High School Home Stay USA Exchange

Expand your youth programming by hosting a student from your sister city for an academic year or semester. SCI can help!

Applications due: May 1, 2011

2011-2012 documents
Initial Information Card
Student Application
E-Form Instructions

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

The Exchange and Eligibility Requirements

• In partnership with ACES, SCI can process the J-1 high school visa for any student wanting to study for an academic year or semester in their U.S. sister city
• This partnership allows SCI to offer the J-1 visa at a discount of $2000-$3000 for all sister cities 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 or 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 U.S. $, wire transfer, or credit card)

Note: Send local coordinator and international coordinator contact information and the initial information card to jroot@sister-cities.org.

Note: Mail applications to: Sister Cities International, High School Homestay Exchange 915 15th Street, NW, 4th Floor, Washington DC, 20005

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 202-347-8635.

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