Frequently Asked Questions

F-1 Select Program

The F-1 Student Visa Program allows international high school students to study in the U.S. for a semester or a full academic year while living with an American host family or attending a private, public, or boarding school. F-1 students have the option to extend their stay, study for multiple years, and even graduate from a U.S. high school.

Eligible students must maintain good academic standing and demonstrate good English language skills. Age requirements vary depending on the school chosen. Participants should also have a genuine interest in experiencing American culture and education.

3. How long can I study in the U.S. with the F-1 visa?

You can choose to study for one semester (approximately 5 months), a full academic year (around 10 months), or longer if you wish to complete your high school education in the U.S. One key benefit of the Select Program is the ability to return for additional years.

Yes, a good knowledge of the English language is essential for academic success and social integration. Most students are required to take an English proficiency test, such as the ELTIS (English Language Test for International Students). Specific schools may have additional language requirements.

You will stay with an American host family, carefully selected and vetted by Away Studies and their U.S. partner organization. Host families provide a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment. In the F-1 program, host families may receive compensation. If you choose a boarding school, you will reside in a supervised dormitory.

If you’re on an F-1 visa, you have the option to attend either public or private high schools in the U.S. However, if attending a public school, F-1 students are limited to one year, and they must pay tuition to the school district. In contrast, there is no time limit for F-1 students attending private schools. The F-1 visa offers more flexibility in terms of school choice and duration of stay. F-1 students can renew their visa for multiple years as long as they are enrolled in a U.S. school.

You can apply through our website by filling out the contact form. After that, you’ll go through an interview process, submit required documents, and once accepted, we’ll guide you through the visa process.

8. How much does the F-1 Exchange Program cost?

Costs vary depending on the length of your stay and the selected school. Please contact us for the most current pricing and payment options.

9. What support is available during my exchange?

You’ll have a dedicated local coordinator who will support you and your host family throughout your exchange. They’re there to help with any challenges and ensure you have a positive experience.

10. What is the role of the local coordinator?

Your local coordinator is a trusted representative from our U.S. partner organization who lives in your community. They help you adjust to your new environment, provide ongoing support, and ensure your well-being throughout your exchange. They also act as a liaison between you, your host family, and the school.

If any issues arise with your host family, your local coordinator will work with both you and the family to resolve them. If necessary, a new host family can be arranged, but this is done only after exploring solutions.

The transfer of credits earned in U.S. schools depends on the policies of your home country and school. We recommend checking with your school before departure to confirm how U.S. credits will be recognized when you return. The F-1 program allows you to choose a school that aligns with your credit requirements, and in some cases, graduating with a U.S. high school diploma may also be possible.

Yes, you can travel within the U.S. with the permission of your host family and Away Studies. International travel is generally not permitted during the program, but students may participate in supervised trips organized by our U.S. partner organization, their school, or their host family.

Absolutely! While it's important to immerse yourself in your new environment, you can stay in touch with your family and friends via phone calls, video chats, and social media. However, we encourage students to balance staying connected with fully engaging in the exchange experience.

During the application process, you’ll have the chance to inform us of any dietary restrictions, allergies, or medical conditions. We take this into consideration when matching you with a host family to ensure your needs are met.

While your host family provides meals and housing, you’ll need to cover personal expenses like clothing, toiletries, school supplies, extracurricular activities, and any travel or entertainment you do outside of the program. We recommend bringing enough spending money for personal needs.

Student safety is our top priority. Away Studies and their U.S. partner organization carefully screen all host families, provide orientation for students and families and offer 24/7 support through local coordinators. Additionally, we maintain communication with schools to ensure that students are adjusting well.

Although F-1 visa holders may be eligible to work under specific conditions, Away Studies encourages students to prioritize their academic and cultural experiences. For this reason, we do not permit students to work, except for occasional unpaid volunteer opportunities.

The J-1 visa is for cultural exchange and is typically limited to a one-year stay with a host family and enrollment in a public school. The F-1 visa is for students who want to attend private schools and can allow for longer stays or repeated school years. Some students start with a J-1 visa and return to the U.S. on an F-1 visa.