J-1 Public High School Program – United States
A supervised, authentic and secure school and cultural immersion
Key Information
- •Age: 15 to 18.5 years old in August of the departure year
- •Academic level: middle school or high school in France
- •Duration: 1 semester (5 months) or 1 school year (10 months)
- •English level: intermediate required
- •Conditions: good physical and mental health, motivation, adaptability
- •Location: anywhere in the United States
- •Accommodation: selected volunteer host family, full board
The J-1 program: an official cultural exchange
The J-1 program is a cultural exchange program recognized and regulated by the American government. It is under the supervision of the U.S. Department of State, which authorizes, controls and audits organizations authorized to offer this type of stay.
The J-1 program :
- ✓Strict safety and monitoring standards
- ✓Serious supervision of families and institutions
- ✓A clear legal framework for international students
The J-1 visa allows studying in the United States for a maximum duration of two semesters (one school year).
How the program works
The student chooses the duration of their stay (1 semester or 1 year)
A volunteer American host family is selected
The student is enrolled in the public high school of the district corresponding to the family's home
They attend classes and participate in local school life
A local coordinator ensures follow-up throughout the stay
This operation allows for natural immersion, both academically and culturally, and promotes rapid English learning.
Schooling in an American public high school
The student follows courses offered by the high school, according to their level, age and previous academic background.
Subjects may include:
- ▸English
- ▸Mathematics
- ▸Sciences
- ▸History
- ▸Artistic, sports or technological options
Students are encouraged to participate in:
- ▸Extracurricular clubs
- ▸High school sports teams (depending on level and availability)
- ▸School and community events
This involvement is a key element of the program's success.
The host family
The host family is at the heart of the J-1 experience.
Caractéristiques de la famille d'accueil :
- ▸Families are volunteers
- ▸They welcome the student as a family member
- ▸They may live in the suburbs, rural areas or more rarely in urban centers
- ▸The placement location is not chosen in advance
Family selection and follow-up
- ▸Rigorous selection and verification process by the government and sponsor (host organization)
- ▸Interview, file and regular checks
- ▸Follow-up by a local coordinator throughout the stay
The placement deadline can vary: from a few weeks to sometimes a few days before departure.
This principle is an integral part of the program: it allows the student to discover authentic American daily life, regardless of the region.
Supervision and support
Throughout the program, the student benefits from:
- ✓A dedicated local coordinator
- ✓Regular monitoring of their school and family situation
- ✓A 24/7 emergency number
- ✓Support from the host organization and IMMERSION
Before departure, IMMERSION accompanies the family and student in:
- ✓Application file preparation
- ✓Administrative procedures
- ✓Preparation for departure and cultural immersion
What is included in the program
- ✓Host family accommodation
- ✓Enrollment in an American public high school
- ✓Full board
- ✓Local coordinator throughout the stay
- ✓Assistance with file and J-1 visa application
- ✓Health insurance
- ✓Orientation session of a few days upon arrival (New York)
- ✓Accompaniment from France (group departures) or welcome upon arrival (individual departures)
- ✓Follow-up throughout the stay
- ✓24/7 assistance and emergency
What is not included
- •Airline tickets
- •Fees related to visas or travel authorizations
- •Outings and activities during the stay (museums, cinema, restaurants, cafeteria, etc.)
- •Personal and school expenses (supplies, uniforms if required)
- •Pocket money
Possible options (additional)
Depending on deadlines and availability, it is possible to request:
- ▸A specific state or region
- ▸Placement in an urban area (more than 30,000 inhabitants)
- ▸A single room
- ▸Early placement
A formative and structuring program
The J-1 program is particularly suitable for students wishing to:
- ▸Significantly improve their English
- ▸Experience complete cultural immersion
- ▸Gain maturity and autonomy
- ▸Prepare for an international academic path
At IMMERSION, we take the time to study each profile in order to propose a program consistent with the student's and their family's objectives.
The J-1 Program Through the Lens
Discover the daily life of our J-1 students through this gallery of authentic photos. Host family, school life, and activities that make this immersion an unforgettable adventure.
Discover our other programs in the United States
Explore our other program options to find the one that best suits your needs.
They lived the adventure
Discover the authentic experiences of our students who dared to immerse themselves and came back transformed.
Receive the Brochure
Want to learn more about this program? Receive our complete brochure with all the detailed information, important dates, and steps to start your immersion adventure in the United States.
Book an Appointment
Would you prefer to speak directly with our team? Book a time slot that suits you to discuss your immersion project.
Book an Appointment