J-1 International Agent Page

Welcome onboard!
We are very delighted to be working closely with you!

This tool kit is designed to help you be successful selling the ICES J-1 student exchange program. You should find the most necessary information and links here, but remember we are also available through email whenever you have a question.

A good start is our website where you can find not only information about our J-1 cultural exchange program, but also student and host family testimonials, as well as information about the student arrival orientations in Los Angeles and New York.

Cultural Exchange Student Programs

ICES started to accept international high school students on the J-1 cultural exchange program 1991, and has helped thousands of students from around the world to achieve one of their dreams – to study abroad and live with an American family for one or two semesters.

CULTURAL EXCHANGE HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM

Students interested in the Cultural Exchange Programs have the option to stay for
– One semester
– A full academic year
– Calendar year program is also available.


Students on the J-1 program USA also have the choice to request to be placed in a certain region, available for an additional fee. However, ‘space’ is limited.

J-1 Public High School Exchange Program USA
VIRTUAL High School Program USA
High School Program IRELAND
High School Program UNITED KINGDOM (UK)
Other ICES Student Programs USA
F-1 ACADEMIC STUDENT PROGRAMS USA

For students who want more flexibility with their placement, or who desire to study for a second or multiple years, ICES offers the Academic CHOICE and VALUE Programs for high school students grades 9-12, and additionally the Middle School Program for junior high students. However, the F-1 schools will charge an additional tuition for their programs.

SHORT TERM STUDENT PROGRAMS USA

For students who can’t get away for a whole school year – Our different English language and cultural Short Term Programs are the perfect solution!

Student U.S. Arrival Orientations USA

For all students starting in August, there is a 4-days/3-nights orientation (including arrival and departure days) in either New York or Los Angeles. Students stay in shared hotel rooms and take part in the program, which offers a mixture of sightseeing, cultural training and a one-on-one meeting with an ICES staff member to discuss the student’s host family and school placement.


We offer 8 orientation dates starting from late July to end of August. The city is chosen by the student, but the date is determined by the Requested Start Date for each individual student.

Student Arrival Orientations USA

Student Insurance

Students are normally insured through ICES provided comprehensive insurance coverage included in the program fee. The insurance (according to your contract) is booked once you enter the student’s flight details in ZAPP with coverage starting and ending on both travel days.

Student Insurance Information Website

The policy has a $50 deductible that is paid by the student once per injury or illness. It is possible for the student or agent to upgrade to the Premium insurance package with a $0 deductible. That is the only difference between the Standard and Premium packages.

Student ELTiS Language Test

All applicants, except native English speakers, must take the ELTiS language test as part of the application. Agents are required to administer and monitor the test.


Information about ELTiS can be found here:

ELTis Test Information

Agents can order tests here:

Order ELTis Test

Student Request Options – J-1 High School Program

Students can request to be placed in:

  • A REGION – a State, group of States or a Metroplitan area
  • TOP RANKED SCHOOL – a top 10% traditional public high school according to 2019 U.S. News Ranking
  • A 30,000+ CITY – a city or town with more than 30,000 residents

A request is not a guarantee, however, the chances are good (85%-90%) of being placed in the desired region, school or city.

ICES August 2021 J-1 Program Requests (PDF)
Attachment A – Top School Listing 2021 (PDF)
Attachment B – 2021 List of 30K+ Towns (PDF)
Attachment C – Metropolitan CBSAs 2021 (PDF)
Attachment D – 2021 List of Small town 3k and less (PDF)

Process for registering Student Requests

Available requests may be very limited and will be distributed on a first come first serve basis.

  • Requests can be made at any time before submitting the application, as long as you have the student’s name.
  • For the request to be valid student cannot:
    ‐ have an ELTiS score of less than 220
    ‐ be a medical conditionally accepted student
    ‐ have graduated
    ‐ be younger than 15 years of age on August 31
  • Ideally, for Regional Requests, students select 3 choices, ordered by preference to increase the chance of a successful placement in one of the requested areas.

Send all student requests to: [email protected]

Based on availability, we will give pending approval. Indicate the granted request in the granted order in form 14.2 of the student application form in ZAPP.