a Dutchman currently living in Paris after a series of exchanges and experiences abroad that ultimately led me to create Organise Your Exchange in 2024.
As my high school did not organise or promote any exchanges, my journey with exchanges and travel actually began quite late. The first real experience came towards the end of my bachelor studies, when I spent four months in Ottawa, Canada. These four incredible months of adventure, new friends from all over the world, and new experiences, made it clear that this was the way forward.
After graduation, I saved up and headed to Spain to study Spanish for six months. I discovered that learning a language opens up a whole new way of travelling, one that’s less about sightseeing and more about real conversations and connections with the people you meet. The sheer enthusiasm of people as you speak with them in their own language, and the doors that opens, is something I wish for everyone to experience.
I later continued my studies in Germany and France, more for the opportunity to learn the languages than anything else, and ended up living in Paris working as a project manager for a technology company for five years.
While learning French, I first came across the concept of Workaway. I spent three weeks living with a French family, helping with landscaping and maintenance around their garden. In return, they welcomed me like family, inviting me into every part of their lives.
Being able to experience their culture and lifestyle firsthand, just by exchanging time and effort, resonated deeply. It showed me how meaningful travel doesn’t need to be expensive, if you’re ready to share your enthusiasm and energy.
A later experience of 5 months of Workaway in Lebanon and Jordan, making lifelong friends and getting to learn so much about a completely different culture, only confirmed that view.
Upon returning, I started to work on the idea that had been brewing for a few years: that the same principles of exchange of time and effort, without the involvement of money, could be used to organise high school exchanges.
Some months later, Organise Your Exchange was born, with the goal of giving high school students everywhere the chance to get their first taste of the incredible opportunities an exchange has to offer.
If you’re interested in OYE and would like to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you!
Organise Your Exchange is a platform that allows high school students and their families to organise their own cultural exchange
Sign up to receive updates about the platform, countries, or offers
2024 Organise Your Exchange
We use cookies to provide you with the best experience. By continuing to browse, you agree to our cookie use as described in the Privacy Policy
