High School Classic in the United States

USA High School Classic programme

High School USA Classic J-1

An immersion in an American secondary school with a J-1 visa, a volunteer host family and a placement organised by the sponsor and the school district.

High School immersion: the United States day to day

The High School Classic J-1 programme makes it possible to spend a semester or a school year at an American secondary school, with a volunteer host family. The school and the family are allocated in the United States by the sponsor organisation and the school district, according to the pupil's profile and availability.

This option is the most accessible way to have an authentic cultural experience. It suits young people who want to make rapid progress in English, discover a region of the United States without choosing the exact destination and fit into the daily life of a local High School.

The aim is not only academic: the young person learns to live in another family, to respect a new framework, to take part in school activities and to gain independence.

Classic J-1 programme key facts

The key points to confirm before preparing a High School Classic application in the United States.

Visa

Cultural programme with a J-1 visa.

Duration

A semester or a school year.

Age

Generally from 15 to 18 years and 6 months, with specific requirements depending on the departure.

Placement

School and family allocated by the sponsor and the district.

Accommodation

Volunteer host family, full board.

Why choose the Classic programme?

The Classic programme rests on cultural exchange. The pupil agrees to discover the United States as it is offered to them: a region, a school, a family and a local environment that are not chosen in advance.

This element of discovery is the strength of the programme. It pushes the young person out of their comfort zone, to adapt, to communicate in English and to build a genuine immersion experience.

The source emphasises the reliability of the placement and the importance of a complete and confirmed application. The programme therefore requires serious preparation and a good level of openness.

Placement, school and family

The American sponsor and the school district select the High School and the host family. The pupil follows the same rhythm as a young American: lessons during the week, extracurricular activities, family life, school events and gradual integration into the local community.

The host family is visited and selected locally. It welcomes the pupil as a member of the household, with the rules, habits and daily routines specific to the family.

The local school offers compulsory subjects and options according to its organisation. The choice of courses therefore depends on the school allocated and on availability at the time of arrival.

A typical day at an American secondary school

The day often starts with an American breakfast, then the journey to school, sometimes on board the famous yellow school bus. Lessons generally start in the morning and cover several subjects, among them English and American history.

After lunch, lessons continue until the early afternoon. Then the extracurricular activities take over: sport, music, drama, clubs or school events. Taking part in these activities helps a great deal in building bonds and fitting in.

In the evening and at the weekend, the pupil shares the life of their host family, goes along on outings, takes part in local habits and discovers a daily life very different from their own.

Testimonials and student experience

The source highlights testimonials from pupils and families that underline the importance of the family welcome, the discovery of a real American secondary school and the follow-up during the stay.

American football at High School — Sport, clubs and events set the rhythm of life at an American High School.

Programme highlights

Three dimensions particularly structure the Classic experience: local immersion, possible orientation in New York and the discovery of another school system.

Local immersion

A school and a family allocated so as to experience American reality without choosing your destination in advance.

New York pre-stay

An optional mini-trip can make it possible to meet other participants and discover Manhattan before leaving for the family.

American life

Lessons, clubs, sports, meals and weekends with the family make up a complete immersion.

Video: discover the Classic J-1 programme

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What is included

Search for a school and registration formalities.
Tuition and accommodation fees.
Full board with a host family.
Plane ticket according to the option chosen.
Individual information, language test and profile selection.
Assistance with preparing the application file.
Search and selection of the host family.
Documents required for the visa application.
Orientation session on arrival.
Regular contact from a local representative and Move and Study follow-up.
Welcome at the airport, student pack, grade reports and 24-hour emergency number.

What is not included

Health/accident insurance if it is not included in the option chosen.
Public transport and local transport.
Passport, visa or vaccination fees.
Pocket money, outings, leisure, telephone, small school costs, books or sportswear.
Uniform if the school requires one.
New York pre-stay when it is chosen as an option.

Participation requirements

Age: generally from 15 to 18 years and 6 months, with specific requirements depending on the departure dates. Some departures may accept younger profiles according to the rules of the programme.

Level: an intermediate to advanced level of English, with an assessment.

Schooling: a good school level, a complete application and no recent repeated year, according to the criteria of the programme.

Duration: a semester or a school year, with departures mainly from August to May.

Visa: obtaining the J-1 visa with support through the formalities.

Health: up-to-date vaccinations and medical conditions compatible with staying with a family.

Self Placement

If an American host family has already been identified, a Self Placement option can be considered. The family must meet the criteria of the J-1 programme, must not be related in the first or second degree and must give access to a school that will accept the pupil.

Registration procedure

Information: a discussion with the team to define the project.
Selection: checking the admission requirements and the English level.
Registration: confirmation of the programme and deposit.
Application: personal information, school results, medical file and requested documents.
Acceptance: the complete application is sent and the search for a family starts after acceptance.
Placement: the family and the school are confirmed according to the sponsor's calendar.
Departure: visa preparation, insurance, flights if requested, departure meeting and student pack.
Follow-up: local support and regular contact during the stay.

Move and Study support

The Classic programme requires rigorous preparation because the destination and the school are not chosen in advance. Move and Study supports the family in understanding how J-1 works, checking eligibility, preparing the documents and anticipating the calendar.

High School USA programme

Ready to prepare a Classic J-1 programme?

An adviser can check the profile, the deadlines, the age requirements and the calendar before putting the application together.

Request a High School information pack