High School Cultural Exchange Programs for J1 Visas and F1 Visas
Want to host an exchange student but worried about funding their experience? Download our free guide to host family costs in 2026.
Worried Studying Abroad Will Be Challenging?
Studying in another country is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. It’s difficult to choose the right program from the crowd. Visa rules are confusing and a mistake can set you back months. Schools and placements can bleed together. Being far from home makes you question safety, support, and whether the experience will truly work out.
Many students worry about making the wrong choice or feeling alone once they arrive. Parents worry too. They want to know their child will be supported, guided, and cared for in a new country. With all these challenges, it can seem like studying abroad in a foreign exchange isn’t worth it.
With United Studies, there’s a better way.
United Studies Makes It Simple, Safe, and Rewarding
United Studies removes the uncertainty by guiding each step with experience and care. We help students prepare to come to America and have a rewarding foreign exchange experience. Our goal is simple: help students experience real American life, grow in confidence, and succeed in school, without feeling lost or alone.
For over 40 years we’ve helped international students fulfill their study abroad dreams. Our thousands of successful placements are proof you can come to the United States on an F1 or J1 visa and have an immersive and rewarding experience.
Want to host an exchange student but worried about funding their experience? Download our free guide to host family costs in 2026.
High School Study Abroad Program Overview
The United Studies High School Program gives international students the chance to attend an American high school while living with a welcoming host family. Students experience daily school life, community activities, and family routines, just like local teens.
The program is designed for students ages 14 to 18 who want more than a one-off classroom experience. It is a complete foreign immersion program that focuses on academics, personal growth, and cultural immersion. Students attend school, participate in activities, improve their English, but also enjoy everyday life living with an American host family.
United Studies offers high school programs through J1 public and private schools as well as F1 visas, allowing students to choose the path that best fits their goals, timeline, and academic plans.
How the High School Student Exchange Program Works
We believe students should always know what to expect. That is why our process is clear and guided from start to finish.
Step 1: Apply
Students begin by sharing their background, interests, and goals. This helps us understand what kind of school and host family experience will be the best fit.
Step 2: Choose Your Path
We guide students and families through the J1 and F1 options, explaining each clearly so the right choice can be made with confidence.
Step 3: Approve Your Placement
Students are placed with a vetted host family and enrolled in an appropriate U.S. high school. Matching focuses on safety, compatibility, and support.
Step 4: Arrival & Immersion
Once in the United States, students settle into their new home, start school, and begin experiencing daily American life.
Step 5: Ongoing Support
Support does not stop after arrival. United Studies and local coordinators remain involved to help with questions, challenges, and adjustments along the way.
High School Program Requirements
The High School Program is designed for students who are ready to grow, learn, and adapt to a new environment. Typical requirements include:
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Being between 14 and 18 years old
- Proficient in spoken and written English
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Currently enrolled in high school or equivalent
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Willingness to live with a host family and follow household rules
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Openness to new cultures, routines, and expectations
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Commitment to school attendance and program guidelines
These requirements help ensure students are prepared for a positive and successful experience. During the application process, you will be required to submit documents such as your high school transcripts, medical record and immunizations, English language evaluation, teacher recommendations, and an introduction video. You must also have a valid passport. We will guide you through the application process and make it as easy as possible.
F1 vs J1 Visa: Which Study Abroad Program is Right for You?
Early in your international student exchange program application you’ll face a key choice: do you apply for an F1 visa or a J1 visa? These two options both offer meaningful cultural exchange and language immersion experiences, but they serve different goals. Here’s how they break down:
J1 Visa Cultural Exchange Program
The J1 program is focused on cultural exchange. Students attend a U.S. high school while living with a volunteer host family.
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This program lasts one or two semesters (6-12 months)
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You can participate at both public and private schools
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Host families volunteer their time and care
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The program’s emphasis is on cultural experience and daily life
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Students return home after the program ends
This option is ideal for students who want a medium-term immersion and cultural experience.
F1 Visa Study Abroad Program
Where the J1 focus on cultural immersion, the F1 program places a stronger focus on education and academics.
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This program can extend to multiple school years
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Students often attend private or boarding schools
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Host families for F1 students may receive a stipend to cover higher academic-related costs
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Students in an F1 program are allowed to pursue high-school graduation in the U.S.
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Often selected by students planning to attend a U.S. university or seeking academic distinction at home
This option provides a strong focus on educational excellence for students with long term academic goals in the United States.
We’ll Help You Choose the Right Option
United Studies helps students and families understand the differences and choose the path that fits their goals, comfort level, and future plans. We take time to explain each option in simple terms and answer questions honestly, so expectations are clear from the start. Our team looks at academic goals, length of stay, and personal readiness before guiding the decision. No one is expected to figure it out alone. We walk alongside you with the help of our trusted international partners so you can make a confident and informed choice.
Want to host an exchange student but worried about funding their experience? Download our free guide to host family costs in 2026.
Study Abroad Goes Beyond the Classroom
Studying in the U.S. is not just about school. It is about learning independence, building confidence, and forming relationships that last a lifetime. Students gain new perspectives, improve language skills, and discover what they are capable of when they step outside their comfort zone.
