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The application deadline for the 2008-2009 program year and the 2008 fall semester program is April 1, 2008. The payment deadline is May 1, 2008.
The Exchange
Benefits
Participation Requirements
Local Coordinator Role
International Coordinator Role
Program Fee: 2007-2008
Program Fee: 2008-2009
About ACES
2008-2009 documents
Student Application
Student Application Instructions
How to use Digital Application Materials
Initial Information Card
For more information please contact Jennelle Root, jroot@sister-cities.org or 202-347-8630 x4003.
The Exchange
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The High School Home Stay exchange program is an opportunity for sister cities to host students for a year or semester of high school in the United States. In order to study in the United States, students must obtain a J1 visa and be "sponsored" by a certified organization. Sister Cities International has partnered with American Cultural Exchange Service (ACES) in order to provide our members with this service. The sister cities choose the high school students, who must be between the ages of 15 and 18 1/2 on the first day of school. Once the student is in the United States, the U.S. sister city will provide oversight for the student and include the student in sister city activities.
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Benefits
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There are two great BENEFITS to bringing over students through the High School Home Stay program. First, we offer a significant discount to our members. Our program costs on average $2,000 to $3,000 less than other J1 visa certified organizations. This discount is possible because our sister city communities are able to take on many of the duties an exchange student would normally have to pay for. These include selecting the student, helping the student complete their application and obtain their visa from the US consulate, placing the student with a host family and local school, and maintaining contact with the student throughout the year to ensure their wellbeing. Second, our program gives your community a high level of autonomy when designing the exchange student's activities and involvement in your sister city organization.
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Participation Requirements
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To participate, a community must:
- Be Sister Cities International members in good standing (up to date on dues payment)
- Identify an individual who will serve as the local coordinator in the U.S.
- Identify an individual who will serve as the international coordinator in the member's sister city
Local Coordinator Role
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The local coordinator does much of the work needed for a student to study in the United States. This includes:
- selecting the host family and school
- monitoring and assisting the student throughout the academic year
The local coordinator will receive a $525 stipend if all reporting requirements are completed on-time!!
To serve as the LOCAL COORDINATOR the individual:
- should be connected to the local sister city organization
- cannot be the host parents
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International Coordinator Role
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The international coordinator does much of the work needed for a student to study in the United States. This includes:
- helping the student submit an application
- administering the English placement test
- conducting an official interview with the student
- helping the student obtain the J1 visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate
- must be proficient in English
- cannot be the natural parents
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Program Fee: 2007-2008
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2007-2008 School Year
- Program fee: $2500 (paid to Sister Cities International)
- Health & Accident Insurance: $560 (paid to Sister Cities International)
- SEVIS fee: $100 (paid to the US Embassy/Consulate or the online registration system)
- Airfare: +n/a (purchased by the student)
TOTAL: $3160
Stipend to local coordinator: $525 (if all paperwork requirements are met)
For the 2007-2008 school year, the application must be postmarked by June 15, 2007. Please mail the following to Sister Cities International:
- Full application form
- Initial information card
- Payment (may pay by check in U.S. $, wire transfer, or credit card)
- Name and contact information for the local coordinator
- Name and contact information for the international coordinator
Mail to:
Sister Cities International
Student Exchange
1301 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Suite 850
Washington DC, 20004
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Program Cost: 2008-2009
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2008-2009 School Year
- Program fee + insurance: $3350 (paid to Sister Cities International)
- SEVIS fee: $100 (paid to the US Embassy/Consulate or the online registration system)
- Airfare: +n/a (purchased by student)
TOTAL: $3450
Stipend to local coordinator: $525 (if all paperwork requirements are met)
The application deadline for the 2008-2009 program year and the 2008 fall semester program is April 1, 2008. The payment deadline is May 1, 2008.
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About American Cultural Exchange Service (ACES)
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American Cultural Exchange Service (ACES) is an American non-profit organization dedicated to promoting global understanding through educational and cultural exchange experiences. ACES believes that world peace can be realized through international friendships and global understanding that results from personal interactions provided by exchange experiences. ACES is a U.S. Department of State designated Exchange Visitor program sponsor, with full membership status in the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel.
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