High School in the United States
Explore the United States
Starting date: August 2027
Year program
Spots available
Spots available
Go on a linguistic and intercultural trip to the United States for a year or a semester and enjoy a unique experience!
Admission requirements
Participants must be between 15.5 and 18.3 years old on the day of departure.
Traveling to the United States with AFS: the essentials before your departure
Before embarking on a language study trip to the United States, there are a few essential things to consider: adequate academic standing (no grade below 10/20 in the last two years), mandatory English language test after registration, and a ban on those who have recently repeated a year. Departures are scheduled in three waves between August and September, with no choice, and vaccinations are required (including hepatitis A and B).
Good to know: Most placements are rural, sometimes in Alaska, and are often confirmed very late (up to two days before). If a placement is delayed, departure may be postponed. All departures take place between early August and early September.
The school system
Going on a language study trip to the United States means discovering a different school system: the year begins in mid-August or early September and ends between mid-May and late June. Vacation lasts two weeks at Christmas and one week in the spring. Classes, from 7:30-8:30 a.m. to 2:00-3:00 p.m., last one to two hours, and assessment is based on participation and personal involvement.
Sports are very popular and often academic. International students also participate in arts and games: soccer, volleyball, theater, photography, chess, etc. However, access to sports clubs or teams is subject to selection, depending on the school, state, and the coach's policy.
American Culture: An Overview
Even with its high media coverage, the United States remains very different from the Hollywood image: its culture is unique and deserves to be explored with caution.
As a country of immigration, it celebrates its diversity: African-American, Hispanic-American, Asian-American, and mixed-race families. Many speak Spanish at home. Religion plays a large role, especially Christianity, even though all faiths coexist there.
What’s included in your experience
Learning paths that evolve with the world
AFS helps people of all ages and backgrounds develop the knowledge, skills, and understanding needed to connect with diverse people, succeed in a global environment, and contribute to a positive impact on the world.
