F-1 Academic Public High School Program USA

The ICES F-1 Academic Public High School Program USA is all about giving you the freedom to choose where you will live and study in the United States. It’s a big country, and we work with many schools and district offices all across the USA, giving you the widest possible selection of regions and academic programs. The choice is yours!

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F-1 Academic Public High School Program USA

Choice of Destination – You can pick the area, school district and many times even a specific school!

Choice of Classes – We will help you find a school offering the classes you are looking for, so that you are prepared for your future!

Choice of Sports – If you play or want to try a new sport, we can help you find a school offering that sport.

Choice of Duration – You can attend for a semester or an academic year.

Choice of Graduation – If you desire a U.S. High School Diploma, we can help you find a school offering this.

Public schools have lots to offer. Many of our schools have great sports and arts programs and some of them will even give a diploma after only one year. We have public schools throughout the country so whatever your preference of location might be we have options. What do you like to do after school? Skiing, going to the beach or to the nearest shopping mall? We help you find the best option for you!

Our team will guide you through our schools to help find the right one for you!

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Want to Compare Programs? Learn More About our J-1 Study USA Program
 

Student Requirements

  • AGE:   14-19
  • GRADES:   9-12
  • ACADEMICS:   A minimum of a C average in all courses taken over the past three years.
  • ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS:   Minimum ELTiS 205.
  • ATTITUDE:   The maturity to deal with the inevitable challenges of adapting to another culture and communicating in a foreign language.
  • INTELLECTUAL CURIOSITY:   An open mind toward learning the ins and outs of another culture, such as its social customs, as well as concrete experiences such as food and fun.

Program Duration

  • Semester
  • Academic Year

Price

Price for the F-1 Academic Public High School Program varies from school to school. Please contact the ICES F-1 Academic Team for more information!

Contact F-1 Academic School Team
 

Accommodation – Your Host Family

Living with an American family will help you quickly adjust to life in the US, improve your English and learn about local customs and traditions. All of our families are carefully screened and vetted by our local staff.

ICES host families come from all backgrounds, faiths and philosophies. Some families have two host parents, and others are single- parent families. Some have young children who will enjoy the experience of having a “big brother or sister.” Sometimes the host parents have no children, or their children are grown up and live on their own. Often host parents work outside the home. Whatever the circumstances, host families share a common trait – they have enough love to make a young person from another country part of their family.

Many students and natural families are curious about how host families are found. Screening of American host families includes a host family application, reference checks, criminal background checks for every member of the household aged 18 and older, and an in-home interview by the ICES Local Coordinator.

Your ICES Local Coordinator

The Local Coordinator is the student’s most important ICES contact and a vital part in the exchange experience. Students can depend on their Local Coordinator to offer advice, answer questions, assist with class enrollment and help them to develop a satisfying relationship with their host family.

At least once a month, the Local Coordinator will contact the student, host family and school to discuss recent experiences and prepare a monthly progress report.

The Local Coordinator often plans activities and trips for students in the area, and sometimes together with other ICES field staff in the region.

The Local Coordinator reports to the ICES Regional Director, and if additional support or help becomes necessary the ICES Student Support Center will be contacted. An ICES on-duty officer may always be reached 24/7 at ICES toll-free number 1-800-3566.

 

9 Great Reasons to Choose the F-1 Academic Public High School Program

  • The ICES Academic Team Cares: They are trained to support both students and host families throughout the duration of the program.
  • Easy Enrollment: The Academic Team takes care of everything, including acceptance paperwork and timely delivery of the I-20 document.
  • Safety First: Host families are carefully screened for student safety and comfort.
  • Choice of Duration: Choose from semester or academic year program.
  • ICES Local Coordinators: You’re never on your own with a Local Coordinator by your side to offer guidance throughout the school term.
  • 24-hour Emergency Line: Help is just a phone call away for students and host families alike.
  • Monthly Progress Reports: There’s built-in peace of mind for parents, who’ll be able to make sure their children are getting the most out of the exchange experience.
  • Student Handbook: You’ll receive a comprehensive document with everything you need to know about your school, the program and the policies in place.
  • Arrival Orientation Program: Exciting programs in either New York or Los Angeles help you know what to expect and get acclimated to life in the U.S. before heading off to meet their host families.

What’s Included in Your Program Fee?

When you enroll in the ICES F-1 Academic Public High School Program, you get much more than just a spot at a public high school.

Program fees include:

  • Acceptance in a Public High School
  • Processing and delivery of an I-20 document
  • Placement with a screened Host Family
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • ICES Local Coordinator supervision
  • Support from ICES National Student Counselor
  • Monthly student progress reports
  • Medical insurance
  • Local airport arrival and departure transportation
  • 24-hour Emergency Line
  • August arrival includes a 4-day/3-night arrival orientation
Submit Your Interest in the F-1 Academic Public High School Program
 

ICES Student Arrival Orientations & Tours

LOS ANGELES & NEW YORK

The ICES Student Arrival Orientation is a 4 days/3 nights stop-over that offers a ‘soft-landing’ on U.S. ground before continuing to your final destination to meet your host family. The orientations will give you an introduction to your host community and what to expect of American culture, including differences you haven’t seen in the movies or on TV. In the afternoons we relax and tour your arrival city to get a glimpse of some popular hot spots.

Here are some of the benefits of attending the Student Arrival Orientation

  • You will have time to get over the worst jet lag.
  • You will meet other students from around the world.
  • 2 fun city tours to get a ‘taste’ of the local highlights.
  • A short orientation to go over the most important topics and expectations.
  • Individual time with an ICES staff member for personal questions.
  • You will be better prepared for a good start on your study abroad experience.
  • You will feel fresh and rested when you fly out to meet your host family for the first time.

For many students the arrival orientation is mandatory and already included in your program package, but for others this is an add-on that you should not miss to attend.

Come join the thousands of ICES students who have started their experience in America by attending one of these great student arrival orientations!

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