LET'S TALK ABOUT THE MAJOR DIFFERENCES

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We can't say for sure what's different between your high school and the high school you'll attend in the United States, because schools in every country feel different.  Some schools have 500 students and others have 2,500 students for grades 9-12.  We can tell you that the school is the center of social life for high school students in the United States.  In some countries, students would spend time with their friends in the city.  Even in schools located in the city, students have after-school activities at the school.  After-school activities are a time to meet with friends either with a sport, drama, music, a club, or other; there will be many options of activities you can try.  Some activities require that you try out.  Trying out is when students present their skill before the coaches and the coaches select a certain number of students for the activity.  For example, if you'd like to play soccer or basketball, there is a period at the beginning of the season when all the students who want to play will come to tryouts and show the coach their ability.  The best players make the team.  For sports, most schools have multiple teams.  In this case, students try out to make the top squad.

We strongly urge you to decide that you'll be in an after-school activity throughout your stay in the United States. You will be able to learn which activities are available after you've passed your Visa interview with the US Embassy in your country and you've met your host family.  You don't need to try just one, you can try many.  Most activities are open only for a season, or a few months out of the year, so it is natural to try many activities after school.  Again, after school activities is where you'll make friends with people who have similar interests as you. American teenagers keep a busy lifestyle and doing activities with them is the best way to make friends.

Students do have homework and tests regularly in High School. Students who are selected into the HSUSA program must get good grades in their home country.  If you currently get good grades, then, when you're in the United States, if you pay attention in class, ask questions when you have them, and complete the assignments that your teacher gives you, you'll get good grades in the United States.  Teachers in the United States are strict about completing assignments on time and cheating (looking at another persons test during a test time or copying someone's homework) is considered a strong offense.

Let me give you a BIG tip. Decide now that you're going to speak up when you have questions or don't understand something.  Not just once, but all the time!  In American high schools, students raise their hand when they have a question.  If you feel completely lost, this happens so don't feel embarrassed, ask to see the teacher after school or before school.  It's also really important to ask questions with your host family if you don't understand.  In fact, until you feel really sure that your communication is great with your host family, repeat instructions back to them.  This will help make sure that you don't make a mistake in communication.