You American High School Exchange Experience Starts Here

Spend a semester or school year in the United States through a J-1 American high school exchange program with personalized support from ETC before, during, and after your exchange.

From your first questions to your return home, you will have a team supporting you every step of the way.

Thinking About a High School Exchange in the USA?

Maybe you have always dreamed of going to an American high school. Maybe you want to experience American school life, join a sports team, make new friends, improve your English, and become part of an American community.

ETC works with students and families from around the world who want to make that experience possible. You may be able to work directly with ETC in the United States to start your exchange experience.

You do not have to figure it all out on your own. Our team is here to answer your questions, help you understand the process, and guide you from your first conversation through your exchange year.

A More Direct Way to Start Your U.S. Exchange

ETC encourages students to begin their U.S. exchange journey through a local partner. In regions where ETC does not have a designated partner, students and families may be able to work directly with ETC.

That means you can speak with the people who will support your exchange in the United States from the very beginning.

You ask the questions. We help you understand the answers. You complete the application with guidance. You prepare for your year in America. And once you arrive, your ETC support network is already in place.

We’re With You Every Step of the Way

Not just before you leave and not just once you arrive. We’re with you throughout the experience. An exchange year is a big adventure and a big decision for students and parents. That is why ETC support is built around the entire journey.

Before you leave, you will know what to expect.

Starting an exchange can feel overwhelming. There are forms, questions, decisions, travel plans and a whole new school and family experience ahead.

You can talk with ETC staff about the program, eligibility, the application process, required documents, school placement, host families, J-1 exchange requirements, travel and what life in America may be like.

We don’t just send you a list of instructions. We help you understand the process.

You do not have to navigate the application alone.

The application process can involve a lot of information. ETC is available to help you understand what is needed, answer questions, and guide you through the steps.

We want students and parents to feel confident about what they are submitting and why it matters.

Questions about the application? We are here to help.

Before America becomes your new home, we help you get ready.

ETC provides pre-departure orientation for students and their parents so everyone has a better understanding of what the exchange experience will really be like.

Students and parents can learn about:

American high school life and expectations
Living with an American host family
Cultural differences and communication
Homesickness and adjustment
Rules, expectations, and safety
Travel, packing, and arrival
Who to contact when you need help

Our goal is simple: help you arrive prepared, informed, and ready to make the most of your year.

When you arrive, you are not on your own.

Arriving in a new country is exciting, and it can also be a lot to take in. ETC helps students understand what comes next as they begin their life in America.

Student arrival orientation can help you understand your community, your school, your host family, everyday expectations, communication, local resources, and how to get support when you need it.

Your exchange starts with support from the moment you arrive.

You have someone nearby who knows you.

One of the most important parts of your support network is your local coordinator.

Your local coordinator is connected to your community and helps support you and your host family throughout the exchange. Your coordinator can check in, answer questions, help you adjust, listen when something is difficult, and connect you with the ETC team when additional support is needed.

You have someone nearby who knows you, not just someone answering an email from thousands of miles away.

And behind your Local Coordinator is an entire ETC team.

Your support does not depend on just one person.

Throughout your exchange, your support network can include your host family, your American high school, your Local Coordinator, your field manager, and ETC’s student support team.

When questions or concerns come up, you have people you can reach out to and a team focused on helping students have a successful exchange experience.

You are supported by a team, not left to figure things out by yourself.

Parents, you have support, too!

Sending your child to another country is exciting, and you will certainly have questions. We understand that.

Before departure, ETC can help you understand the program, application process, required preparation, host-family experience, travel and what to expect during the year.

During the exchange, you have a support network that includes ETC, the Local Coordinator, the host family, and the American school.

You are not sending your child into an unknown situation without support. You are joining a support network, too.

What Does It Really Feel Like to be an Exchange Student?

Every exchange year is different. That is why we want you to hear from students who have actually lived it.

"I believe that I am the happiest teenage girl alive because I chose to be an exchange student. This was the best choice I’ve ever made!! I am so very grateful and thankful for everyone I met and everything that happened."

