The Nacel Open Door Difference
On April 1, 1997, two cultural exchange organizations—Nacel Cultural Exchanges (founded in 1957) and Open Door Student Exchange (founded in 1964)—came together to form Nacel Open Door (NOD). Since then, NOD has been one of the world’s leading student exchange programs, promoting life-changing experiences for our students, host families, and communities alike.
As one of the founding members of CSIET, quality exchange programs remain a cornerstone of our organization. With a full range of programs —long term and short term, public and private, individual and group, in the U.S. and abroad—NOD’s experienced team of professionals help people explore the world.
Our Purpose
Nacel Open Door strives to open minds, broaden perspectives and create lifelong international connections.
Nacel Open Door, Inc. (NOD) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities that promote intercultural understanding. Leveraging our decades of involvement with international programs, NOD seeks to create communities where people pause to consider other perspectives, and work together to build common ground. We believe it is essential for all people to develop a deeper awareness of their role as global citizens through direct experience with other cultures. The building of diverse relationships is key to understanding and accepting those with ideas that differ from our own. These local and global connections are crucial to building a more peaceful and compassionate future for all.
The Heart of NOD
Homestays are the foundation of most NOD programs. We believe that immersion is the best way to become familiar with another country’s people, heritage, and values. Living with a family provides a warm and secure setting for experiencing another culture. The friendships that result from the sharing of family and cultures encourage continued communication, growth, and understanding across borders.
NOD is committed to providing accessible and affordable programs.
"We really have enjoyed working with you and your agency. It has been great!" - Former PSP Host Family
Get Involved
Learn more about becoming a host family, joining NOD as a local rep or coordinator, and more!
Our Team
The Nacel Open Door national office is located in St. Paul, Minnesota. NOD employs an experienced team to administer programs worldwide. In addition, we have a team of representatives who organize programs on state and local levels.
NOD Affiliations
Nacel International
Nacel International is a worldwide federation of organizations, companies, and representatives working together to deliver culturally immersive education around the globe. It offers academic programs in both public and private schools as well as short-term educational programs.
Nacel Open Door and Nacel International School System do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or disability in administration of its admissions and scholarship programs, the administration of its educational, athletic, or other school programs, or its employment practices.
CSIET
Nacel Open Door is listed by the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET), which is a nonprofit organization committed to quality international educational travel and exchange for youth at the high school level. CSIET’s purpose is to identify those organizations that successfully demonstrate:
- Commitment to CSIET Standards
- Dedication to the development and sharing of Community Best Practices
- Support for the educational value of international youth exchange
U.S. Department of State
Nacel Open Door is designated by the United States Department of State (DOS) as a J-1 exchange visitor sponsor, adhering to the standards set forth regarding the screening, selection, school enrollment, orientation, and quality assurance monitoring of exchange students, host families, and field staff.
Program Options
Nacel Open Door offers a wide variety of programs for students ages 11-18, and we strive to make our programs accessible to all students across the world. Whether a student is looking for a culturally enriched adventure, an academically oriented experience, or only wants to stay a short while, we have a program to match their interests!
"I want to thank the organization for giving me this opportunity. It has been so incredible!" - Clara, AYP Alumni
Scholarships
Nacel Open Door offers limited scholarships so that more students have the chance to explore the world through exchange programs.
What We Offer Students
What you will gain may vary slightly, depending on the program you choose, but overall you can expect to gain greater English competency, memorable relationships, diverse academic experiences, a deeper understanding of your own skills and strengths, a greater awareness of your role as a global citizen, and for some programs, college preparatory education.
"This experience was truly the best thing for me and I was really unsure how this was going to go but I am so thankful that I did this program." - Kristof, AYP Alumni