Go on a high school exchange - registrations for 2027 are open

Go on high school exchange in the USA

Why study abroad in the USA?

Discover life as a high school student in the USA. A whole new way of living – from yellow school buses and pep rallies to school pride, homecoming dances, and weekend road trips. You’ll immerse yourself in a culture you’ve only seen in movies, experience the American school spirit firsthand, and find out what everyday life is like as a U.S. teen.

✅ Grow beyond your comfort zone

✅ Master English naturally

✅ Make friends for life

✅ Experience true American culture

2 mins

Are you eligible for the exchange?

If you’re between 15 and 18.5 years (upon arrival) you can be an exchange student in the USA. You don’t need straight A’s to apply, just curiosity, motivation, and a willingness to try something completely new.

Choose the experience that fits you best: a short semester abroad, a full academic year, or even several years. However long you go, it’s your journey – and it starts with saying yes to the opportunity.

Quick facts

  • Ages: 15–18.5 years

  • Subjects: Mix of core & elective courses

  • Support: 24/7 availability

  • Duration: 5 or 10 months or multiple years

  • Visa: Required (additional cost)

  • Price: From €11,050

  • Accommodation: Local host family or dorm

  • Welcome camp: NYC, incl for fall departures

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Chat with a high school expert

Got questions? We’re here to help you figure it all out.

How do American high schools work?

American high schools include grades 9–12, with students aged 14 to 18. The school year starts in August or September and ends in May or June, with around 37 hours of classes per week. Students are grouped as Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, or Seniors.

One of the best parts? You get to shape your own schedule. With guidance from a school counselor, you’ll combine core subjects like English and math with electives that match your interests.

School is a big part of exchange life. Classes are interactive and often include workshops, group projects, and hands-on learning.

A typical day at an American High School

American high school life is a mix of structure, freedom, and social energy – a bit like stepping into your favorite teen movie. Your day starts with core subjects like English, U.S. history, or math, and continues with electives that reflect your interests – from cooking and drama to business or art. Between classes, you might hang out at your locker, chat with friends in the hallway, or grab lunch in the cafeteria before the next bell rings.

Classes are interactive and supportive. You’ll raise your hand, join discussions, and work in teams – and before you know it, you’ll feel like you’ve always belonged.

Join the spirit — after school activities

When classes are over, the day is far from done. You can join sports teams, music groups, or clubs, from soccer and cheerleading to theater or yearbook. It’s your chance to try something new, make even more friends, and feel the amazing school spirit that defines American high school life.

Weekends are your time to discover everyday life in your new hometown – whether that means local diners, shopping malls, nature spots, or a football game. You’ll get to experience American culture up close, create lasting memories, and start feeling truly at home.

Trusted since 1958 — why STS is a great choice

Since 1958 over 1.2 million students from across the world have studied abroad with us. With STS you get:

  • 24/7 support – we’re always here for you
  • Carefully selected host families
  • Resilience training
  • Free Welcome Camp in New York (fall departures)
  • Local staff or host family will greet you at the airport
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Compare our US exchange programs

We offer two main programs in the USA. The Classic program is perfect if you’re open to adventure and want an authentic American experience. You can’t choose your school. The Select program is ideal if you have specific goals – you choose your preferred school and location. We also offer Boarding Exchange – if you want the boarding school experience.

Your student exchange in the USA begins here

It’s easier than you might think! Start your journey by talking to us – we will guide you from A to Z. What are you waiting for? Challenge yourself, and create memories that stay with you forever.

Living with an American host family

When you join one of our high school programs in the USA, you’ll live with a carefully selected host family – your home away from home. They will do their utmost to make you feel like part of the family. You’ll join in on daily routines, share meals, and be introduced to their favorite places. You’ll also get to know their friends and relatives.

Maybe it’s a Thanksgiving dinner or cheering at a local event. Whatever the activity, you’ll create lasting memories together throughout your exchange year.

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Welcome Camp in New York

Get the best possible start to your high school exchange in the USA at our fantastic Welcome Camp in New York. Together with exchange students from all over the world, you will have the opportunity to get rid of your jet lag and discover one of the coolest cities in the world. The New York Welcome Camp is included in the program fee for fall departures.

The cost of a high school exchange in the USA?

In addition to the program fee that you pay to STS, there are certain costs that you and your family need to cover, including costs for insurance, visas, personal items, local trips, leisure activities, and pocket money.

How much you’ll need monthly depends on your lifestyle, but we recommend at least 350 USD per month, plus an 800 USD buffer for unexpected costs. The total program fee varies based on your chosen program, duration, and any extras. See the table below for starting prices (Classic Program) and available add-ons.’

Length
5 months
5 months
10 months

Period
Fall
Spring
Fall

Year
2026
2027
2026

Price
From €11 050
From €11 050
From €12 450

Get started! Talk to us

Book a call with one of or high school experts!

Add-ons

Classic program

Would you like a little more control over your high school exchange, or prepare yourself a little extra? With our add-ons, your dreams may become reality. The add-ons below are for the Classic program only, except for the preparatory course that can be added for all programs.

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Our destinations

Take our short quiz and discover which high school exchange destination fits your vibe.

USA
USA

Discover life as a high school student in the USA. A whole new way of living – from yellow school buses and pep rallies to school pride, homecoming dances, and weekend road trips. You’ll immerse yourself in a culture you’ve only seen in movies, experience the American school spirit firsthand, and find out what everyday life is like as a U.S. teen.

