Study abroad in the USA
America is abundant with stunning views and exciting attractions, ranging from the majestic Grand Canyon to magical Disneyland. With each state offering unique qualities, embarking on an exchange program to America opens a world of limitless possibilities. Spend your afternoons engaging in high school sports or joining social clubs and build new friendships and lifelong connections.
Students on our Classic Programs enter the USA on a J1 Visa.
Students on our High School Choice Programs enter the USA on an F1 Visa.
Program Summary:
- Programs: Classic, Classic with area choice and High School Choice program
- Program length: Long programs only
- Vaccinations: Yes
- Discounts and Scholarship: Yes
- Language criteria: No
- Language course: No
- Welcome Camp: Yes
USA Program Options
Classic Exchange Program any location
Choose to be placed with a host family and attend a local school on an Academic Semester or Year program.
Learn more
Classic Exchange Program with Area Choice
Choose to be be placed in a specific location for an additional fee on a Semester or Year program.
Learn more
High School Choice Exchange Program
Choose from a range of regions, school districts and schools for an Academic Semester or Year program. Your exchange, your way!
Learn more
Classic program
Our Classic program will match you with a welcoming host family and place you in a nearby school. We find the host family and choose the school, and you can enjoy immersing yourself in local culture & community. These programs are perfect for students who:
* Are flexible about location, and the academic experience
* Want to have a cultural experience
* Are interested in joining sports, clubs, and activities
* Want to develop confidence and improve language skills
Classic high school exchange program
Age and eligibility
Students must be 15 – 17 years of age at the start of the program. Any student who is currently in their final year of high school cannot apply for a January departure the following year.
Please note some medical restrictions may apply and can be discussed further upon application. Allergies to household pets and/or special diets may incur an additional fee.
Program length
Students applying for the Year program departing in January of each will complete two Semesters with the USA summer break in the middle of their school year. Please note, we have limited spots for our January Academic Year and Semester programs.
Students applying for the Semester program will complete between 4 to 6 months based on the semester calendar of the school they are attending. Please note, the September Academic Year program will finish in June of the following year.
We are not able to offer 2 or 3 month programs to the USA due to visa restrictions. 2 & 3 month programs are available to Canada and other destinations.
Please see Short Programs for alternate destinations.
Schools
High schools in the USA offer diverse subjects, extracurricular activities, and a supportive environment. Students can explore various interests, join sports teams and clubs like cheerleading or american football, you will also receive guidance from dedicated teachers all through your exchange year.
If you are on the classic program you will be placed at the local high school in your host family’s community
American high schools help students to discover their passions, expand their knowledge, and build a foundation for a successful future.
Additional fees are needed for school books, activity fees, sports check-up, lunches in the cafeteria.
Visa
All applicants are required to apply for a visa at their own expense. This requires an appointment at the US Embassy, which may involve travelling to your nearest consulate. Students cannot book their visa appointment prior to receiving either the DS2019 form (J-1 Visa).
Please note: USA immigration fees including Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee of USD$220 as well as Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee of USD$185 is charged in addition to the program fee. These fees form part of the visa application process and are required by the USA immigration authority.
Language criteria
Not applicable.
Please note
If a perfectly adequate host family placement that is qualified by, and in accordance with, US State Department guidelines is rejected due to personal preferences including geographical, rural, metropolitan or family demographics a AU$1,000 fee will be charged to request an alternative host family.
Please note some medical restrictions may apply and can be discussed further upon application. Allergies to household pets and/or special diets may incur an additional fee of AU$800.
Important Program Information
USA Classic Prices
| Length | Departs | Price AUD | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Semester | Jan 2027 | $13,450 | Sep 15, 2026 |
| Calendar Year | Jan 2027 | $16,450 | Sep 15, 2026 |
| Academic Semester | Aug 2027 | $13,450 | Mar 1, 2027 |
| Academic Year | Aug 2027 | $14,950 | Mar 1, 2027 |
Program prices include a flight budget, and surcharges may apply. Early departures or personal travel changes incur a $300 fee plus any airline costs. Program dates are indicative at the time of publishing and may shift slightly, with confirmed travel details provided by your Program Coordinator. Places are limited, so apply early to secure your spot. For full pricing and surcharge information, see our Money Matters page.
USA Program dates vary from depending on the location, all states are different as they are determined by the schools. Program start dates are indicative arrivals in the destination & students attending the Welcome Camp (if available) will depart earlier. Program start dates serve as approximate arrival dates at the destination and subject to change. We will notify you of your confirmed program dates ahead of time to prevent any confusion or inconvenience.
Area choices
Students applying for the USA have the option to pick the location they would like to live in during their exchange for August departures only. The deadline for applications with Location Options close on December 15, the year prior to departure.
Students will need to complete a separate form if they’d like to select their location/s. This form is then sent with the application form to our overseas partner. If applicants are successfully placed in one of their preferred locations, then an additional location fee will be applied to the normal program price.
Placement on one of these limited spots will be confirmed when your application is received by our office, accepted and your deposit paid.
Please note, eligibility criteria applies for Area Requests:
- B+ average or higher
- No allergies (dogs, cats, nuts etc.)
- No dietary restrictions
- No pre-existing medical conditions
Location selection options are subject to availability and are not guaranteed.
High school choice
Students who are looking to go on exchange to the USA have the option to apply for a semester or academic year program and choose from a range of schools or school districts in the USA.
Our USA High School Choice program allows students to enter the USA on an F1 visa. In addition to choosing where they would like to study while on exchange, the F1 visa allows the applicant to attend school on a full academic program. This provides the opportunity to gain study credits and diplomas needed to attend a University in the USA.
Welcome Camp in New York
Optional at an additional cost AU$1,995 pp.
Please check with your Program Coordinator to see if you are eligible to join this Welcome Camp as availability depends on where your host family lives in the USA. August programs only.
Welcome Camp:
- Stay in a double or triple room for three nights
- Breakfast
- Important preparatory meetings
- Networking with other students
- Camp Leaders assistance you thorough your stay
- Sightseeing tours at Manhattan
- All transport between airport, hotel and Manhattan
- Lunch and dinner is not included, we will make sure to give you information on what’s most affordable
Agenda (example only):
Day 1: Flights from your destination to Newark, check-in at the hotel and arrival information meeting Day 2: Information meeting, Sightseeing
Day 3: Information meeting, Sightseeing
Day 4: Departure to your host family
Please note that the program is subject to change and a flight surcharge may apply.
LIVE Online Information Sessions
A high school student exchange program is a big decision.
Our LIVE Online Info Session makes it simple … Hear what life on exchange actually looks like, the support families receive, and the transformations our team sees every year.
Register now and feel confident taking the next step.
%20(1).png)
Worldwide High School Online Brochure
For an overview of our programs, our team will send you our Worldwide High School Online Brochure.
Register hereCheck out our socials
Contact our team today
