BE GLOBAL READY & LIVE THE AMERICAN DREAM
Experience American Culture through Life as an American
High School Exchange Student
There is nothing more iconic than going to high school in the USA: the yellow school bus, the 'cool kids' wearing the school jackets, prom night, and the graduation ceremony. This experience is as close as you can get to what you see on TV, and YOU will be living it.
The experience of studying abroad is unique. Those who brave this grand adventure enter a world of unparalleled opportunities. Access high-quality educational programs in a safe and diverse environment. Practice a favorite sport, expand knowledge in different situations, engage in favorite activities with new friends, explore new interests and hobbies, and make friendships that can last a lifetime.
Becoming an exchange student is a complete cultural experience. Living with a carefully selected local family in a safe home, you will enjoy many opportunities to explore your community with your host family and the friends you make at school. On the weekend, imagine eating out at a local restaurant with your friends or walking a local nature trail with your host family. Living in the USA will allow you to get to know Americans and their country from the inside. What an amazing opportunity to experience the American dream.
WHY BECOME AN EXCHANGE STUDENT WITH HSUSA?
A year abroad allows you to develop your cultural openness, your independence, your maturity, your self-confidence, your ability to adapt, your ability to solve problems, your sense of leadership, and much more.
ADVENTURE
You will make friends with other American teenagers. Social life may be different from your home city, but you’ll be able to make rich friendships with local students that are fun and supportive.
FRIENDSHIPS
You will gain a second family, your family away from home. As an exchange student, you will not only learn English, but you will also become familiar with the culture, customs, and traditions of your host country.
HOME IN THE USA
Students often use their exchange year as a stepping stone to further their studies abroad, gain a competitive advantage at university, and start an international career.
BE GLOBAL READY
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE
FOR HIGH SCHOOL
IN THE USA?
√ Be between 15 and 18 years of age when you arrive in the USA.
√ Be in good academic standing
√ Be enrolled in a secondary school when you apply and not completed high school before you arrive
√ Successfully completed HSUSA's 'Two Thumbs Up' Cultural Assimilation Modules
HSUSA considers English ability, academic performance, maturity, flexibility, and willingness to adapt to a new culture in our selection process. We look at the “whole picture” for each applicant and select those students whom we believe can successfully navigate an academic exchange year in the U.S. while being away from family and friends back home.
WANT TO HEAR FROM
FORMER PARTICIPANTS?
Hind Mchrag
From Morocco >
Central High School
Phoenix (AZ)
'Today, I am a Project Manager in a leading worldwide shipping company based in France. Thanks to my exchange year, I gained maturity and confidence. I am now managing different teams from all over the world. I am 25 and already lived in 5 cities in 3 different countries. That exchange year made me the person I am today, and I am so grateful for that.’
Adea Gafury
From Kosovo >
Deer Valley High School
Phoenix (AZ)
'Being an exchange student back in 2012, has led me to embark on a personal growth journey. It was one of the most life-changing experience. It made me brave, courageous and motivated to take new opportunities in life. Linda, our local coordinator was always ready to help and assist me in every difficult situation I faced. I will always be thankful to Linda and the team for their efforts, activities, and assistance to enhance our experience as exchange students.’
Georgi Daskalov
From Bulgaria >
Orange County High School
Orange (VA)
I didn't really know what to expect upon my arrival in America. Feelings and emotions totally took over but it was so worth it!. I was picked up after a long plane ride by my amazing host family. Their smile and welcome committee totally reassured and the rest is history... This was without a doubt the most amazing experienced I lived so far: I made so many lifelong friends! I 100% do recommend spending a year in high school in the USA: it is unique, rewarding and character building.