We are Self-Placed/Direct Exchange Specialists
High School Exchange to the USA with a Host Family You Already Know
Avoid the random placement. If you have friends or family connections in America, NWSE provides the J-1 visa sponsorship and school acceptance you need to live in the community of your choice.
No obligation. Takes only a few minutes.
Why Choose a Direct Exchange?
In a standard one-way student exchange, NWSE finds a host family for you. In a Direct Exchange, you bring your own host family, which offers several advantages:
Save About $1,000
Your NWSE direct (self-placed) exchange sponsorship fee is about $1,000 lower than for a one-way exchange.
Your Host Family
No uncertainty: you choose the exact family you will live with.
Your School and State
You know your host school, city and state before you even apply.
Faster Processing
Processing time is usually much shorter, so you can apply for your J-1 visa earlier and book cheaper flights.
Choose Your Community
In a "classic" exchange, you could be placed anywhere in the U.S. where your matched host family lives. With NWSE's Direct Exchange program (also called a direct placement or self-placed exchange), you choose your host family, host school and community.
Navigating the U.S. school system and visa regulations can be overwhelming for international families. In our Direct Exchange program, you identify your host family, perhaps a friend of your parents, a business colleague or your parents' former host family, and NWSE handles the rest.
The biggest advantage? Certainty. You already know your host family, your school and your community. You don't have to wait months to find out if you'll live in a small town or the suburb of a big city. You can prepare for your classes, sports teams and the local climate long before you depart for the U.S.
Geographic Certainty
Know exactly which city and state you will live in from day one.
Legacy Family Connections
Perfect for the children of former exchange students returning to their parents' host families.
NWSE J-1 Visa Sponsorship
The J-1 visa is the "Exchange Visitor" visa. It is designed for exchange students who want to experience authentic American culture while attending a public high school. Unlike the F-1 visa, which often requires high tuition payments, the J-1 is a Department of State-regulated exchange program focused on public diplomacy and cultural exchange, allowing you to attend a public U.S. high school for up to one academic year.
To attend a public high school in the USA, you must have a J-1 exchange student visa. To get that visa, you need a document called the DS-2019 form. Only exchange program sponsor organizations designated by the U.S. Department of State, like NWSE, are authorized to issue the DS-2019 form.
What is the DS-2019 Form?
The DS-2019 is the "Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status." It is the official document issued by NWSE that proves you have an authorized J-1 visa sponsor, a vetted host family and a confirmed host school placement. You cannot apply for a J-1 visa without the DS-2019 form.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the program, you must:
- Be between 15 and 18½ years old.
- Have at least a "C" average (or equivalent) in your home school.
- Pass an English proficiency exam.
- Demonstrate the aptitude, maturity, positive attitude and motivation to succeed as an exchange student.
We Handle the Details, You Live the Experience
NWSE doesn't just "give" you a visa. As your J-1 sponsor, we are officially responsible for you throughout your exchange. We verify that your host family is qualified to host you, confirm your acceptance at your host school and make sure you have medical insurance that meets all J-1 requirements. We manage the paperwork while you focus on the experience.
DS-2019 Form
We issue the DS-2019 form you need to apply for your J-1 visa.
School Acceptance
We work directly with U.S. high schools to secure your acceptance as a J-1 exchange student.
Insurance
We make sure you have medical and accident insurance that meets all J-1 requirements.
24/7 Support
A 24/7 emergency line, plus your Local Coordinator, Regional Manager and the NWSE team to help you throughout your exchange.
Life in the U.S.
More Than an Exchange Student: You're a Family Member and Ambassador
One of the primary differences between the J-1 exchange program and other exchanges is the focus on integration into your host family. You aren't just a guest; you are a son, a daughter, a sibling and a member of an American family and its community.
Your host family chose to host you because they want to get to know you and your culture while sharing theirs. As an ambassador for your home country, you'll share your traditions, food and language with your family, school and new friends. Communication is the key to a successful exchange. You will participate in daily life, which includes:
- Household Activities: helping with chores, just like any other family member.
- Shared Meals: discussing your day over dinner, a prime time for language immersion.
- Holiday Traditions: experiencing Thanksgiving, Halloween, Christmas or family trips.
The "American High School" Dream
From Friday night football games to school dances like Prom and Homecoming, your school life is the center of your social world. As a J-1 exchange student, you should:
Join Sports & Clubs
Whether it's the soccer team, debate club or marching band, extracurriculars are the fastest way to make lifelong American friends.
Volunteer for Community Service
Experience the spirit of American volunteerism. Many NWSE students participate in local charity drives or community volunteering projects.
A Day in the Life: The American Routine
Unlike many nations' school systems, the American high school experience is highly social and decentralized. You aren't just moving between classrooms; you are moving between different social groups.
- 7:30 AMThe Yellow Bus: experience the iconic commute. Whether you take the bus or ride with classmates or your host siblings, the school day starts early.
- 8:00 AM–3:00 PMAcademics & Electives: your day is split between core subjects (e.g. Math, English) and uniquely American electives like Public Speaking, Culinary Arts or Computer Science.
- 3:30 PMAfter-School Activities: in many countries, the school day ends when classes end. In the U.S., many students stay after school for sports practice, drama rehearsals or club meetings. It's one of the best ways to make friends.
The "Lunchroom" Culture
The cafeteria is the social hub of most American schools. It's where you'll meet with new friends, practice your English and share stories in a relaxed, yet fast-paced setting. This is where many students start to feel at home.
Iconic Moments You'll Experience
Homecoming
Fall: a week of school spirit, parades and your first formal dance.
Thanksgiving & Christmas
November/December: immersion in American history and host family traditions.
Winter Season
January: the height of basketball season and indoor school pep rallies.
Prom
Spring: the legendary formal event for juniors and seniors.
Safety First, Always
Your safety is our top priority. Every student is supported by a multi-layered safety network:
- 24/7 Emergency Support Hotline
- Comprehensive Medical Insurance
- Local Coordinator in your community
- Support from the NWSE Headquarters Team
Your NWSE Local Coordinator
You will have a Local Coordinator (LC) who lives near your host home. Your LC isn't just a program liaison; they are an advocate dedicated to the success of your exchange.
- Monthly check-ins with you and your host family.
- Direct contact with your school counselor, your NWSE Regional Manager and our headquarters team.
- Informal get-togethers with other exchange students in your area.
A Message for Natural Parents
"We understand that sending your child across the world is a monumental decision. NWSE was founded on the principle that J-1 student exchange programs should be safe, transparent and rewarding, both personally and academically. From our 24/7 support line to our rigorous host family vetting process, we treat your child's safety as we would our own children's."
— The NWSE Team
The Road to the USA
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Phase 1: Free Registration
Register online for free and without obligation. We work with you to confirm your eligibility, host family and school.
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Phase 2: Full Application
Complete and submit your online application, host family details, grades, English test results and medical forms.
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Phase 3: Visa Interview
Receive your DS-2019 and schedule an interview appointment with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country.
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Phase 4: Departure
Fly to your host family and begin your exchange and American life!
Student FAQs
Why choose a Direct Exchange instead of a one-way exchange?
Can I choose my own host family in the USA?
Can my child live with family friends in the USA during a J-1 exchange?
What if I don't have a host family yet?
Can I choose my classes at the American high school?
Is it possible to stay for a second year?
Do I need to be fluent in English?
Register for Your Direct Exchange
Registration is free and without obligation. Tell us about your host family, your age and the school year you are planning for, and we will confirm your eligibility and explain the next steps.