ARISE

ARISE USA (Association Representing International Student Exchange) is a non-profit organization founded in 2020 with the purpose of promoting cultural awareness and international understanding between people from the U.S. and around the world. ARISE USA believes that strong bonds are created when international students have personal interaction with their host families, friends and people within their host communities. ARISE USA offers high school semester and academic year programs, as well as short-term homestay programs. 

ARISE USA has a network of area representatives throughout the United States who are responsible for interviewing and screening potential host families.  In addition, they provide both the students and host families with guidance and support on a local level throughout the exchange program. The area representatives are required to communicate with students and host families at least once per month and submit monthly evaluation reports to ARISE USA’s main office.

Academic Year Program – United States—International students ages 14 to 18 travel to the United States, for either a semester or an academic year, while residing with host families and attending local high schools. Students are required to complete an application and go through a rigorous screening process. They must pass an English language proficiency test and demonstrate good academic standing. In addition to the application, they are required to submit school transcripts, teacher recommendations, health and immunization records and provide an autobiographical letter addressed to the host family. Students are required to enroll in an English class, as well as either U.S. History or U.S. Government at their high school. Upon acceptance, students must attend all orientations conducted by ARISE USA’s international partner, as well as the online orientation provided by ARISE USA. These orientations address topics such as adapting to American culture, English language, program rules, emergency procedures, as well as how to make the most of the U.S. high school experience.

In addition, ARISE USA’s students are required to attend an orientation provided by their area representative upon arrival in their host community. The primary focus of this orientation is to acclimate students to U.S. culture, review program policies and rules, go over emergency and safety procedures and prepare them for their stay.

Host families are encouraged to review several students’ applications before selecting the student who would most appropriately match their family’s lifestyle and interests. Cost to participants is $6,000 to $8,000 which includes health insurance, but excludes transportation, SEVIS fees and personal expenses.