SSAYEI provides outbound program opportunities for high school students from the Philippines to study in an American high school and live with an American family.

 The J-1 exchange visitor program enables high school students between the age of 15 and 18 from the Philippines the opportunity to live with a family in the United States and learn firsthand about the American way of life. As SSAYEI Exchange Student, you will live as a member of your host family, attending the local high school for one academic school year, and becoming part of the community in your new hometown.

To become a high school exchange program participant, the applicant must go through a sponsoring organization designated by the U.S. Department of State. SSAYEI has been a trusted partner of such sponsoring organizations.

Program Highlights

• Host family placement with full room and board
• Accredited High School placement
• Monthly oversight and support by a local coordinator
• Orientation in the Philippines and in the country of destination (USA)
• Full coverage health insurance
• Assistance with obtaining a visa

Program Duration

Below are the high school programs that are open to students:

1. The Academic Year Program: The full academic year program that lasts approximately 10 months. It starts in September and ends in June.
2. The Fall Semester Program: A semester program that lasts approximately 5 months. It starts in September and ends in January.
3. The Spring Semester Program: A semester program that lasts approximately 5 months. It starts in January and ends in June.
4. The Calendar Year Program: A year long program that lasts approximately 12 months. It starts in January and ends in December or the following January.

 Am I eligible?

To participate in the J-1 High School USA program, you must:

• Be between 15 and 18 years of age
• Have sufficiently proficient English to successfully interact in an English speaking environment.
• Be willing to accept any host family and high school placement assigned to them
• Maintain a good overall academic record
• Be mature, flexible, and adaptable
• Have proof of English language skills
• Students should not have completed more than 11 years of primary and secondary school, excluding Kindergarten, in their home country;
• Participants are not allowed to live with relatives.