About USA High School
The USA High School Program
The CIEE USA High School program began in 1995 in response to the need to offer a quality program for international students to participate in American high schools and interact with host families and communities for 5 or 10 months. The CIEE USA High School program has grown from a handful of students and countries to include more than 55 nationalities represented in a group of over 1,300 students each year.
Additional to the CIEE USA High School program, CIEE is designated by the U.S. Department of State as an administrator of several Grant Programs for students who have been selected to participate in the prestigious Congress-Bundestag scholarship (CBYX), Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX), Youth Exchange and Study (YES), and American Serbia and Montenegro Youth Leadership Exchange (A-SMYLE).
CIEE USA High School Services
Most CIEE students arrive in the U.S. in August for either one semester or a full academic year. A small group of students begin their program in January. Upon arrival, CIEE conducts an orientation in which students are prepared for their semester or year abroad. Orientation activities include informational workshops about living and studying in the U.S., sightseeing, accommodations, and all meals. Students then travel to their host families across America and enroll in high school in their host communities.
Students receive year-long supervision by CIEE Local Coordinators, offering a second line of pastoral care beyond the host family. Local Coordinators also organize fun and educational activities for all CIEE students in their area.
The CIEE Portand Office Support Team is also available 24 hours per day for students, host families, and schools.
Benefits of Exchange for Students
There are many benefits for students of the CIEE USA High School Program. Cultural immersion allows students to gain a personal understanding of the “American way of life.” Attending American high schools, participating in school and community-run clubs, and living with a host family give students unique firsthand access to American culture. Many students also come to the U.S. to improve their English skills. After hearing and using the language every day, many students attain fluency by the end of the program.
Affiliations
With over 60 years of experience in international education, CIEE is active with, and recognized by, several prestigious organizations.
