For decades, cultural exchange programs have offered German students and au pairs the chance to experience life in the United States. These opportunities are often life-changing — building language skills, personal independence, and international friendships. However we are receiving a growing number of inquiries involving sexual assault, harassment, and abuse targeting young German exchange students and au pairs who are victimized during their stay in the U.S.
Cultural Exchange Programs Entail Some Risks
While most exchange experiences are positive, the power imbalance inherent in many programs — especially those involving minors or live-in arrangements — can create environments ripe for abuse. High school exchange students and au pairs are particularly vulnerable. They are placed in unfamiliar households, often far from support systems, and dependent on their host families for housing, meals, and in many cases, transportation and social access.
In the U.S., numerous legal protections exist for victims of sexual assault, including both civil and criminal recourse. However, these protections are not always communicated clearly to foreign participants, and many fear coming forward due to shame, visa concerns, or fear of retaliation from the hosting family or exchange agency.
At Urban Thier & Federer, P.A., we have seen firsthand how challenging it can be for German families to navigate the U.S. legal system in the wake of such traumatic events. From filing police reports to pursuing compensation or support services, the process can be overwhelming — especially when compounded by cultural and linguistic barriers.
Warning Signs and Prevention
While no system can fully eliminate risk, there are several red flags and preventive steps families should consider before sending a child abroad:
- Research the exchange agency’s safety track record. Does the organization conduct thorough background checks on host families?
- Understand what oversight is in place. Who monitors the student or au pair during their stay? How frequently do check-ins occur?
- Clarify what emergency protocols exist. Does the program provide a 24/7 support hotline or local contact for emergencies?
- Make sure the student knows their rights. This includes the right to say no, the right to leave an unsafe situation, and the right to report abuse confidentially.
What To Do If Something Goes Wrong
If your child experiences sexual harassment or assault while in the U.S., take the following steps:
- Ensure safety first. Your child should leave the unsafe environment immediately and contact local emergency services if needed, to seek medical care, rape kit examination, and any other appropriate treatment.
- Report the incident. Encourage reporting to both local police and the authorities in your home country. These reports are critical for triggering investigations and potentially barring dangerous host families from access to future students or au pairs.
- Seek legal counsel. An experienced international law firm like Urban Thier & Federer, P.A. can help your family understand your options — whether it is criminal prosecution, civil claims, or other remedies.
- Document everything. Medical records, text messages, emails, photographs, videos and witness statements can be vital in any legal or administrative process.
- Arrange emotional support. Counseling and victim support services can help the survivor process their trauma and begin to recover.
Our Commitment
At Urban Thier & Federer, P.A., we are committed to standing by international families in these incredibly difficult situations. With attorneys licensed in both the U.S. and Germany, we are uniquely positioned to guide clients through the legal, emotional, and logistical challenges of seeking justice across borders.
If you or your child has been harmed while participating in a cultural exchange program or au pair placement, we encourage you to contact our multilingual legal team for a confidential consultation.
German-Based Exchange Program Providers Sending Students to the U.S.
AFS Interkulturelle Begegnungen e.V., Experiment e.V., YFU (Youth For Understanding) Deutschland e.V., Partnership International e.V., Ayusa-Intrax GmbH, EF Education First, Open Door International e.V., Stepin GmbH, TravelWorks (TravelPlus Group GmbH), Cultural Care Au Pair (German office), iE – International Experience, ISKA – Internationale Schul- und Kulturaustausche, GLS Sprachenzentrum, Kompass – High School Exchange, Into – High School Exchange, MAP – M.A.P. Sprachreisen, KulturLife gGmbH, Schulbesuch International e.V.
U.S.-Based Exchange Programs Hosting Foreign Students (Including Germans)
AFS-USA, Youth For Understanding (YFU) USA, American Councils for International Education, Ayusa International, ASSE International, International Cultural Exchange Services (ICES), Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), Greenheart Exchange, Cultural Homestay International (CHI), Academic Year in America (AYA, a program of AIFS Foundation), International Student Exchange (ISE), Aspect Foundation, American Cultural Exchange Service (ACES), World Heritage Student Exchange Program, PAX – Program of Academic Exchange, Global Leadership Exchange (GLE), International Student Exchange Programs (ISEP), EF High School Exchange Year, STS Foundation, Rotary Youth Exchange USA