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Studying abroad as an exchange student in the USA is an incredible experience that offers cultural immersion, personal growth, and a world-class education. As an international exchange student, you’ll live with an American host family, attend an American high school, and spend time honing your English skills, learning new traditions, growing in confidence, and expanding your worldview. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but how much does it cost to be an exchange student in the USA?
Before you consider joining an exchange program, it’s important to understand the expenses involved, as well as the other requirements and eligibility criteria. In this guide, we’ll cover:
- The main costs associated with studying abroad in the United States
- The cost of hosting an international exchange student in the United States
- The cost of AYUSA’s exchange student program fees and what’s included
- Other incidental costs and money you’ll need throughout the program
- Budgeting tips for exchange students in the United States
AYUSA’s high school exchange student program places high academic achievers from all over the world into caring host families in the United States. For more than 40 years, we’ve connected international students with U.S.-based host families to facilitate cultural exchange and create cross-border friendships that last well beyond the academic year. With transparent program fees and on-the-ground support, we simplify the exchange experience for both host families and international students.
Read on to learn more about what it costs to study abroad in the United States, or take the first step in your adventure by starting your AYUSA exchange student application here.
What Are the Main Costs of Being an Exchange Student in the USA?
When you join an international student exchange program, you’ll typically be required to pay program fees. We’ll dive into what those include soon, but it’s important to understand that your program fees aren’t the only cost that comes with studying abroad. Here’s a breakdown of the main expenses you’ll need to be prepared for:
- Program fees
- Travel costs
- Visa application and SEVIS fees
- Health insurance
- Daily living expenses
Understanding the different cost components helps you plan your exchange experience and avoid unexpected financial surprises along the way. Let’s take a look at these expenses and what they cover.
Program Fees
The most significant initial cost of studying abroad in the USA is the program fee. This can vary significantly depending on the exchange program or organization you choose. Some programs are government-sponsored or facilitated through educational institutions, while others are run by private organizations.
Fees typically range from $5,000 for a short-term program to $15,000 or more for a full academic year in America, and generally cover your educational costs, visa support, and provide you with local program staff who will check in on you throughout the program. Each exchange program is different, so make sure you check what’s covered and what’s not when selecting a program.
Travel Costs
International flights to the U.S. can be expensive, and aren’t usually included in your program fees. Airfares will vary depending on your location, time of booking, and the season, but expect round-trip tickets to cost anywhere from $800 to $2,000 or more. It's a good idea to compare flight options and book as early as you can to save on costs.
Visa Application and SEVIS Fees
To participate in an exchange program in the United States, you’ll need a J-1 visa, which is part of the student and exchange visitor program. The visa application fee is typically $185, and there's also a SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee of $220. These fees may be included in your program fee, depending on the exchange organization you’re working with in your home country. Contact AYUSA to learn more about these fees.
Health Insurance
Health insurance is essential for all exchange students coming to the United States, and the cost can vary depending on the coverage and provider you choose. It’s hard to give an exact figure, but you can expect to pay around $600 to $700 for a basic 10-month policy, plus an additional cost for any secondary policies or extra coverage that you require.
Foreign exchange student health insurance can be complicated, but AYUSA simplifies the process for our exchange students and host families as much as possible. When international students apply, they work with our overseas partners to choose an insurance provider and plan. Once in the United States, AYUSA’s local Community Representatives and Insurance Specialists are here to help if you need to make an insurance claim.
Daily Living Expenses
You’ll also need to budget for daily living expenses, which may include:
- Souvenirs and postage if mailing gifts home
- Purchasing a cell phone, school supplies, and other personal items
- Shopping
- Meals or activities with school friends
These costs can vary depending on where you’re located—major cities like New York and San Francisco tend to be more expensive than smaller towns. Set aside at least $250 a month for daily expenses, and try to keep track of your spending to make sure you’re sticking to your budget.
What’s Included in Your Exchange Program Fees?
When you study in the United States with AYUSA, your program fee is handled by our overseas partner in your country. Here’s an overview of what’s included.
