The primary exempt purpose is the promotion of international understanding. Our motto is: "Building Bridges Between Cultures". Educational Merit Foundation for Student Exchange (EMF), a non-profit educational organization founded in 1991, has, since its beginning, been actively involved in working with international students at the high school level (both individually and in groups) for both short and long term educational programs. EMF is a nationally recognized organization, authorized by the United States Department of State to issue form DS-2019 for students to obtain J-1 visas. EMF is dedicated to promoting world understanding through international friendship. EMF links foreign exchange students with host families and high schools in the U.S. We believe that the experience of living in a foreign country, learning both its language and culture, is life changing. Through its programs, EMF offers students the chance to become citizens of the world.