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Global
Live the American Dream!
In the USA, a true high school adventure known for movies and series awaits. You will experience the high school spirit, with cheerleaders, football teams, musicals and yellow buses among other things. With STS High School Select in the USA, you customise your exchange year (or semester) abroad to have it just the way you want it. No matter where in the country you choose to stay, you will have an exchange period that is just perfect for you. Even though the high school life is a significant part of your exchange, this is also your big chance to experience everyday life the American way! Living here and really get to know the people and country from the inside is truly an amazing opportunity. You will be back in the states many times visiting in the future; we promise you that.
The USA is a large continent, with six time-zones and 50 different states. Within these 50 states, you find an exhaustive array of schools. There are private day schools, private boarding schools, public schools, charter schools, and everything in between. Finding the right choice for you can sometimes be the most daunting task of all, and that is why STS is here to support you. We have carefully selected schools and school districts to work with. These schools show a sample of the array of options available within the US and they meet our high standards for how they take care of their international students, the subjects they offer, the extra-curricular activities to choose from, and the academic level we look for.
Interested in choosing where you want to study and where you want to live? STS can help you choose the school of your liking that supports your favorite sport, academic etc.
Population: 322 million
Area: 9.8 millions km2
Capital: Washington DC
Biggest city: New York City (8,5 million)
Number of states: 50
Currency: US Dollar
Measurement system: British / Imperial Units (inches, ounces)
Country number: +1
Americans are open, friendly and hospitable. And all our host families are carefully selected and motivated. They are looking forward to meeting you and you will soon feel like a family member and experience the culture and traditions from the inside.
Responsibility, safety and quality that’s been our motto since 1958. We have the passion and the experience that will make your adventure as an exchange student a memorable success.
Schools in the USA are well known for the variety of subjects, clubs, and activities they offer. As an STS High School Select student, we help you identify a school that best meets your requirements or wishes. Whether you choose your school based on the school size, location, or subjects they offer – we can promise you the experience of a lifetime! Teachers and students take great pride in their schools, and you will find yourself dressing in the school colours for homecoming week, cheer on the school team's at games and meets, and even take part in some friendly rivalry between the neighbouring schools.
The American school system is divided into 12 grades, with high school being grade 9 to 12. High school students are divided into four groups called Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors. Most exchange students will be placed as Juniors or Seniors, meaning year 11 or 12. Your placement normally depends on your age, grades, level of English and the local school rules. As an STS High School Select student, it is even possible to specifically ask for a school that will allow you to graduate, thereby ensuring one of the most American experiences of all – the high school graduation with cap and gown!
Being a high school student in the USA means a lot of freedom to choose your own educational mix – and that specifically for you as an STS High School Select Student. English, math and sometimes American history, are usually compulsory subjects. Apart from these, you can select additional classes to fill your schedule. Go for your favourite subject from home, or try something entirely new like Criminology or Aerospace Engineering! Teachers love it when you are active. Raise your hand and ask a lot of questions!
Weekend mornings in the shopping mall, a barbecue with the neighbours and activities with the local sports club. Living with one of our carefully selected host families, you will live the life of a typical American. You will certainly feel welcome. Americans are known for their social and friendly attitude, and your host family will make you a natural part of their lifestyle and daily routines. They will bring you to their favourite ice cream bar and burger restaurant, and you will meet their friends and relatives at dinners. But you are also expected to help them with the household chores on a regular basis – just like home.
Americans are often very proud of their country and its traditions. Whether you will be staying close to New York, on a ranch in Texas, in a huge family in Montana or a smaller one in Wisconsin, you will be there for the big events. You can count on being a part of the celebrations at Halloween (trick or treat!), Thanksgiving (prepare for food coma), Memorial Day (honouring the military servants) and other prominent occasions when friends and family come together for a great party.
Sports, theatre, debate club, school yearbook, design. In the USA, the school offers a huge selection of activities after teaching hours are over, and it is the absolute best and quickest way to find your group of friends. No matter your interest, there is always something for everybody and every interest! If it's crucial that a particular activity is available at your high school, we will help you find the perfect school suitable for that very activity. Sports are important in American high schools, but you do not have to take part as a player or contestant. You can support the team by taking on another role on the team, such as helping out with the equipment or take photos of games, or you can choose to stay in the stands with your friends, cheering and sharing the school spirit.
There is a reason that the prom (a yearly traditional dance) and the homecoming ( a reunion of old students) are frequent themes in high school movies. These occasions do exist, and they usually engage everybody at school. Preparations often begin months before, and elaborate themes are created for everyone to dress after on the big night. The prom proposals may be just as romantic or funny as a movie plot and are an event in and of themselves! Many schools also put on more dances through the year like a Winter formal or a Spring formal, so there is always a good reason to dress up!
You will, of course, spend some free time out in your new town as well. No matter where you are staying, there will be plenty of new and exciting things to do. Each US town or city will offer its own culture, neighbourhoods, and people. We know that for many of you it is still important to see even more of the country. We offer lots of different trips in the USA. Your list of choices depends on where you are staying, but some popular examples are trips to Hawaii, Washington DC, Florida and California with visits to Disneyland and Hollywood. We also offer the highly popular Coast to Coast trip, where you road trip across the USA for three weeks together with other exchange students. If you want to see more of the neighbour Canada, we highly recommend Canada Adventure, a road trip between Vancouver and Calgary, with several stops along the way, allowing you the chance to experience the breathtaking nature of the country, the cool city vibes of Vancouver, and everything in between! An exchange year is not only about school; it is about having fun too!
Finish your high school year in North America on a roadtrip through the USA or Canada. On Coast to Coast, we go on a road trip from Los Angeles to New York while we discover the best of Canada on Canada Adventure. These roadtrips are the perfect end to your high school year!
High school life in the US. You have seen in in films and tv series, now you can live it for real. Here are some quick facts about school life here, and what is included your High School Select package.
Interested in choosing where you want to study and where you want to live? STS can help you choose the school of your liking that supports your favorite sport, academic etc.
The easiest way to apply is to visit the page of your favorite destination and click the "Apply now" button. Your application is not binding, and you make your final decision once you have been accepted.
Yes, no matter where you go, we have a local representative on your location. He or she selects our host families, has contact with schools and will be your supporter and advisor during your exchange.
Yes, we have several scholarships to apply for each year. We are also happy to guide you in the application for other grants.
You can choose if you want to attend a public or a private school with High School Select.
Yes, with High School Select you have an increased possibility to choose schools depending on their specific sport profiles.