About

The exchange is open to all RMHS students, regardless of what languages or courses they take. Participants must be in grades 10–12 during the 2026–2027 school year, with priority given to grades 11 and 12. About 20 students are selected each year. Interested students must complete an application to be considered.

Swiss students will visit Boston for two weeks in September 2026. In return, RMHS students will travel to Switzerland in April 2027 for two weeks, with one week overlapping spring break to minimize missed school.

Each RMHS student will stay with a Swiss host family while visiting Switzerland, experiencing daily life from a local perspective. In return, each student will host a Swiss student when the group comes to Boston. We do our best to pair students with others who share similar interests, and many of these pairings have turned into lifelong friendships. Please note that pairings are not guaranteed to match by gender.

The exchange typically costs around $2,000 per student, depending on airfare. A $100 deposit is required at registration; this is generally non-refundable, though exceptions may be considered in special circumstances. The fee covers airfare and all group travel. Meals are provided by host families, but students should bring extra money for snacks, souvenirs, or personal expenses. Staying with host families makes this one of the most affordable European trips RMHS offers.

• Provide meals — including breakfast, dinner, and either lunch money or a packed lunch for school days.

• Maintain supervision and set a curfew to ensure the visiting student’s safety and well-being.

• Plan weekend activities

• Arrange coverage if a family member cannot connect with or pick up the Swiss student on a given day. Often, many students can go together, since many spend their nights/afternoons with other students.

• Follow alcohol and tobacco rules — while these substances are legal at younger ages in Europe, this is a school trip and consumption of these substances is not allowed. Families should not provide them, and Swiss students are already aware of this policy. RMHS students are also expected to follow U.S. school regulations when abroad.

While not every Swiss student is fluent, they all study English and can communicate comfortably in it. RMHS students aren’t expected to know German, French, or any other language — English is the common ground for the entire program.