ASSIST

ASSIST is a nonprofit educational and cultural exchange organization that provides cross-cultural experiences for young people ages 15 to 18 from around the world to spend one year as student ambassadors in a U.S. independent school.

Participants receive a scholarship to attend an independent boarding school or day school.  Competition is strong.  Screening includes a personal interview with an ASSIST representative, English language proficiency testing, and evaluation of academic achievement.   Once accepted, the placement of students is a personalized process that seeks to create an excellent fit between each student and school.  Each ASSIST member school makes the final selection of which student will be awarded a scholarship to attend that school. Students are informed of placement directly from the school to which they are admitted.

Student preparation begins with an orientation in the home country prior to departure and culminates with a four-day orientation session upon arrival in the United States (conducted virtually since pandemic).  The U.S. ASSIST office maintains contact and makes school visits throughout the year.

Participating schools pay an ASSIST membership fee and agree to accept at least one international student on a full scholarship.

Inbound Program—International students ages 15 to 18 are awarded scholarships to serve as student ambassadors in ASSIST member day and boarding schools for one school year. 76% are boarding schools and 24% are day schools.  Orientation is provided prior to departure from the home country and upon arrival in the United States.  School visits and personal contact and support are provided throughout the year.  Cost to participants awarded full scholarships by boarding schools and day schools ranges from $0 to $18,000, depending on home country and family resources.  Cost to participants awarded half scholarships at boarding schools is $34,750.  Transportation and insurance are additional.  A reduction in the cost is available on a case-by-case basis.