High School Homestay Exchange

The High School Home Stay exchange program is an opportunity for sister cities to host students for a year or semester of high school in the United States. The international cities choose the high school students, who must be between the ages of 15 and 18 1/2 on the first day of school. Once the student is in the United States, the U.S. sister city will provide oversight for the student, organize a host family, and include the student in sister city activities.

Expand your youth programming by hosting a student from your sister city for an academic year or semester. In partnership with the American Cultural Exchange Service, Sister Cities International can process the J-1 secondary school exchange visa.

The Exchange and Eligibility Requirements

• This partnership allows Sister Cities International to offer the J-1 visa at a discount of $2000-$3000 for all dues-paying members.
• Students must be between 15 and 18½ to qualify.
• Local sister city programs will have the autonomy to choose their participant(s), arrange the homestay and school placement, and monitor the student while he/she is in the U.S.

Application Process

• April 1: Selection of Local Coordinator (by U.S. sister city member)
• April 1: Selection of International Coordinator (by International sister city)
• April 1: Submit Initial Information Card (by International Coordinator or student)
• May 1: Submit Full application form (by International Coordinator and student)
• June 1: Submit payment to Sister Cities International (May be paid by U.S. sister city, international sister city, or parents by check in USD, wire transfer, or credit card)

Our Partner: American Cultural Exchange Service

American Cultural Exchange Service (ACES) is an American non-profit organization dedicated to promoting global understanding through educational and cultural exchange experiences. ACES believes that world peace can be realized through international friendships and global understanding that results from personal interactions provided by exchange experiences. ACES is a U.S. Department of State designated Exchange Visitor program sponsor, with full membership status in the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel. For more information on ACES, visit their website at www.exploretheworld.org.

For more information on the High School Homestay Exchange, please email youth@sister-cities.org.