Student exchange programs in the USA
Make it your own with our program options
Experience High School in the USA
A student exchange program in the USA opens the door to an unforgettable adventure.
Immerse yourself in American high school life, where academics, extracurriculars, and school spirit create the ultimate exchange experience. The USA is the top choice for students seeking cultural immersion—whether it’s joining a sports team, performing in theater, playing in a band, or diving into science and social clubs. You’ll even get to experience iconic traditions like homecoming and prom!
From the rolling hills of Montana to the bustling streets of Chicago, the glitz of Los Angeles to the sunny shores of Florida, the USA’s incredible diversity makes it an exciting and popular exchange destination.
Americans are known for their goal-oriented, can-do attitude, embracing a culture of ambition, openness, and hospitality. As an exchange student, you’ll be welcomed with open arms and experience the unparalleled school pride that defines American high school life.
The USA offers two exchange programs: Classic, Classic + Area Request & Select High School. With our Classic Programs, students will live with a local host family and go to a local school, while Select gives the additional option to choose the exact school region they go to.
Quick facts
Age of students: 15–17 years
Departure: July/August/September, or January (subject to your placement location)
Visa: Yes. Students must attend a face-to-face visa appointment at their closest US Authority.
Australia: Perth, Melbourne & Sydney / NZ: Auckland
Area request: Yes
Soft Landing Camp: Yes, in New York
School day: Normally 7:30 to 14:30
Subjects: Compulsory and electives – subject to the school
Vaccinations: Students must have their standard childhood vaccinations based on their age. Additional immunisations, such as Meningococcal ACWY and a TB test (within 6 months of arrival), will be required by your host school to meet the U.S. National Immunisation Standards. Covid-19 vaccination is recommended but not mandatory.
Programs: Classic Exchange Programs (this page), Classic + Area Request, Select High School
Check out our Student Exchange Programs
The USA offers two exchange programs: Classic (with the Classic Area Request option) & Select High School. With our Classic Programs, students will live with a local host family and go to a local school, while Select gives the additional option to choose the exact school region they go to.
Classic High School – Your True American High School Experience
With the Classic High School program, you’ll experience high school life just like a local student. You’ll be carefully matched with a welcoming host family somewhere in the United States, giving you an authentic introduction to American culture and daily life. As you settle into your new home and school, you’ll quickly feel like part of the community.
Immerse yourself in a vibrant new world while studying for a Semester or Academic Year — an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Apply now
Select High School – Customise Your Exchange Experience
With Select High School, you’re in control of your exchange year. Choose where you want to live, the sports you want to play, the creative subjects you’d love to explore, and the classes you need to take. We partner with a variety of schools across the USA and carefully selected host families to ensure your exchange is tailored to you.
Apply for a Semester or Academic Year and create an experience that’s uniquely yours!
Select High School
Classic High School – Your True American High School Experience
With the Classic High School program, you’ll experience high school life just like a local student. You’ll be carefully matched with a welcoming host family somewhere in the United States, giving you an authentic introduction to American culture and daily life. As you settle into your new home and school, you’ll quickly feel like part of the community.
Immerse yourself in a vibrant new world while studying for a Semester or Academic Year — an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Select High School – Customise Your Exchange Experience
With Select High School, you’re in control of your exchange year. Choose where you want to live, the sports you want to play, the creative subjects you’d love to explore, and the classes you need to take. We partner with a variety of schools across the USA and carefully selected host families to ensure your exchange is tailored to you.
Apply for a Semester or Academic Year and create an experience that’s uniquely yours!
Soft Landing Camp in New York City
Start your exchange by joining Soft Landing Camp in New York City. You never know how you’ll feel leaving home on your own for such a big adventure. Expect a warm welcome and a few fantastic days discovering one of the world’s most iconic cities!
Soft Landing Camp is only available for students who start in the August semester and is at an additional fee of AU$1,995/ NZ$2,150.
Tell us where you want to study
Some programs allow you to decide where to spend your exchange program. Select High School students can pick the high school they will attend.
Classic High School program students may be placed anywhere, unless they include an optional choice in their preferred city, state, or region with an Area Request.
Classic High School USA + Area request
High school culture in the USA
The American high school experience is an enriching academic and cultural immersion. But you’re probably wondering, will it be like in the movies? Choose a Select program to find a school in a location that will give you this experience. There’s a possibility you will be joining clubs, voting for a homecoming queen, and cheering for classmates on the field, on the stage, and on report card day.
Exchange students will be enrolled in one of the four years of American high school. It depends on your age, grades, and the exchange policies of the destination institution. Most Southern Cross Cultural Exchange students go into the third year of high school (junior year) or the fourth year (senior year).
Academic subjects and schedules
Studying as an exchange student in the USA opens the door to new areas of study.
You’ll have required classes in subjects like maths and English, plus electives. These are classes in subjects that you may be able to choose. If so, we recommend choosing electives that lay the foundations for future study and advanced courses that enhance your academic record.
Your school counsellor will help you build a timetable that includes mandatory classes and electives that excite you.
