SCI: Programs and Services

ACES - Sister Cities International High School Home Stay Program

The application deadline for the 2010-2011 program year and the 2010 fall semester program is May 1, 2010. The payment deadline is June 1, 2010.

The Exchange
Benefits
Participation Requirements
Local Coordinator Role
International Coordinator Role
Program Cost: 2010-2011
Program Cost: Fall 2010
Application Process
About ACES

2010-2011 documents
Initial Information Card
Student Application
How to use Digital Application Materials

For more information please contact Jennelle Root, jroot@sister-cities.org or 202-347-8630 x4003.

The 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. In order to study in the United States, students must obtain a J1 visa and be "sponsored" by a certified organization. Sister Cities International has partnered with American Cultural Exchange Service (ACES) in order to provide our members with this service. The sister 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 and include the student in sister city activities.

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Benefits

Our program costs on average $2,000 to $3,000 less than other J1 visa certified exchanges.
Our program gives your community a high level of autonomy when designing the exchange student's activities and involvement in your sister city organization.

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Participation Requirements

To participate, a community must:

Be Sister Cities International members in good standing (up to date on dues payment)
Identify an individual who will serve as the local coordinator in the U.S.
Identify an individual who will serve as the international coordinator in the member's sister city

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Program Cost: 2010-2011

Program fee + insurance: $3450 (paid to Sister Cities International)
SEVIS fee: $180 (paid to the US Embassy/Consulate or the online registration system)
Airfare: +n/a (purchased by student)

TOTAL: $3630

Program Cost: Fall 2010

Program fee + insurance: $3250 (paid to Sister Cities International)
SEVIS fee: $180 (paid to the US Embassy/Consulate or the online registration system)
Airfare: +n/a (purchased by student)

TOTAL: $3430

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Application Process

For the 2010-2011 school year, the application must be postmarked by May 1, 2010. Please mail the following to Sister Cities International:

Full application form
Initial Information Card
Payment (may pay by check in U.S. $, wire transfer, or credit card)
Name and contact information for the local coordinator
Name and contact information for the international coordinator

Mail applications to:
Sister Cities International
High School Homestay Exchange
1301 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Suite 850
Washington DC, 20004

Local Coordinator Role

The local coordinator does much of the work needed for a student to study in the United States. This includes:

selecting the host family and school
monitoring and assisting the student throughout the academic year

The local coordinator will receive a $525 stipend if all reporting requirements are completed on-time.

For more information about the local coordinator's duties, please contact Jennelle Root.

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International Coordinator Role

The international coordinator does much of the work needed for a student to study in the United States. This includes:

helping the student submit an application
administering the English placement test
conducting an official interview with the student
helping the student obtain the J1 visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate

For more information about the international coordinator's duties, please contact Jennelle Root.

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About American Cultural Exchange Service (ACES)

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 or if you have any questions regarding this exchange program, please contact Jennelle Root, Special Programs Manager, at jroot@sister-cities.org or 202-347-8630 x 4003. (back to top)