The rationale behind international homestay exchange programs for high school students is discussed and several existing exchange programs are described. Such programs serve to enhance motivation for language learning, cultural awareness, positive attitudes toward the host country, and parental and public consciousness of other cultures. The Melrose/Oberalster program is a five-week exchange program between high schools in Melrose, Massachusetts, and Hamburg, West Germany. The objectives, family experience, immersion institute, course content, implementation, community and parent participation, predeparture orientation, public relations, and evaluation are described. In addition, a French total immersion program in France and a task-oriented survival program for eighth graders involving an exchange with Quebec are noted. It is concluded that such programs provide a wide range of beneficial language learning experiences and should be encouraged through federal funding. Program documents are appended. (RW)