Placement with a Host Family
We make sure every exchange student is placed with a vetted host family for international students who share your interests and values. Your program fees cover the entire placement process, from carefully finding and screening suitable families to ensuring a good match for both you and your host family. Your host family really does become like your second family—they provide a place to stay, meals, and a fun, safe environment as you experience life in the USA.
School Enrollment and Tuition
AYUSA coordinates your enrollment at a local U.S. high school. Most public schools do not charge tuition, so you don’t usually have to worry about paying for school admission. If your school does charge tuition, you will be responsible for paying that. In most states, there are school registration and resource fees, including extracurricular fees, which you are responsible for.
Attending a local high school is one of the most exciting parts of the whole exchange experience—you’ll learn what life is like for American teenagers and make amazing new friends who love learning about your culture and traditions.
Pre-Departure Orientation
We want to make sure you have everything you need before you start your exchange adventure, so we coordinate with our overseas partners to provide you with a comprehensive pre-departure orientation. This orientation covers many different topics, including:
- How to navigate cultural adjustments
- What to expect from your host family
- Understanding the U.S. education system
- How to deal with homesickness
We also provide orientation sessions for families hosting foreign exchange students to make sure they’re ready for your arrival and know what to expect during the exchange program.
Local Support Throughout Your Stay
We know that living and studying on the other side of the world can be a stressful experience, so we do everything we can to support you along the way. Once you arrive in the United States, we’ll connect you with a local AYUSA Community Representative who will be your first point of contact whenever you need anything. You’ll meet in person, and they’ll check in regularly with you and your host family throughout the program.
24/7 Emergency Assistance
As part of the program, you’ll also have access to AYUSA’s 24/7 emergency assistance. In case of urgent situations, such as medical emergencies or unexpected travel issues, AYUSA’s team is ready to help. With AYUSA, support is available whenever you need it, no matter the time of day.
Start your AYUSA student application to take your first step toward a year in the United States!
Are There Any Costs of Hosting an Exchange Student?
Hosting a high school exchange student is an experience you’ll remember forever. Many of our families love hosting so much that they choose to host students year after year! There are minimal expenses involved for host families outside of providing the student with room, board, and meals.
The exchange student and their natural parents are responsible for the major costs of studying abroad, including program fees, flights, and health insurance. Also, a $50 per month tax deduction can be claimed for each month you host an exchange student.
AYUSA Host Family Requirements
The financial costs for host families are minimal, but there are still a few requirements AYUSA has for all its hosts. To host a student, you must:
- Be 25 or older
- Provide exchange students with three meals a day
- House the students in a safe, comfortable environment throughout the program
- Offer love, kindness, patience, and show a desire to learn from your student
As long as you meet these criteria, you can apply to be an AYUSA host family. There’s an AYUSA student out there for every type of host family, whether you’re a single parent, married without kids, an empty nester, or whatever else. Start your hosting application here and we’ll help you find the perfect AYUSA student for your home!
FAQs About Exchange Student Costs
It’s important to understand all the costs that come with being an exchange student, so let’s take a look at some common questions our students and their families ask when learning more about AYUSA and our foreign exchange student programs.
How Much Does an Average Exchange Program Cost?
On average, exchange programs in the USA range from $8,000 to $15,000 for a full academic year. This typically includes program fees, host family placement, school enrollment, health insurance, and support services. Shorter programs, such as summer exchanges or semester programs, can cost between $2,000 and $5,000. It’s important to review what’s included in the program fees to avoid unexpected costs.
Can I Work While Studying as an Exchange Student?
Exchange students on a J-1 visa are not permitted to work in the USA. You can instead take on limited, non-paid roles, like volunteering or participating in school-based activities. The focus of an exchange program is on cultural immersion and academic growth, so earning money while studying is typically not an option.
Are There Scholarships to Lower the Cost of Studying Abroad?
Yes, sometimes exchange students can apply for scholarships or grants that fund or partially fund their exchange program. At AYUSA, we’re proud to partner with the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange & Study Program (YES). Established in 2002 in response to the 2001 September 11 attacks, the YES Program awards scholarships to high school students from more than 40 countries with significant Muslim populations.
