USA High School Stay
Age
Private school: 14 - 18 year olds
Public school: 15 - 18 year olds
Duration of stay
3 months, school semester, or school year
Classic, Select, and First Programme
Classic: Public high school without choice of location & school
Select: Public high school with choice of district
First: Private high school & boarding school
Destination
Western, Midwest, Southern, an Eastern states
The Western states are not only characterized by miles of coastline on the Pacific Ocean, but also by wonderful mountain landscapes and world-famous national parks like the Grand Canyon and vast desert landscapes and mountain peaks in Arizona.
The Midwest is known for its numerous lakes such as the Great Lakes near Wisconsin or the Ozarks in Missouri. The region is bordered by the Appalachian Mountains to the east and the Rocky Mountains to the west. The Great Plains area is home to numerous Native American reservations, as well as Mount Rushmore, a tribute to four American presidents - George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
The Eastern states stand out for their noticeable European influence, as well as for forming the economic center of America with cities such as New York City and Washington, D.C. They also reflect the origins of the country's history. Well-known attractions outside the giant metropolises include the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park.
The Midwest is known for its numerous lakes such as the Great Lakes near Wisconsin or the Ozarks in Missouri. The region is bordered by the Appalachian Mountains to the east and the Rocky Mountains to the west. The Great Plains area is home to numerous Native American reservations, as well as Mount Rushmore, a tribute to four American presidents - George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
The Eastern states stand out for their noticeable European influence, as well as for forming the economic center of America with cities such as New York City and Washington, D.C. They also reflect the origins of the country's history. Well-known attractions outside the giant metropolises include the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park.
America's subtropical South is home to the Mississippi River, the longest river in the country, as well as part of the Appalachian Mountains. The South is known for its incredibly diverse music scene, attracting fans of country, rock n' roll, jazz, and blues. Not to be forgotten are the dreamy beaches of the Atlantic coast, which attract millions of tourists every year.
Highlight: New York Experience
Your American stay
The American school system is divided into two school semesters, fall (September to December) and spring (January to May). You have the option to choose between:
Five months, starting in:
- August or September
- December or January
One school year, starting in:
- Agust or September
- May or June
The start of the school year in the USA depends on the school. It either begins in late August/early September and ends in December/January, or in May/June. If you book the New York Experience you will fly in August and start your adventure early!
Frequently Asked Questions about High School in the USA
You will stay with a previously screened and approved host family. The student's needs and interests will be met as much as possible with those of the host family.
Private schools have a uniform that is worn by all students. Public schools don't require uniforms but might have a specific dress code to be followed.
This is school district dependent. Classes at most schools run from approximately 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Yes, there is an Area Coordinator/Area Representative on site for each school district. This person can be contacted by phone at any time should a problem arise.
A family visit is only possible at the end of the program and is strictly prohibited during the stay.
Students usually bring their ski equipment with them, but it can also be rented on site.
Students are not allowed to work during their high school stay.
Public transport is well available in the cities. In more rural areas, you have to rely on friends with a driver's license and your host family to drive you to where you need to go.
Due to insurance reasons, students are not allowed to sign up for driving courses. It is also not allowed to drive motorized vehicles.
Yes, private high schools are offered with location and school choice. The schools are smaller and therefore create the best learning conditions. Classes are between 14 and 18 students in size.
The standard vaccinations common in Europe (tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis A and B, diphtheria, pertussis, polio) are recommended.
The US is a safe country. The world risk index is low, only 3.90%. Nevertheless, we recommend to keep personal valuables either on yourself or in a safe place.