United States of America
Every year, the number of international students in the US rises as more and more students choose the United States as the place they want to broaden their experience and continue their education. In fact, the US is the world’s most popular international student destination.
The United States is a complex and vast country made up of 50 states plus the city of Washington, D.C. – the nation’s capital. American culture has been enriched by the values and belief systems of every part of the world and from an international student’s perspective, that diversity is very valuable.
- Sports: American football, baseball and basketball
- High School dances such as Homecoming and Prom
- Diverse host families
- Attractions such as the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Statue of Liberty, Times Square and Disney World
- Academic Excellence & Global Recognition: High school students in the US can customize their own schedule. They can choose classes and electives that suit their interests. Also, with over 4000 universities across the country, the USA boasts some of the top universities in the world. The universities and colleges offer a wide range of degrees and courses.
- American Culture & Campus Life: There are many options for students to make friends and enjoy school life such as joining clubs, sports etc.
- Diversity & Variety: The USA offers diversity. There is a wide range of colleges , areas of study and specialty degrees to choose from (community college and four-year college). The USA is a melting pot of different people and cultures.
Applying for visas can be a complicated and difficult process, but no need to worry. ICES Cambodia can guide you through the process. Your course of study and the type of school you plan to attend will determine which visa you need.
There are three different student visa types in the United States:
- F1 Student Visa: For students who are attending an academic program or English Language Program. It is the most common form of international student visa in the US
- J1 Student Exchange Visa: For students participating in an exchange program, including high school and university study
- M1 Student Visa: For students who are attending non-academic or vocational schools
Required documents:
- A valid passport
- Visa application fee & form
- Proof of financial ability
- Passport-size color photo
- I-20 (Acceptance Letter from School)
*Please note that these are the basic requirements, speak with our ICES Cambodia consultant for a detailed list of documents required for visa processing. Call 077 811 777, 098 686 901.
Program Summary
| J-1 High School Exchange Program | |
| Duration | 1 academic year (10 months) August to June of the following year |
| School | Public school |
| Living | Host family |
HOST FAMILY
One of the special features of the J-1 Program is that students live with a host family. ICES host families come from all backgrounds, faiths and philosophies. Whatever the circumstances, host families share a common trait – they have enough love to make a young person from another country become part of their family. The most important part of being a host family is the ability to provide the love, support and a caring environment.
Host Family Responsibilities:
- Host families provide a room in their home with a bed and access to a quiet area to study.
- They provide meals
- They coordinate transportation to and from school
- Host families help you understand every aspect of the culture, and how the citizens of that country or city actually live, and help students improve their English language skills
- They allow you to live like a typical American teenager, as a member of the family and as a student at the local high school
Read more about Host Family
Program Eligibility
| J-1 High School Exchange Program | |
| Age | 15-18 years old |
| Grade | Grade 9, 10 or 11 |
| School Grade | A minimum of “C” average in all subjects
taken over the past 3 years |
| English Proficiency | Pass ELTiS (minimum 220 points) and English Interview |
| Qualities | Mature, physically and emotionally healthy, flexible and open-minded |
| Other | Students who are not disqualified for issuance of a U.S. visa |
Program Application process
| 1 | Consultation |
| 2 | Register for English Test (ELTiS) & English Interview |
| 3 | Complete application forms & submit supporting documents |
| 4 | Application reviewed by ICES USA for school & host family placement |
| 5 | Acceptance (DS-2019) to school & host family confirmation |
| 6 | Fill out visa application & schedule interview |
| 7 | Pre-departure Orientation |
| 8 | Departure |
| 9 | Welcome Orientation in the arrival country |
Program Fee
| Included | Not included |
|
|
BENEFITS
When you become an ICES Exchange student:
- You become more confident: From getting on a plane by yourself to adapting to new situations, you’ll develop confidence and independence.
- You build lifelong friendships: Attending a local school and living with a host family allows you to create lasting global relationships.
- You see the world: By studying abroad, you will have an enhanced global awareness and a better understanding of the world
- You master language skills: Full immersion in the culture allows you to speak, read and write in a foreign language with ease.
- You become more employable in the future: Experiencing a different education system and practices can be a great advantage for your future career.
Program Summary
| F-1 Regular High School | |
| Duration | Multiple years |
| School | Public or Private school
*Public school is limited to 1 year |
| Living | Host family or dorm |
Program Eligibility
| F-1 Regular High School Program | |
| Age | 14-19 years old |
| Grade | Grade 9, 10, 11 and 12 (graduation is allowed in certain schools) |
| School Grade | A minimum of “C” average in all subjects taken over the past 3 years |
| English Proficiency | Pass ELTiS (minimum 220 points) and English Interview |
| Qualities | Mature, physically and emotionally healthy, flexible and open-minded |
| Other | Students who are not disqualified for issuance of a U.S. visa |
Program Application process
| 1 | Study abroad consultation |
| 2 | Register for English Test (ELTiS) & English Interview |
| 3 | Complete Application forms & supporting documents |
| 4 | Fill out school request form |
| 5 | Application reviewed by ICES USA for school & host family placement |
| 6 | Acceptance (I-20) to school & host family confirmation |
| 7 | Fill out Visa application & Interview |
| 8 | Pre-departure Orientation |
| 9 | Departure |
| 10 | Welcome Orientation |
Program Fee
| Included | Not included |
|
|
BENEFITS
When you become an ICES student:
- You become more confident: From getting on a plane by yourself to adapting to new situations, you’ll develop confidence and independence.
- You build lifelong friendships: Attending a local school and living with a host family allows you to create lasting global relationships.
- You see the world: By studying abroad, you will have an enhanced global awareness and a better understanding of the world.
- You master language skills: Full immersion in the culture allows you to speak, read and write in a foreign language with ease.
- You become more employable in the future: Experiencing a different education system and practices can be a great advantage for your future career.