The aim of the YES Program is to replace stereotypes with friendships—it breaks down cultural barriers and misperceptions between Muslim countries and the United States. By finding common ground and focusing on our similarities, the YES Program helps to make a positive impact on the world by improving cross-cultural relationships.
YES scholarships are awarded to top academic achievers (the program has just a 3% acceptance rate) who show the skills, determination, and desire to serve as cultural ambassadors to their home countries. Learn more about the YES Program here.
How Do Exchange Student Costs Compare to Studying in Other Countries?
High school exchange programs in the USA tend to be comparable in cost to programs in other popular destinations, such as the UK, Australia, or Canada. However, the specific expenses can vary depending on factors like the local cost of living, program duration, and what’s included in the program fees.
Budget-Friendly Travel Tips for Exchange Students
You’re going to spend money during your time in the United States—it’s all part of living and studying abroad! That said, there are a few things exchange students can do to reduce the costs of spending a year in the United States. Here are our tips for a budget-friendly student cultural exchange experience.
Find the Best Time to Book Flights
Your airfares are one of the largest out-of-pocket expenses of the program. Timing is everything when it comes to booking your flights—here’s how you can secure the best deals:
- Book early: Purchasing your tickets as far in advance as you can helps you lock in lower prices. Aim to book as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.
- Be flexible: If possible, choose midweek flights or off-peak travel times, as these are often cheaper than weekend or holiday departures. Make sure you check your flight dates with your placement organization, to ensure the arrival dates work for everybody.
- Set alerts: Use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to track prices and receive notifications for fare drops.
- Consider nearby airports: Flying out of smaller airports may save you money compared to major hubs. Just ensure the extra travel costs to reach the airport don’t outweigh the savings.
Cut Down on Transportation Costs
Transportation can be one of the biggest day-to-day expenses during your exchange program, but your host family will help you get around. They’ll either give you a ride when it’s convenient, organize a carpool, or take public transport with you.
For shorter distances, and if the weather cooperates, walking is a great way to explore your new surroundings. Plus, you can stop and take photos whenever you like! Biking is another great option, and many exchange students in bike-friendly areas opt to borrow a bike from their host family or a friend at school.
Scholarships, Grants, and Fundraising
Scholarships and grants can help offset some of the costs associated with studying abroad. We’ve already talked about the YES Program, but there are other opportunities you can look for as well. Some local organizations or businesses in your home country may support students pursuing international experiences via community grants or scholarships. Check with local government offices or community centers to see what’s available.
If scholarships or grants aren’t an option, you can also try fundraising for your trip. You could organize a bake sale, set up a neighborhood car wash, sell candy bars, or even have a garage sale—it’s a great way to clean out your wardrobe before a year abroad! Your family, friends, and community members will often get behind these fundraising activities to support you in achieving your dreams.
Set Budgets and Keep Track of Your Spending
Once your exchange program is underway, it’s a good idea to budget and keep a rough idea of how much you’re spending each week. Don’t stress too much—you should be focused on having an amazing time and opening yourself up to new experiences, but it’s also important that you don’t run out of money!
Try to keep track of your larger expenses, and set yourself a monthly budget for your day-to-day spending and extra activities. Also, be mindful of the exchange rate—sometimes it can be easy to ignore the price tag when it’s not in a currency you’re familiar with, but converting it back to your usual currency can help you decide whether it’s something you really want to spend your money on.
Join AYUSA For the Best Year of Your Life!
Being a foreign exchange student in high school is a life-changing opportunity, and something you’ll remember forever. During your time in the United States, you’ll make amazing new friends, learn all about American culture, dramatically improve your English skills, and become much more confident and independent. Yes—there are costs that come with studying abroad, but the memories you’ll make and the personal growth you’ll experience are priceless.
At AYUSA, our transparent program fees make it easy for exchange students and their families to understand the expenses involved in an exchange year in America. Our team also provides the support, resources, and community you need to make the journey unforgettable. Don’t let questions about costs or logistics hold you back—our team is ready to provide answers, assist with planning, and help you find the perfect host family.
Take the first step today—start your AYUSA student application and connect with our team to learn more!
