YOUR NEW ADVENTURE STARTS HERE
Every High School USA student will enjoy an authentic American high school experience, live with a supportive host family, and receive top-tier guidance.
Becoming an exchange student offers a truly immersive cultural experience. By living with a carefully chosen local family in a safe and welcoming home, you’ll have countless opportunities to explore your new community alongside your host family and the friends you make at school.
Picture yourself enjoying a meal at a local restaurant with friends on the weekend or taking a scenic walk on a nearby nature trail with your host family. Living in the USA gives you a firsthand look at American life, culture, and traditions—an incredible chance to experience the American dream from the inside.
The beauty of studying abroad is that no two experiences are the same. What you gain from an international exchange is uniquely yours
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Discover and develop personal strengths such as self-reliance, resourcefulness, and confidence.
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Gain a broader, global perspective and a strong sense of social responsibility.
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Improve proficiency in a new language.
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Meet extraordinary people and build lifelong friendships.
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Strengthen decision-making, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.
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Cultivate independent thinking and adaptability in handling new challenges.
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Gain a competitive edge on college applications.
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Expand global career opportunities.
A study abroad experience isn’t just about learning in a new country—it’s about transforming your future.
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
With a vast network across the U.S., we provide authentic, immersive study and living experiences for young travelers. Our all-in-one package ensures a seamless and enriching journey for participants and their families.
SELECTED HOST FAMILY
Host families are volunteers who have gone through our extensive selection process and provide room, board, and basic transportation.
SCHOOL ENROLLMENT
Our expert staff carefully selects high schools to ensure they provide excellent educational opportunities and the support needed for student success.
MENTORSHIP
Our experts guide you through the application & departure process. Once in the USA, they offer additional support beyond your host family.
PROGRAM ORIENTATION
HSUSA students are all required
to participate in our local orientation, providing a complete introduction to life in the U.S.
TRAVEL
The program tuition includes round-trip flights from your closest international airport, arranged through our trusted partner travel agency.
VISA APPLICATION SUPPORT
As a designated visa sponsor by the U.S. Department of State, we provide the necessary documents and guidance for the J-1 visa application process.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
HSUSA provides comprehensive health insurance specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of international exchange students.
ARE YOU
ELIGIBLE ?
We take great care in selecting participants for our program to ensure that every student has a rewarding and transformative experience.
Our selection process considers several key factors, including English proficiency, academic performance, maturity, adaptability, and openness to new cultural experiences. We evaluate each applicant holistically to identify students who are best prepared to thrive during an academic exchange year in the United States—both in and out of the classroom.
Eligibility Requirements
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Be between 15 and 18 years old upon arrival in the USA
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Maintain good academic standing
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Be enrolled in secondary school at the time of application and must not have graduated prior to arrival
YOUR HEALTH & SAFETY IS FIRST!
At HIGH SCHOOL in the USA, student health and safety are our top priority. Our 3-layer support system—regional teams, HSUSA staff, and host families—works together to ensure every student feels safe and supported during their time in the U.S.
LAYER 1- THE HOST FAMILY:
HSUSA goes beyond U.S. Department of State requirements with a thorough vetting process for host families. This includes in-depth interviews, background checks, and trusted community referrals.
We carefully choose open-minded, welcoming families who are excited to share their home and culture. Your host family becomes your second family—your main support and a key part of your exchange journey in the U.S.
LAYER 2- THE LOCAL COORDINATOR:
Our Local Coordinators go through a rigorous selection and screening process, including strong industry referrals—just like our host families.
They are highly trained in intercultural communication, support, and conflict resolution. As mentors and trusted guides, they’re available 24/7, helping students settle in, connect with their host families, and providing regular updates to parents back home.
LAYER 3- 24/7 SUPPORT FROM OUR NASHVILLE TEAM
Our experienced support team in Nashville, TN is available by phone around the clock—from the moment you or your child boards the plane to every step of the U.S. experience.
Each team member is professionally trained to provide the highest level of care and guidance, ensuring every student has a safe and rewarding journey with HIGH SCHOOL in the USA.
PERSONAL GROWTH THROUGH THE LEAD PROGRAM
It takes more than classroom knowledge alone to achieve our goals in life.
Empowering Future Leaders with LE∆D
For over 150 years, our sister company, Southwestern Advantage, has equipped college students with leadership and life skills. That same mission now continues through LE∆D—a nationwide community helping young people thrive.
LE∆D focuses on personal growth, emotional intelligence, academic success, and community impact—preparing students to reach their goals and make a difference, both in school and beyond.
TESTIMONIALS
Because it sometimes makes more sense to hear it all from some of our former participants!
Hind M
From Morocco >
Central High School
Phoenix (AZ)
'I really enjoyed my time with my host family who totally became a second family to me. I had new brothers and sisters and I felt totally part of the family. I am also so grateful to our Local Coordinator who was regularly in touch and check upon me! It made me and my family so relieved to know the organization was looking after us so well. This experienced changed my life!’
Manon E
From France >
Fluvana County High School
Fluvana (VA)
'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.’
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Adea G
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.’
Georgi D
From Bulgaria >
Orange County School
Orange (CA)
'I didn't really know what to expect upon my arrival in America. Emotions totally took over but it was so worth it!. I was picked up by my amazing host family. Their smile and welcome committee totally reassured and the rest is history... I do recommend spending a year in high school in the USA: it is unique, rewarding and character-building. ’
BASIC PROGRAM QUESTIONS
it is natural at this point to have a ton of questions! While we are more than happy to answer them all personally, here is a short list of Frequently Asked Questions.
