teenagers have the chance to see how their counterparts in Europe live.
Young people aged 14 to 18 are being offered the chance to sample life in France and Germany by Durham County Council, the county's education authority.
Two exchange visits are being organised for next year which will entail local youngsters hosting a French or German teenager, then staying with them in their home town.
"An exchange visit is a great way to get to know a different country," said Brian Stobie, the council's international officer.
"Young people live with a family, make new friends, experience everyday life and can practice their language all day, every day," he said.
The exchange with the Department of the Somme, in France, will take place next July, and will cost £125.
The French group will visit the county from July 6 to 16, then return via London with their County Durham hosts, who will stay in France until July 27.
The exchange with Tbingen, in Germany, is in two parts, and costs £150.
The German group will visit the county over Easter and the local youngsters will go to Tbingen from July 13 to 23.
Young people who want to take part in either exchange should contact their school, the international office on 0191-383 3631 or e-mail internationalng at 7pm. Adm
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