With United Studies, students are supported every step of the way, so they can focus on learning, growing, and enjoying their high school experience in the United States.
Ready to take the next step?
Start your high school exchange journey with guidance you can trust.
Want to host an exchange student but worried about funding their experience? Download our free guide to host family costs in 2026.
High School Study Abroad Program
Frequently Asked Questions
It all starts with submitting your application! We have international study abroad partners in Europe, South America, and Asia. Once your cultural exchange application with us is approved, we will connect you with one of our partners to begin your journey.
The exchange student must do the following during their stay:
• Be enrolled in a full course of student work including: English, Math, Science, and a US History/Government class. Students may choose other classes based on personal interests such as PE, art, music, etc.
• Maintain a “C” or above to remain on program
• Follow all United States laws
• Follow the code of conduct outlined in the exchange agreement between the student, their host family, their school, and United Studies
Students are also encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities and community events.
Every exchange student and host family has 24/7 access to a dedicated local coordinator. If there are any questions or problems with the requirements during your stay, your local coordinator will be available to help you resolve them and continue your cultural exchange experience.
Foreign exchange students are matched with cultural exchange host families across the United States. America is vast country that encompasses an amazing array of both biological and cultural diversity.
Students on the J-1 Visa Program are matched to a great host family regardless of location nationally. Many students are placed in smaller or more rural communities giving them the chance to explore different lifestyles. We believe that every area of America has worth and lessons to be learned and that no area should be overlooked.
Students on the F-1 Visa Program may choose the school and location they wish to be placed.
Once your foreign exchange application has been screened and approved by United Studies, the search for a host family and school will begin. This process does require some patience – our Local Coordinators work hard to find a qualified host family and school and it may take a bit of time to find the very best fit for you!
United Studies requires that students have a good grasp on the English language both verbal and written. Our minimum ELTiS 1.0 score is 240 and ELTiS 2.0 score is 700
People and families that host with United Studies come in all shapes and sizes! Some are married, some are not. Some have children, some do not. Some are working, some are retired. Some are religious, some are not. Our goal is to match students with host families based on things like personality traits and shared hobbies and interests.
While United Studies places students with host families we believe are the best fit, we do realize that things don’t always work as planned. In rare circumstances we do allow students to move to a new host family in cases of irreconcilable differences and unresolved conflicts between the student and host family. However, student safety is our number one priority and we will absolutely move students to a new host family if student safety is a concern. Any host family move will be handled through the United Studies team to ensure everyone is supported and all efforts to resolve issues have been exhausted prior to a move.
We believe that the United Studies cultural exchange program is the only choice for students who want to have the best possible exchange experience. We select exchange participants carefully, our Local Coordinators are well trained and carefully select host families, and our office staff have decades of experience in high school exchange programs.
Absolutely! The students are encouraged to join sports, clubs, and organizations to enhance their experience while living in America. Some of these groups have entrance requirements. United Studies cannot guarantee students will be allowed to participate in any extracurricular activities.
As a participant in the United Studies exchange program, you will be experiencing living in America on a daily basis and that is often exciting enough as it is! While you may have opportunities to travel with your host family, host families are not required to take you on trips and vacations. Please remember that your main focus while on program is to go to school, do well academically and fully integrate into your host family. Independent travel without your host family, school or Local Coordinator are not permitted.
United Studies provides excellent support to our students throughout their exchange program. Local Coordinators and office staff are trained to help work through any problems exchange students might experience throughout the year with their host family, school, or anything else that may arise.
Want to host an exchange student but worried about funding their experience? Download our free guide to host family costs in 2026.
Explore Our International Exchange Programs
Ready to explore the U.S. as an exchange visitor? We have work and study abroad programs that fit every international exchange student’s dreams. Learn more about our complete culture and language immersion programs in the United States:
U.S. High School Immersion
Want to experience American high school? This immersive program is built around learning, family life, and culture.
U.S. Homestay Program
Our homestay programs help you live like a local and build language immersion through daily life. Lengths vary to fit your desired exchange timeline.
Summer Camp Program
Join a U.S. summer camp as a counselor or staff member for a fun, skill-building cultural immersion experience you won’t forget!
Work and Travel Program
Want to explore the U.S. but can’t just go on vacation? Our work and travel program let’s you grow your finances and travel the nation.
Want to host an exchange student but worried about funding their experience? Download our free guide to host family costs in 2026.
Stories From Our Student Exchange Programs
Students, host families, coordinators, and employers all rave about our language immersion and cultural exchange programs. Read about it from our friends, communities, and successful placements:
The Complete Free Guide to Host Family Costs in 2026
Many families want to host foreign exchange students but worry about costs. They aren’t sure what’s expected of them and what their financial responsibilities will be. Our free guide to host family costs explains:
- Exactly what host families are responsible for
- What categories of expense host families can expect
- How you could get paid to host an exchange student
Ready to make your dream of bringing immersive cultural exchange from the world to your home a reality? Download our free guide today!
