High School in America (HSA)

HSA 2026-27

The High School in America program is an academic-year program for secondary school students interested in living and studying in the United States of America. Participants will live with volunteer host families and will study at an American high school. Over the course of the program, students will also develop leadership skills by engaging as cultural ambassadors and growing in confidence, independence
and the ability to communicate with different people. Many alumni have pointed to their exchange experience in shaping their future studies and career and in preparing them for a global world.

Interested candidates who meet the eligibility criteria are invited to complete the preliminary online application, which is open starting September 15, 2025, at the following link: https://ais.americancouncils.org/hsamerica

This is a paid program with no scholarships available. For more details please contact our office at hsa@americancouncils.org.

Official website: High School in America | American Councils

Instagram page: ac_hsa_exchange

Frequently Asked Questions: 2026-27_High_School_in_America_FAQ

What do program fees cover?

  • Placement with a selected and screened U.S. host family for one year
  • Enrollment in a U.S. secondary school
  • Program orientation activities including pre-program preparation and re-entry preparation
  • Program activities arranged in local U.S. communities
  • Medical insurance, excluding pre-existing conditions, copays, and dental care
  • 24-hour student support while in the U.S.
  • Overseas support for parents during the program year.

What is NOT provided?

  • Any costs associated with receiving an international passport
  • Round-trip domestic and international travel (from the gateway city in your home country to the U.S. host community and back)
  • Costs for applying for a U.S. visa
  • Required immunizations
  • School fees
  • Personal expenses
  • Excess baggage costs
  • Cellphones, cellphone plans
  • Computer or other supplies for study.

Who is eligible to apply? Eligible applicants must:

  • Meet the grade and age requirements set for their country
  • Be enrolled in a secondary school at the time of application and not have completed secondary school before arriving to the U.S.
  • Be born between July 15, 2008 – July 15, 2011
  • Have an academic standing of good or better
  • Have previously studied English and demonstrate English language ability at the time of registration
  • Meet the U.S. visa eligibility requirements
  • Be able to receive an international passport of the country of their citizenship, when they apply to the program
  • Citizens of Ukraine residing outside of Ukraine may apply to participate in this program.

Who is NOT eligible to apply?

Students are not eligible to apply if:

  • Applicant does not meet the above criteria
  • Applicant has studied in the U.S. before on a J-1 or F-1 visa
  • Applicant’s family (or a member of the family) applied or is applying to emigrate to the U.S., made plans to emigrate to the U.S., or has already emigrated to the U.S.

When and how can I apply?

Pre-Application for the High School in America (HSA) Program will be available starting September 15, 2025.

  • Interested candidates who meet the eligibility requirements are invited to complete a preliminary online application located at: https://ais.americancouncils.org/hsamerica
  • A selection committee will evaluate online applications and select semifinalists. Semifinalists will receive a longer application, take an English language proficiency test, write a composition, and be interviewed by program staff. Applicants will then be asked to complete an online application with more detailed information.

What happens after notification?

  • Upon notification, finalists, alternates, and their parents will receive information to prepare them for their departure. They must officially notify the program in writing that they accept a spot in the program and must provide any additional documentation requested within two weeks of acceptance and pay a deposit of $1000. Students must begin the process of applying for or renewing their international passport immediately upon acceptance to the program. The program will instruct participants on the process of applying for a U.S. visa.
  • The program will match finalists with qualified U.S. host families and arrange for enrollment in local secondary schools. Participants will have pre-departure orientations in June/July, and will then travel to their U.S. host families and communities to begin their U.S. exchange experience in August 2026.
  • Please note: Students participating in the program must return to their home country at the end of the program on the date assigned by the sponsor. The U.S. visa issued for program participants will not be amended or extended beyond the program end date for any reason.

What should you consider before applying to the program?

Students who are interested in the program should consider whether taking part in a year-long exchange program may have an adverse impact on their academic or personal future.

Things to consider include but are not limited to:

  • Will I have to repeat a year of school after returning home?
  • Will I be home too late in 2027 to take final school examinations/university/institute entrance examinations? Program participants return to their home countries in late May and June 2027.
  • Will I be required to serve in the military upon return to my home country?
  • Will I be eligible to graduate with honors at my home school?
  • Certain classes needed for school in my home school are not available in US high schools. Depending on the school and state, you may not be eligible to participate in competitive athletic competitions due to local and state regulations.
  • Finally, although students attend a U.S. high school, the curriculum is substantially different from that in other countries, and it is likely you will not learn the same subject material.
  • Receiving academic credit for your year abroad cannot be guaranteed.

The program cannot guarantee you will receive a U.S. high school diploma during your exchange year, but will provide a record for the coursework you do complete.

Who organizes the program?

American Councils for International Education, is proud to organize the High School in America (HSA) program. American Councils has been working on exchange programs for over 45 years. Together with our partners, we have helped young people from over 65 countries have life-changing experiences.

Where will I stay while in the US?

The program will identify a host family and community for you. Students have lived in all of the fifty states, and most placements are in smaller towns and with many types of families from families with teenagers, retirees, and others. Requests for a specific type of family or geographic area in the United States are not granted. Living with family members in the U.S. is strictly prohibited.

Apply now at https://ais.americancouncils.org/hsamerica

For more questions, please email us at hsa@americancouncils.org

Website High School in America | American Councils