Mia, German Exchange Student

Your Exchange Journey is Simpler than You Think

Explore

Ask questions and learn whether a U.S. exchange is right for you.

Apply

Complete the application with guidance from ETC.

Prepare

Students and parents get ready for life in America.

Arrive

Get oriented, settle in, and begin your American experience.

Experience

Live your American exchange year with support from your Local Coordinator and the ETC student support team.

Return

Prepare to return home and transition into what comes next.

Your Host Family Becomes Part of Your Story.

Your host family is more than the place where you live. They can become an important part of your exchange experience, sharing everyday life, traditions, meals, activities, and memories with you.

Living with a host family is one of the ways an exchange becomes more than tourism. It gives you the opportunity to experience American life from the inside and share your own culture with the people around you.

Your exchange is not just about where you go. It is about the people you meet along the way.

Why Students and Families Choose ETC

You are more than an application number.

An exchange year is personal. You should know who to contact when you have a question. Your parents should know who supports you. And once you arrive in America, there should be people who know who you are and are there to help.

That is the kind of exchange experience we want to create. That is the ETC difference.

Personal Support

Talk to real people who can answer questions and help guide the process.

Application Guidance

Get help understanding the steps instead of navigating everything alone.

Pre-Departure Preparation

Students and parents receive orientation before leaving home.

Arrival Support

Begin your American experience with help getting settled.

Local Support

Have a dedicated Local Coordinator and the ETC student support team behind you throughout the experience.

Nonprofit Mission

Have the ETC student support team behind you throughout the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions
about American High School Exchange

How old do I have to be?

Eligibility depends on program requirements. Students are usually 15 – 17 years of age and must not have graduated high school in their home country. Contact ETC to discuss any questions and exchange goals.

How do I know if you have a partner in my home country?

We work with many different partners worldwide. To see if we work with a partner in your home country or if you are eligible to work with ETC directly, please fill out the inquiry form.

How long can I attend school in the USA?

Program length can vary from one semester to a full academic year. ETC can explain available options.

What is a J-1 high school exchange program?

ETC can explain how the J-1 exchange program works and what students should expect.

Can I choose where I live?

Placement depends on available host families, schools and program requirements though you can request to be placed in a specific state or metro area.

Can I play sports or join clubs?

YES! We always encourage students to join sports and clubs. Keep in mind it is based on eligibility and availability.

What if I get homesick?

Homesickness is a normal part of adjustment. Your host family, Local Coordinator and ETC support team can help.

What if I have a problem with my host family or school?

You have a support network. Contact the appropriate ETC support person so concerns can be addressed.

Who do I contact if I have a question?

Start with ETC. We can help connect you with the right person.

How are host families selected?

ETC can explain the current host-family screening and placement process.

Who supports my child during the year?

Your child’s support network includes the host family, American school, local coordinator and ETC student support team.

How often will someone check in?

ETC can explain the current communication and monitoring process.

What happens if my child is struggling?

Contact ETC or the Local Coordinator. The support team can help assess concerns and determine next steps.

What happens in an emergency?

ETC can explain the appropriate emergency contact and support procedures.

How does the application process work?

ETC staff can walk you through the steps and answer questions along the way.

What does the program cost?

Costs and inclusions depend on the program and placement. We currently do not offer any scholarships or discounts. Contact ETC for further details.

Will there be an orientation before departure?

Students and parents should receive preparation and orientation before the exchange.

How can I communicate with ETC?

You will have access to email, WhatsApp and phone for our ETC support team.

Ready to Start your American High School Experience?

You do not have to have everything figured out yet. Start with a question. Talk with our team. Learn how the program works and whether a U.S. exchange is right for you. We are here to help.

Let’s Start a Conversation

Interested in a U.S. high school exchange? Tell us a little about yourself and an ETC team member can help you understand your next steps.

Education Travel & Culture

U.S. cultural exchange and education programs

Questions about studying abroad in the United States? We are here to help.

About ETC / U.S. Exchange Program / Contact Us

Contact: exchange@edutrav.org