Argentina
Argentina

A high school year in Argentina will give you a wonderful mix of cultures and indigenous traditions. And your Spanish will get a powerful boost. This is a big, bold and beautiful country with many different landscapes and different climate zones – from subtropical in the north, over the vast green plains (Pampas) in the centre to subpolar and glazier zones in the far south.

Australia
Australia

Studying in Australia is more than just sunshine and surf. It’s about meeting new friends, trying Vegemite (yes, really), and learning what it’s like to go to school on the other side of the world. Whether you're in a coastal city or a small rural community, you’ll experience life like a true Aussie teen – full of adventure, culture, and personal growth.

Austria
Austria

You don’t have to be skier to love Austria. But if fresh powder and well prepared slopes is your thing then Austria will be your kind of heaven. There are mountains and lift systems everywhere and they are often close to the cities.

Canada
Canada

It isn’t hard to see why Canada is attracting an increasing number of international high school students for their year abroad. Canada isn’t just the second-largest country in the world, where the people are friendly and life is easy-going. It also has beautiful natural scenery, wide-open spaces, the great outdoors and plenty of wildlife.

Costa Rica
Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a nature-lover's dream, with deep rain forests, perfect beaches, mountains, volcanoes, islands and spectacular wildlife. But the country's best asset is the people, who are warm, welcoming and share a unique way of seeing the world. Pura vida ('pure life') is both a greeting and the national philosophy. It encapsulates a friendly and worry-free lifestyle and an appreciation of people, nature and a good time.

China
China

Live and study in one of the world’s most dynamic countries, one that combines the cutting edge of technological development with a history that dates back millennia. The past, present and future seem to merge in China. Discover its unique culture and fascinating language from the inside on an unforgettable high school exchange.

Denmark
Denmark

Take the chance to study in the lovely country Denmark! Despite the country's small size, there is a lot to discover here. Come with us to Denmark as an exchange student and experience the green landscapes, blue sea and beautiful old towns. Eat typical food such as smørrebrød and frikadeller, rent a bicycle in Copenhagen and treat yourself with some amazing Danish pastry at a cosy café!

Finland
Finland

Finland's stark Nordic scenery is home to fascinating wildlife, pristine forests, some 200,000 lakes and the world's happiest people, not to mention Europe's top educational system and an extremely high quality of life (and don't forget the saunas).

France
France

Around 85 million tourists from all over the world can’t be wrong – France is the place to visit. For decades the country has had the number 1 spot in the World Tourism Organisation’s yearly statistics. It’s no wonder France is a favorite. Shopping, fashion and sightseeing in Paris, the glamorous beach life on the Côte d’Azur, skiing in the French Alps and a beautiful countryside are some of the things that attracts foreigners. Also, it’s no doubt that France is number 1 when it comes to food. Will you try a delicacy such as escargots?

DE-canva-3.jpg
Germany

Germany is the largest country in the EU in terms of population. It’s also the European Union’s biggest economy, which you will notice by the high standards of living. This modern, cosmopolitan country is a centre for technology and innovation. It attracts people from all over the world with a varied cultural scene and a certain love for concerts and festivals.

Great Britain
Great Britain

Studying in the UK is more than afternoon tea and iconic landmarks – it’s a chance to experience life as a British teen and discover a world of new perspectives. From buzzing cities like London and Manchester to charming countryside villages, your exchange year in the UK combines academic challenges with unforgettable cultural moments.

Ireland
Ireland

A high school exchange in Ireland means diving into a vibrant culture full of music, tradition, and friendly energy. You'll live like a local, attend an Irish secondary school, and become part of a community that is full of character. From green hills and coastal cliffs to school spirit and weekend céilís, life in Ireland is anything but ordinary.

Italy
Italy

Go on high school exchange in ItalyFree brochure Why study abroad in Italy? If you ask an Italian why you should come to Italy the answer will probably be because Italy has the best food, the most beautiful language, the greatest culture and world class soccer teams. Well, it’s hard to disagree. This country sure…

Japan
Japan

Welcome to a nation like no other! Japan is the world’s third largest economy, and a trendsetter in culture, fashion, and technology. Japanese culture is widely known for its traditional arts as well as its contemporary pop culture. It’s a country where old meets new in a totally unique way.

Netherlands
Netherlands

Most people are familiar with the tulip plantations, the windmills, the expertly built canal system (great for skating in winter time) and lively cities like Amsterdam, Haag and Rotterdam. We are of course talking about the Netherlands – a small but interesting country, with more to offer than just these traditional symbols.

New Zealand
New Zealand

Studying in New Zealand is more than just scenic landscapes and friendly locals – it’s about discovering a whole new way of learning and living.

Norway
Norway

Take the opportunity to study in one of the world’s most mesmerising countries. Norway is known worldwide for its exceptional nature and it’s the perfect destination for you who love skiing and snowboarding.

Spain
Spain

A high school exchange year in Spain means becoming part of a culture that’s lively, welcoming, and full of everyday moments. You’ll attend a local high school, live with a welcoming host family, and experience what daily life is like as a teenager in Spain. With nearly 500 million people around the world speaking Spanish, gaining confidence in the language will open up new opportunities – both now and in the future.

Sweden
Sweden

Did you know that Sweden is a 1 574 kilometer long country with nearly 100 000 lakes? Pretty impressive. The country has great coastlines and lots of vast forests. But also charming cities, both big and small, from Malmö in the south to Kiruna in the north. Stockholm, the Swedish capital, is a lively city located in the most amazing archipelago. It is a beautiful country with great wildlife and plenty of wide open spaces. If you're lucky you'll see the King of Sweden, or at least the king of the forest, the famous moose. Come join us for a genuine experience!

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