange by offering opportunities for international high school students to experience life in the U.S. The goal of cultural exchange program is to provide students, host families, schools, and communities with a quality experience that will not only enhance personal growth, but also will establish lasting friendships. Face The World’s programs are designed to provide excellent educational opportunities and an intensive cross-cultural experience to select international students that will expand their normal scope of world understanding. We offer Semester and Academic Year programs for full-time study in an American high school to students between the ages of 15 and 18. Students are placed in high schools across the country. Each student lives with a carefully selected volunteer Host Family and is supported by the Community Representative assigned to that community. All students are provided with medical coverage, emergency assistance through our 24-hour Emergency Hotline, and direct communication with the overseas sponsor and natural family.