Age
15 years old on 1 August, 18½ max at departure
J-1 Visa · Cultural exchange
The real American exchange
Until 15 December−€2,000 on the J-1 school year · −€1,000 on the August 2027 semester
A semester or a year in an American public high school, with a volunteer family who welcomes you to share their life — not for an income. The exchange as it was invented.
- August & January departures
- Anywhere in the United States
- Local support 24 hours a day
Replies live, 24/7
Sophie, your AI adviserShe knows “Classic J-1 programme”: options, duration, accommodation. Tell her your child's age and what you're looking for, and she'll tell you what's available and what it costs.
Type your question here, or say it into the microphone
● Call in progress — Sophie is listening · tap the microphone to hang up
The programme at a glance
School results
Minimum C+ average in every subject
English
ELTiS 689 minimum, retest possible if you register early
The high school
Public, assigned according to the family found — often small, welcoming towns
The family
Volunteer, she hosts out of a desire to share
Sports & activities
Every high school has its teams and clubs; the list depends on the assigned high school
A question about the Classic J-1? Sophie knows everything, in detail.
Age and English requirements, what the price includes, the dates, life in a small town — Sophie answers right away, 24 hours a day, in English.
The price includes
- Return flight from Brussels or Paris (up to €1,200)
- Interview and English test
- School selection, registration and tuition
- Host family placement and full-board accommodation
- Registration fees
- The school’s extracurricular activities, sports and clubs
- Airport transfers
- Support from the American host organisation and on-site orientation meeting
- Compulsory medical insurance
- Progress reports
- Move & Study service before, during and after the stay; help with the visa
- 24-hour emergency assistance
Still to budget for
- Paid excursions and clubs
- School canteen ($3 to $6/day)
- J-1 visa and SEVIS fees
- Cancellation insurance (optional, 3%)
- Pocket money ($300 to $350/month)
- Books, iPad, computer (about $500)
- High School Diploma: on request at registration, never guaranteed
The spirit of the Classic J-1, honestly told
The Classic J-1 is a cultural exchange, not a catalogue product: you choose neither the region, nor the high school, nor the sports. Region preferences are honoured about 85% of the time, state preferences about 70%, and placements are often in small-town America — which is precisely what makes it a total immersion.
If choosing the school, the district or a specific sport is decisive for your plans, the F1 and F-1 Public programmes are made for that.
The other programmes
Prefer to choose?
Two programmes let you look at the schools before you decide.
Calendar
- 1Before 31 DecemberRegistration advised for August, applications until February depending on availability
- 2Before 15 OctoberJanuary semester deadline
- 3By 31 August at the latestAll placements confirmed
- 45 days before school startsEarliest arrival
Frequently asked questions about the Classic J-1
I’ve already finished secondary school (CESS, baccalauréat)?
Yes, if under 18½ at departure; the January semester is not open to graduates.
What contact with my parents?
2 to 3 times a week recommended; visits at the end of the stay.
Visa refused or no family?
Full refund excluding administrative fees.
Classic J-1 programme prices in questions
How much does the school year cost on the Classic J-1?
The programme’s 2027-2028 school-year package is €10,950* €12,950, as shown on its sheet.
How much does a semester cost on the Classic J-1?
The programme’s 2027-2028 semester package is €9,950* €10,950, as shown on its sheet.
Can you go for just a semester on the Classic J-1?
Yes, the programme sheet shows a semester is possible in autumn as well as in spring.
What is the price difference between Classic J-1 and F1 Basic?
Over the 2027-2028 school year, F1 Basic costs €8,400 more than Classic J-1 (65%), i.e. €21,350 versus €12,950.
Does the Classic J-1 sound like you?
Sophie checks the age, English level and dates with you, then your quote is sent by email.