years-experience access-alumni-network airfare airport-pick-up assistance-with-application-process community-service-placement continuous-support cultural-trips domestic-transport emergency-support field-trips global-competence-certificate grade-transcripts host-family-placement housing individual-contact-person internship-placement language-instruction meals medical-insurance orientations-during-your-time-abroad other pre-departure-orientation product-materials re-entry-orientation school-dipolma school-materials school-placement school-transport school-uniform stipend teaching-materials vaccinations visa-and-passport-fees visa-application-assistance world-wide-presence

America is an immigrant country with a great diversity of people, cultures, music, food and sports—and you will find just about every climate, landscape and terrain imaginable. Pop culture is everywhere, sports and news dominate many conversations and traditions vary greatly depending on region, ethnicity and religion. It’s really hard to generalize about what to do and see in a country where the pride of every town, suburb and city is based on its unique attractions, contributions and life style.

Although high school is the center of teen life in most places in America, community and religious organizations also offer clubs (from drama to chess), volunteer activities and programs for young people. Team sports keep many students after school for practice. Football, soccer, basketball, track, baseball, swimming, volleyball and cheerleading tend to rule. High school games attract crowds of all ages. Weekends: parties, shopping, and just hanging out. Many families take schoolwork seriously (getting into good colleges is competitive), but also encourage their teens to have fun.

Eligibility Requirements

*Age on Departure: 15 – 18.5*
*Graduates cannot be accepted*

Candidates must be in good general health. A significant majority of AFS USA host families have pets, so detailed information regarding placement restrictions is needed of all students with allergies, especially allergies to pets.

Placement in a vegetarian family is unlikely. More commonly, one or two members of the family may follow a vegetarian diet. The family will eat a non-vegetarian diet to which they will expect the participant adapt, or they will expect the participant to eat more of the side dishes instead of the meat/fish or dairy product.

What's included in your experience

  • Airfare
  • Host Family Placement
  • Housing
  • Meals
  • School Placement
  • Individual Contact Person
  • Medical Insurance
  • 24/7 Emergency Support
  • Domestic Transport
  • Assistance with Application Process
  • Visa Application Assistance
  • Pre-Departure Orientation
  • Orientations during your time abroad
  • Access to Alumni Network
  • Continuous Support
  • Worldwide Presence
  • 70 Years Experience

What you are responsible for

  • Vaccinations
  • Visa and Passport Fees
  • School Uniform