Take a Chance . . . and Grow

The student exchange experience is an unforgettable one. Your year will be filled with new discoveries about yourself and others while you live in another country, attend a new school, learn a different language, and discover different customs. Most importantly, you will make new friends, and live an adventure with memories that will last a lifetime.

ICES students, ages 15-18, are from Asia, Europe, Australia and South America. They are thoroughly screened for emotional and intellectual maturity, as well as for English ability and academic achievement. Only students who show exemplary character, flexibility, and curiosity are accepted for the ICES Programs.

Upon acceptance, ICES students are given an orientation in which the goals and rules of the program are discussed with the student and his/her natural family. While living in the States, ICES students have the same responsibilities as American teenagers - they must help with family chores and observe all family rules. ICES students are fully covered by insurance and provide their own funds for clothing, entertainment, and spending money.

General requirements:

• Students who are accepted into the ICES Academic Program are exceptional young people, who have finished their freshman, sophomore, or junior high school year with a minimum grade point average of 3.0.
• Students must be academically motivated, and are expected to maintain good grades while in the USA.
• Students are expected to abide by ICES policies and procedures and to follow the rules of the Host Family home while in the USA.
• Students are not guaranteed participation on a school sports team.

Exchange students to the US should realize that there will be obvious differences - like language, currency, and food, but there will no doubt be some unexpected differences as well! It is the ability to accept variation that makes a student’s experience a success.

If you are flexible, and understand that “different” doesn’t necessarily mean “wrong,” then your experience will be all the more exciting and memorable.

High School Program in America