The length of classes varies, but typically they last for one hour. Expect short breaks between sessions, with lunch scheduled at midday. There is usually a cafeteria at the school, and most allow you to eat off-site, too. Throughout the day, you will study alongside different classmates and this helps you appreciate working with people who share your interest in each subject.
Activities and clubs in the USA
How you spend your free time on exchange depends on where you study. If you’re by the beach or in the mountains, you’ll have very different options than students in cosmopolitan cities and bustling towns. Of course, all exchange students get the chance to enjoy extracurricular activities.
We recommend trying something new and indulging in something you love.
There will be opportunities for drama, sports, music, event committees, and student politics. Look for activities that might not be available at your school, like Speech and Debate, Yearbook Club, a school newspaper, or cheerleading. No matter how you choose to spend your time, these activities will introduce you to new friends and make you a part of the school community.
Don’t forget about your host family! Joining their activities after school and on weekends will deepen the immersion and sense of belonging in your new home.
Your host family
You will stay with a host family during your exchange. Living in the home of an American family lets you observe everyday life in another culture. You will pick up the rhythms and words of native speakers, adding nuance to your English. And when you need support, they will be there.
Staying with a host family means you will live the complete American high schooler experience.
Hosting international students has a long tradition in the US. Families do it because they are interested in you and where you come from. And because they can give you a safe and happy launchpad for the academic growth and personal discovery that comes with studying abroad.
American holidays
Holidays like Thanksgiving, Halloween, and Memorial Day are important events for American families. You’ll experience them as no ordinary visitor can, especially when you stay in the USA for Christmas. Americans mark this holiday in their own special way. Expect brightly lit houses and lawns, festive parties, joyful carol singing, and piles of seasonal treats. You will also meet your host family’s relatives and friends, immersing you further in American life and culture.
High school culture in the USA
The American high school experience is an enriching academic and cultural immersion. But you’re probably wondering, will it be like in the movies? Choose a Select program to find a school in a location that will give you this experience. There’s a possibility you will be joining clubs, voting for a homecoming queen, and cheering for classmates on the field, on the stage, and on report card day.
Exchange students will be enrolled in one of the four years of American high school. It depends on your age, grades, and the exchange policies of the destination institution. Most Southern Cross Cultural Exchange students go into the third year of high school (junior year) or the fourth year (senior year).
Academic subjects and schedules
Studying as an exchange student in the USA opens the door to new areas of study.
You’ll have required classes in subjects like maths and English, plus electives. These are classes in subjects that you may be able to choose. If so, we recommend choosing electives that lay the foundations for future study and advanced courses that enhance your academic record.
Your school counsellor will help you build a timetable that includes mandatory classes and electives that excite you.
The length of classes varies, but typically they last for one hour. Expect short breaks between sessions, with lunch scheduled at midday. There is usually a cafeteria at the school, and most allow you to eat off-site, too. Throughout the day, you will study alongside different classmates and this helps you appreciate working with people who share your interest in each subject.
Activities and clubs in the USA
How you spend your free time on exchange depends on where you study. If you’re by the beach or in the mountains, you’ll have very different options than students in cosmopolitan cities and bustling towns. Of course, all exchange students get the chance to enjoy extracurricular activities.
We recommend trying something new and indulging in something you love.
There will be opportunities for drama, sports, music, event committees, and student politics. Look for activities that might not be available at your school, like Speech and Debate, Yearbook Club, a school newspaper, or cheerleading. No matter how you choose to spend your time, these activities will introduce you to new friends and make you a part of the school community.
Don’t forget about your host family! Joining their activities after school and on weekends will deepen the immersion and sense of belonging in your new home.
Your host family
You will stay with a host family during your exchange. Living in the home of an American family lets you observe everyday life in another culture. You will pick up the rhythms and words of native speakers, adding nuance to your English. And when you need support, they will be there.
Staying with a host family means you will live the complete American high schooler experience.
Hosting international students has a long tradition in the US. Families do it because they are interested in you and where you come from. And because they can give you a safe and happy launchpad for the academic growth and personal discovery that comes with studying abroad.
American holidays
Holidays like Thanksgiving, Halloween, and Memorial Day are important events for American families. You’ll experience them as no ordinary visitor can, especially when you stay in the USA for Christmas. Americans mark this holiday in their own special way. Expect brightly lit houses and lawns, festive parties, joyful carol singing, and piles of seasonal treats. You will also meet your host family’s relatives and friends, immersing you further in American life and culture.
SEE MORE OF THE USA
Get even more out of your exchange program by seeing more of the USA! Southern Cross Cultural Exchange students can join all-inclusive adventures in captivating cities and landscapes across the USA.
These are subject to availability for students once they are overseas on the program.
Hear from our former exchange students in USA
Maddy
“Take every opportunity you get! Try everything you possible can and never give up.”
– Maddy in Texas
JEMMA
“Take every chance and opportunity you get as you will not regret it and it will make the most of your exchange.”
– Jemma in USA
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