
United States · Cultural exchange
J-1 Public High School Cultural Exchange
An academic-year cultural exchange centered on public high school, a screened volunteer host family and everyday American community life.
Explore ProgramOur Programs
Supporting students and families with carefully selected high school pathways across the United States, Canada and Europe.

United States / Canada / Europe
Seven pathways. Individual possibilities.
Different students need different pathways. Explore our programs and find the option that best fits your academic goals, preferences and international education plans.

United States · Cultural exchange
An academic-year cultural exchange centered on public high school, a screened volunteer host family and everyday American community life.
Explore ProgramJ-1 focuses on cultural exchange and volunteer host-family matching. Explore the study pathways below for different school-selection approaches.

United States · Public school
Study at a U.S. public high school with the opportunity to select from participating school districts and experience American academic and community life.
Explore Program
United States · Private school
An affordable private-school pathway for international students seeking a U.S. private high school experience with professional school matching and student support.
Explore Program
United States · Private school
A flexible private high school option that gives students greater visibility and preference in the school selection process.
Explore Program
United States · Private school
Designed for students who want greater control over school selection, academic programs, location and campus environment.
Explore Program
Canada · Secondary education
Explore Canadian high school opportunities in welcoming communities with strong academics, diverse course options and international student support.
Explore Program
Europe · Secondary education
International secondary education opportunities across selected European destinations combining academics, cultural immersion and global experience.
Explore ProgramCurrent options are subject to availability, admission requirements and program rules.
Understand the difference
Start with how much school choice you need, then compare the academic and practical details.
Scroll across to compare all four F-1 pathways.
| Your priorities | F-1 Public High School | F-1 Private Basic | F-1 Basic Plus | F-1 Private Choice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| School Type | Public high school | Private high school | Private high school | Private day / boarding options |
| Level of School Choice | District-level choice | Professional matching | Preferences within a defined group | School-specific search |
| Location Choice | Participating districts | Matching-led; flexibility needed | Within the available school group | Location preferences considered |
| Program Length | Semester / academic year | Semester / academic year | Semester / academic year | Academic year or longer; shorter options vary |
| Multi-year Study | No: F-1 public secondary attendance is limited to 12 months total | May be available; conditions apply | May be available; conditions apply | May be available; conditions apply |
| Graduation Possibility | School-specific review* | School-specific review* | School-specific review* | School-specific review* |
| Best For | Students seeking a U.S. public high school experience with participating district options. | Families prioritizing value and professional school matching. | Students who want more visibility and preference in the school-selection process. | Students with stronger preferences regarding a specific school, location, academics or campus environment. |
* Graduation may be possible depending on the school, grade level, credit requirements and program.
School placement is subject to availability, admission requirements and program rules. Continued study also depends on enrollment and immigration conditions. Where no common rule applies, details vary by school/program.
Public-school F-1 duration and tuition rules: U.S. Department of State.
Begin with your priorities
Bring your academic goals, preferred destinations and practical considerations to the conversation. Review the available options before choosing a pathway.
Discuss your education plansYour next chapter
Every student has different academic goals, preferences and family considerations. Our team can help you understand the available options and identify an appropriate pathway.