Short Programs – High School in the United States

A first school and cultural immersion, without a visa

Short programs in the United States allow young people to experience authentic immersion in an American family, while discovering how a local high school works, for a duration of 2 or 4 weeks.

Key Information

  • Age: 12 to 18 years old
  • Duration: 2 or 4 weeks
  • Visa: no visa, only ESTA (Visitor status)
  • Accommodation: host family with full board

These stays are ideal for:

  • A first experience abroad
  • Testing immersion before a longer program
  • Discovering American school and family life in all simplicity

How does the program work?

The program is designed to offer a varied and enriching immersion.

Possible 2-week stay with the same family and same high school

For a 4-week stay:

  • 2 weeks in a first city (or state)
  • then 2 weeks in another city, with a new family

Airport welcome is provided directly by host families

This format allows the student to discover several environments, lifestyles and regions of the United States.

Life with the host family

The student is welcomed into an American family, with whom they share daily life:

  • Family meals
  • Daily activities
  • Time spent with the family's children, often enrolled in the same high school

If the family practices sports or leisure activities, the student is naturally invited to participate, promoting integration and English practice.

Discovering the American high school

During the stay:

  • The student accompanies the family's children to the local high school, or to a nearby high school (the student will then have a student 'mentor' they will follow during their weeks)
  • They attend classes as an observer
  • They can participate orally or in activities according to their English level and abilities

The objective is not academic evaluation, but discovering the American education system

This status allows immersion without academic pressure, while promoting confidence and curiosity.

An accessible and reassuring stay

Thanks to visitor status (ESTA), this program:

  • Offers a simple and secure framework
  • Is particularly suitable for younger students or first experiences abroad

A short but impactful immersion

Short programs allow students to:

  • Discover American culture from the inside
  • Practice English daily
  • Gain autonomy and open-mindedness
  • Live a strong human experience, even over a short duration

What is included in the program

  • Observation in an American public high school
  • Host family accommodation
  • Full board
  • Host family selection and follow-up
  • Local coordinator throughout the stay
  • Assistance with file and ESTA application
  • 24/7 assistance and emergency number

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)
  • Health insurance
  • Pocket money

At IMMERSION, these stays are designed as a gateway to the international, in a caring, supervised framework adapted to the participants' age.

Short Programs in Pictures

Discover the daily life of our short-program students through this gallery of authentic photos. Host family, school discovery, and activities that make this first immersion an unforgettable experience.

Photo 1
Photo 2
Photo 3
Photo 4
Photo 5
Photo 6
Photo 7
Photo 8
Photo 9
Photo 10
Photo 11

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
Immersion

IMMERSION is a registered organization in France. We benefit from an international network of members and our mission is to offer tailored programs oriented towards the professional objectives of the students of each family we work with.

Angers, France

Learn more

Founders

Ruben Dominguez

Director and co-founder

Mathilde Effray-Buhl

Director and co-founder

© 2025 IMMERSION. All rights reserved.