Exchange Year in the USA – Become a High School Exchange Student

Are you dreaming of going on an exchange year in the USA? As a high school student in the USA, you quickly realize that much of what you've seen in movies is actually true. You will experience High School spirit, cheerleaders, and the iconic yellow school buses.

An exchange year in the USA is your chance to truly immerse yourself in American culture. As an exchange student in the USA, you will make lots of new friends and experience things you've only dreamed of. Additionally, you'll learn to speak fluent English during your time there.

This is the land of opportunities. Living in the USA for a whole year is a fantastic experience – seize the chance!

Our Exchange Programs in the USA

How to become an exchange student in the USA?

To become an exchange student in the USA, you need to go through the following steps:

• Submit an expression of interest. The expression of interest is non-binding.
• Book a free and non-binding interview with us.
• An agreement is made and the registration fee is paid. The exchange year is then paid according to a predetermined payment plan.
• The application process begins, and you are preliminarily accepted.
• Wait while we match you with the right school and host family. Final approval is also given by American school authorities.
• Prepare for the exchange year: You need to arrange a medical certificate, vaccinations, obtain a visa, write a personal letter to your host family, and get signatures from your current school, among other things.
• Now it's time to attend an information meeting where you'll get details about everything you need to know before your exchange year.
• Time to go!

During your stay, we are always available for you, 24/7! Detailed information about the application process can be found here.

How much does it cost to be an exchange student in the USA?

As an exchange student, there are certain costs that you and your family need to cover. This includes the cost of insurance, visas, toiletries, any trips you want to take, leisure activities and pocket money.

The amount of money needed per month is individual to you, depending on what you want to do and your lifestyle. We recommend having at least 400 USD per month and a buffer of around 800 USD so that you are secure in case of unexpected expenses.

See the full list of additional costs here.

Do you have the right age for High School?

To be an exchange student in the USA through STS, you need to be between 15-18.5 years old at the start of the exchange year.

Most exchange students are placed in high school grades Junior or Senior. The group you are placed in depends on age, grades, English proficiency, and the local school's rules.

Learn more about ages and grades in the American school system below.

The American School System

Elementary school and Middle school cover grades for students between 6-14 years old, corresponding to grades 1-8. High school covers grades 9-12, and students are generally between 14-18 years old. High school students are divided into four groups: Freshmen,Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.

During high school years, students often choose their own courses, including core subjects and electives. School terms in the USA start between August and September and end in May and June. School hours are typically around 37 hours per week.

Being an exchange student in the USA

As an exchange student in the USA, school plays a central role. You have significant freedom in choosing subjects. A couple of subjects, such as English and mathematics, are usually mandatory. In addition to these, there are plenty of fun courses to choose from, called electives.

Together with a school counselor, you create a personalized schedule. American school lessons are often interactive and include practical elements like experiments and workshops.

What can you expect during your exchange year?

In the USA, you often engage in school activities after regular classes are over for the day. It can range from sports, art, or music to running the school's TV channel or organizing an event. You can be sure there's something that suits you.

During your exchange year, you'll also experience magical events like Prom Night (the annual school dance) and Homecoming (a reunion for old students), as seen in most high school movies.

What to do in the USA during your free time?

In your free time, you get the chance to explore your new city. Take the opportunity to go bowling with friends, attend an American football game, or why not take part in community service? Regardless of where you are in the USA, there are plenty of exciting things to do and discover.

We at STS also offer several trips for our exchange students in the USA. Do you want to travel to Washington D.C. or Disney World in Florida? With our trips, you have the opportunity to experience more of the country with other exchange students.

Which trips you can go on depends on where in the USA you are staying.

Living with a Host Family

When you live with one of our carefully selected host families, you experience a typical American life. They will do their utmost to make you feel like part of the family. You'll participate in various everyday tasks, and they will show you their favorite places. You'll also meet their friends and relatives. Perhaps there will be weekend mornings in the shopping mall, a barbecue with neighbors, or a camping trip with your host siblings. Regardless of what it is, you will have a great time together throughout your year.

The cost of an exchange year varies depending on the program you choose, how long you choose to be away, and any optional add-ons. See the table below for the starting prices of our Classic program.

If you want our Select program, contact us for more accurate price information as the choice of school and location determines the price.

See what is included in our prices here.

Feel free to reach out if you are interested in a shorter program than 5 months; in most cases, it can be arranged.