THE JOURNEY
OF A LIFETIME
The Youth For Understanding Education Select F-1 Visa High School program offers you the journey of a lifetime, a solid path toward the type of high school education and extracurricular experiences that you’re looking for, to prepare you for the college experience in the U.S. or elsewhere. With YFU’s Education Select Program, you won’t be alone—there are extra layers of support specifically for you! You will receive individualized guidance to help you select the school that best matches your needs, live with a carefully selected host family or a carefully vetted dorm/boarding house, receive individualized and regular check-ins by trained Area Representatives, and be supported by professional staff members in the U.S. and in your home country. Discover the best in yourself, forge lifelong connections, and change the way you see the world—while also obtaining the type of education that suits your individual needs and circumstances.
Why YFU’s EdSelect?
With
YFU’s EDUCATION SELECT PROGRAM
, you are supported every step of the way! You have access to multiple layers of support services, ensuring your smooth transition to studying in the U.S. Your parents are also supported through YFU office in your home country.
+ Can I choose a school I want to go to?
Yes!! You have the freedom to select which city and which school in the U.S. you want to go to, based on preferences and circumstances. Unlike our Traditional Exchange Program (J1 visa program), you can study for multiple years, and earn a high school diploma! Interested in Advanced Placements or any other special classes? No problem—You can earn college credit through Advanced Placement and dual enrollment programs, giving you a leg up toward college entrance.
+ Will I receive any help with school selection?
Absolutely! Admissions process can be confusing and intimidating, but you will have an admissions counselor who will help you choose the right school, guide you through the admissions process, and help you complete and submit your application documents on your behalf.
+ I missed out on the application deadline for an exchange year. Can I still come to the U.S.?
With YFU’s EdSelect Program, you can apply as late as June 30th, and still be able to start your exchange experience in the U.S. in the Fall of the same year.
+ How do I get my necessary visa?
YFU will guide you through the often confusing immigration process, including issuance of visa support letter, I-20 delivery, and once you’re in the U.S., will help you ensure that your visa status is safely maintained.
+ Who will I live with?
With YFU’s EdSelect, you can choose to live with a host family or in a dorm. YFU has over 60 years of history in placing our exchange students with carefully selected Host Families. Our host families go through very rigorous selection process including background checks and reference checks, and have agreed to host only up to two exchange students in their home. If you have a host sibling, YFU ensures that he/she will be from a different country than yours, to ensure ample opportunities for you to practice English at home and to expand your horizons.
+ Will I have opportunities to meet with other exchange students?
Yes! With YFU, you will become a part of the wider YFU network, in the U.S. and globally, and have many opportunities to interact with and get to know other international students on program with YFU. You will also be eligible to join a number of YFU-organized fun trips.
+ Who will help me when I encounter a challenge?
At YFU, we will provide you with multiple layers of support to ensure that you and your parents back home are well supported throughout your exchange journey. In the U.S., you will be assigned a YFU Representative who will be your advocate and mentor for you. You can consult with your YFU Representative about your school work, your host family life, your cultural adjustment—or any questions or concerns you may have. If you are ever in a situation where you need assistance immediately, YFU USA’s 24-hour support line is right there for you. Additionally, as YFU is a global network with offices in over 60 countries across the globe, your parents will have a support person who understands your local language and culture, who is also knowledgeable about the U.S. culture and society. Your home-country YFU office also offers 24-hour support line for your parents. YFU also organizes several orientations in your local area that would help you adjust to American life and culture. These orientations are held in your local area, allowing you to meet other international students on program with YFU and further expanding your horizons!
+ Do I need to arrange my own travel and insurance?
You can leave it to YFU! We will help you all the way through your safe landing in the U.S. During your trip to the U.S., you will have access to 24-hour emergency line for any problem you may encounter. YFU will also ensure that you are medically covered from the moment you leave your country.
Is F-1 EdSelect or J-1 Traditional Homestay the right program for me?
If you have your heart set on studying in any specific city or state, staying with relatives in the United States, studying in the United States for more than one year, or graduating with a high school diploma, the F1 EdSelect program is the right option for you. Through this program, students often attend private schools and have the option of staying for multiple years and earning a U.S. high school diploma.
With the J1 visa program, you would study in an American public high school and live with a volunteer host family. The duration of program is limited to one year, and it’s a good program for students who do not have specific requests about their experience, such as location of the school or the grade level they want to be placed at.