Nacel Open Door, Inc. (NOD) is a nonprofit student exchange organization dedicated to international understanding and language education.
NOD believes it is essential for young people to develop a deeper awareness of their role as citizens of the world, through direct experience in other cultures and languages, usually through homestays.
Through joint funding from the U.S. Congress and the German Bundestag, a total of 25 scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors in the United States to spend one year in Germany.
Students live with a host family, participate in a training or school program, and take part in an internship with a German company.
Most Nacel Open Door programs are based in homestay experiences, in which international students stay with a host family in the United States.
All host family members ages 18 and older must complete a criminal background check, and a home visit is required to ensure student safety.