Student American International

Student American International (SAI) was established in 1996 as an outgrowth of friendships made during exchange experiences. SAI was designed to promote the idea that we can help make the world a more peaceful place if we recognize the differences between various cultures and work to understand and celebrate those differences, person to person. Through its academic homestay program, students, host families, schools, and communities learn daily about one another’s differences and similarities. SAI believes that as generalities and stereotypes give way to real personalities, participants are able to see beyond ethnic, racial, religious, and cultural differences to establish ongoing relationships based on understanding and acceptance.

Semester and Academic Year Abroad—High school students ages 14 ½ to 18 spend one school year or semester in the United States. Students live with a volunteer host family and participate in daily family life while attending the local high school. The International Partner organization and SAI’s CEO, screen each student for academic performance, English ability, and emotional maturity.

All students are required to attend an orientation prior to their departure and upon their arrival in the United States. All students are supervised and counseled by trained SAI local contacts and regional directors. Each student is assigned both a local contact and a regional director who are there to provide local support for each program participant.

Students are always encouraged to be involved in school and home activities and giving back to their local communities. To offer students a more complete look at American life, each student selects and completes a community service project during his or her exchange experience. Students can then experience the joy of giving back to the community that so graciously welcomed them.

Cost to participants is $5,500 to $8,500. Personal expenses, insurance, and airfare are additional.

*Student American International is also able to serve the following countries: South Korea, Spain and Uzbekistan