Request Info Get Started
High School in the USA

Make America more than a place you visit.

Live with an American host family, attend a U.S. high school, improve your English, make new friends, and experience daily life in the United States with support from ICES.

Request Information Compare Programs
Since 1991More than three decades of exchange
J-1 & F-1Cultural and academic options
All 50 StatesNationwide ICES network
International student experience in the United States
$12,900J-1 Academic Year
Start your storySemester & academic-year options
✓ Designated J-1 sponsor
✓ CSIET listed
✓ Local coordinator support
✓ Health coverage
Choose Your Experience

Two ways to build your American high school year.

Choose the classic J-1 cultural exchange experience or the added school and location flexibility of an F-1 academic program.

Exchange student with American host family
Classic Cultural Exchange

J-1 High School

$12,900 Academic Year

$12,000 semester. Attend a local public high school and live with a volunteer American host family.

  • Public high school placement
  • Volunteer host family placement
  • Local coordinator and student support
  • Health insurance included
  • August New York arrival orientation
Explore J-1
American high school experience
School & Location Choice

F-1 Academic Program

From $23,500

Choose from participating public and private schools based on location, academics, sports, budget and long-term goals.

  • Public and private school choices
  • Location and school selection
  • Multi-year options at qualifying schools
  • Diploma pathways at selected schools
  • Customized recommendations
Explore F-1
J-1 vs F-1

Find the program that matches your priorities.

FeatureJ-1 ClassicF-1 Academic
Current price$12,900 AY / $12,000 semesterStarting at $23,500
School typeLocal public high schoolParticipating public/private schools
Choose exact schoolNoYes, from available options
Host familyVolunteer host familyProgram-dependent host arrangement
Typical durationSemester or academic yearSemester, academic year, or longer where available
Best forCultural immersion and valueSchool/location choice and longer-term academics
Support From Start to Finish

Your exchange year comes with a team.

ICES helps students navigate placement, school, cultural adjustment and everyday questions throughout the experience.

🏠

Host Family

J-1 students are placed with screened volunteer host families ready to share everyday American life.

🏫

School Enrollment

Experience American classes, school spirit, sports, clubs and extracurricular activities.

🤝

Local Coordinator

Your local ICES contact provides ongoing supervision, guidance and a direct point of support.

🩺

Health Coverage

ICES-provided health insurance is normally included for eligible J-1 participants during the covered program period.

🗽

Arrival Orientation

August J-1 participants can begin with the ICES 4-day/3-night New York arrival orientation.

☎️

Student Support

ICES provides layers of support through local coordinators, regional staff and the Student Support Center.

Students taking part in American high school activities
Live the Experience

School is only part of the story.

Friday-night games, school clubs, family dinners, road trips, new traditions and everyday conversations can become the moments students remember most.

American high school clubs and activities
Why ICES

Experience backed by a nationwide support network.

ICES is a nonprofit youth exchange organization and designated J-1 sponsor with decades of experience supporting international students, host families and schools.

1991ICES founded
50U.S. states in the network
40+Student countries represented
1,500+Students managed yearly
How It Works

From your first question to your first day of school.

1

Request information

Tell us your age, country, contact details and which type of program interests you.

2

Choose your program

Review J-1 and F-1 options and determine which experience best fits your goals and budget.

3

Complete your application

Submit the required academic, health, English-language and program documents.

4

Prepare for the USA

After acceptance and placement, prepare for your visa, travel, host family, school and arrival.

Program Costs

Know what to plan for.

Common J-1 program inclusions

  • Program administration and sponsorship
  • Host family and school placement
  • Local coordinator supervision
  • Student support
  • Health insurance during the covered program period
  • August New York arrival orientation

Typical additional expenses

  • International flights and domestic travel not included in the program
  • Visa and SEVIS fees
  • School lunches and personal spending
  • Uniforms, sports or extracurricular fees where applicable
  • Optional travel, trips and upgrades
  • Medical exams or vaccinations if required
Start Here

Ready to explore your options?

Complete the short information form and an ICES representative can follow up with program details and next steps.

  • No obligation to request information
  • Academic year and semester options
  • J-1 and F-1 pathways
  • International student support
Frequently Asked Questions

What students and parents usually want to know.

What is the difference between J-1 and F-1?

J-1 is primarily a cultural exchange program built around a local public high school and volunteer host family. F-1 programs offer greater choice of school and location and are tuition-based.

How long can I study in the United States?

The J-1 high school program is available for one semester or one academic year. F-1 duration depends on the selected school and can include longer-term options.

What age do I need to be for J-1?

The current ICES public J-1 program information lists students ages 15–18. Final eligibility depends on age and program dates at the time of application.

Can I choose where I live?

J-1 placements depend on approved host family and school availability, although request options may be available. F-1 is the better fit when selecting a particular school or location is a priority.

Can I play school sports?

Students are encouraged to participate in sports and activities, but athletic eligibility and participation are determined by the school or governing athletic body and are not guaranteed.

When can I start?

J-1 semester programs commonly start in August or January. Academic-year programs most commonly start in August. F-1 start dates depend on the selected school.

Your American high school story can start today.

Tell us about your goals and learn which ICES program fits you best.

Request Information