Quest International is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing intercultural, educational, student exchange for American and international students. Quest International promotes cultural awareness and international understanding by offering quality, educational and cultural programs for students, host families and schools. Our staff is dedicated to creating a positive exchange experience for all program participants.

The Quest International National Office is located in San Francisco, California. We offer international students between the ages of 10 and 18 many various exchange opportunities, including; Summer Programs, English as a Second Language, High School and Buddy Programs. Most of our programs include a "homestay" with an American family and range from one month to one academic year. Quest International also offers an outbound program for American students with the opportunity to live abroad for a high school year or semester.

Quest International students are carefully screened and interviewed by overseas representatives. Acceptance is based on academic achievement, adaptability, maturity, attitude, and English skills. Students must undergo an interview in English as well as complete an application, which includes an essay written in English, a letter of recommendation, academic transcripts and a health certificate. Students carry full health and travel insurance and are responsible for providing their own spending money.

Quest International recruits and trains local Area Representatives to supervise each placement. The responsibilities of an area representative include: interviewing and screening potential host families as well as visiting local schools.  Each family is interviewed in person and evaluated by a Quest International Representative prior to acceptance. Criminal background checks are run on all host family applicants. The health safety and welfare of our students is Quest International's number one priority.

Trained Area Representatives provide local support for all program participants. They  maintain regular contact with students and host families to ensure a positive exchange experience, they report to the National Office on a monthly basis. The Quest International National Office supports all local field staff and provides 24 hour telephone coverage for emergency situations.

Quest International wishes to prepare its participants for the realities of cultural exchange. Families and students each receive a copy of a "Handbook" written just for them. This and other printed materials are provided to both the student and host family prior to the student's arrival. To further prepare for the exchange experience, Quest International hosts a Student Orientation upon arrival and provides host families with a Pre-Arrival Orientation. Topics of our orientations include: Cultural Differences, Homesickness/Culture Shock, Host Family/ Student Responsibilities, Learning to Adjust, Program Rules, Life with An American Family, In Case of Emergency Who to Contact, just to name a few.

Quest International offers quality programs for student travelers, American host families and Schools.