Navigating the American High School Experience as an Exchange Student

Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program offers an amazing opportunity for students to immerse themselves in American culture while still continuing their education. Although the main focus may not solely be on academics, high school plays a big role in shaping the FLEX exchange experience. Since you will be spending a good portion of your time in classes during your stay in the USA, it's worth it to seize this opportunity to make great memories and broaden your understanding of American life. As an exchange student in the United States, you’ll find that high schools are more than just textbooks and classrooms—they’re vibrant communities where learning, friendships, and personal growth intersect. Let’s delve into the inner workings of an American high school and provide some valuable insights on how to navigate the enrollment in classes.

Before departing for the exchange program, there are several steps to prepare for the adventure ahead. First, students need to obtain documents from their home school, listing all the subjects they have studied and completed. These documents will serve as the basis for transferring credits to the special form provided by the exchange program, which will then be sent to the American school. This facilitates the process of assigning students to specific classes, typically the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade, depending on their age and the policies of the host school. Some schools may not allow exchange students to enroll in the 12th grade due to graduation requirements.

Upon arrival in the United States, exchange students will need to select their school subjects. American high schools offer a diverse range of classes, with some schools specializing in areas like agriculture or performing arts. While students can review available subjects on the school's website in advance, the final selection is typically made during a meeting with a student counselor. This counselor will assist in choosing subjects for the academic year, ensuring compliance with both the host organization's requirements and the student's personal interests. While certain core subjects may be mandatory, such as English, U.S. history or government, and mathematics, students enjoy flexibility in choosing additional courses.

Precalculus class

One of the unique advantages of being an exchange student is the opportunity to explore new subjects and interests without strict adherence to one's home country's curriculum. From psychology, government studies and biology to criminology and beyond, American high schools offer a wide array of subjects to choose from. When you're selecting your classes, think about picking ones that not only cover your academic requirements but also let you dive deeper into American culture, society, and states. It's a great opportunity to explore interesting topics and learn more about this diverse and fascinating country while you are here! On top of that, why not consider joining extracurricular activities? They're not just about personal growth and cultural enrichment; they're also a great way to meet new friends and get to know people from all walks of life. It's a chance to expand your social circle and make connections that could last a lifetime! Whether it's joining a sports team, participating in the school theater, or engaging in volunteer activities, extracurriculars offer exciting opportunities to discover new passions, develop skills, and create unforgettable memories with like-minded peers.

What are extracurriculars?

These activities encompass a wide range of classes and programs designed to cater to various interests and passions. For sports enthusiasts, there are opportunities to join basketball, soccer, volleyball, track and field, tennis, swimming, and more. Those with a flair for the arts can participate in theater productions, drama clubs, choir, band, orchestra, dance teams, and music ensembles. Visual arts enthusiasts can explore classes in drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, and graphic design. Academic clubs provide platforms for intellectual engagement, with options such as debate teams, math clubs, science Olympiads, robotics clubs, and language clubs. Community service activities foster a spirit of giving back, with clubs dedicated to volunteer work and philanthropy, such as Key Club and National Honor Society. Cultural and diversity clubs celebrate different cultures, traditions, and identities, while special interest clubs cater to specific hobbies or interests, from environmentalism to gaming. Leadership and student government opportunities allow students to develop leadership skills and engage in governance and organizational roles. STEM programs offer hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, including robotics competitions, coding clubs, and engineering challenges. Finally, entrepreneurship and business clubs focus on fostering entrepreneurial skills and financial literacy.

School band during a football game

American schools heavily emphasize sports, with even schools in smaller towns boasting impressive athletic facilities. It's worth taking advantage of this opportunity to try something new, discover hidden talents, and join sports teams. These teams are very welcoming and open, especially since there are two types: varsity and junior varsity.

Varsity teams are more competitive, while junior varsity provides a space for individuals to train casually without necessarily representing the school formally. Joining junior varsity requires no prior experience or training, making it accessible for anyone interested in trying out a sport. Sports teams typically foster a fantastic community spirit, with members bonding closely, and coaches serving as excellent mentors for their players.

Swim meet

When it comes to selecting courses, exchange students will encounter varying levels of difficulty and a wide range of subjects to choose from. Unlike in some other countries where subjects like mathematics or language are more general, American courses are often divided into different levels and branches. For example, English courses may include English 1, English 2, and so on, while mathematics is divided into categories such as algebra, geometry, pre-calculus, and calculus. Depending on interests and proficiency level, students can select specific courses that align with their aspirations.

A high school in Texas

Once subjects are chosen, the student counselor will arrange them into a schedule alongside other classes, resulting in a timetable of six to eight around 45 to 60 minute lessons depending on the school. Those classes will then repeat every single day in the same order throughout the semester. Break times vary from 5 to 7 minutes, during which students are encouraged to move with a purpose to avoid being late, as schools can sometimes be quite big and getting through the crowded corridors from a class at one end of the building to the other might be a challenge! After the fourth or fifth lesson comes time for a lunch break, a half-hour pause to grab a meal in the school cafeteria and chat with friends.

Back in classrooms, teaching methods range from passive listening to active participation, often involving group projects, laboratories, and debates. There's an emphasis on active engagement in classes, encouraging collaborative learning, teamwork and discussions. The atmosphere and teaching style vary depending on the subject, whether it's a scientific, humanities or an Advanced Placement (AP) class. It's advisable not to overload the schedule with AP classes, they can be pretty demanding, and there's a lot of material to get through. Participating in extracurricular activities provides opportunities to meet people in a more relaxed atmosphere and experience different aspects of American school life. Involvement in student organizations, such as sports teams or student government, allows students to contribute to the school community and participate in organizing events.

AP classes, short for Advanced Placement classes, are advanced-level courses offered in American high schools. These courses are designed to provide students with college-level content and prepare them for the rigor of higher education. AP classes cover a wide range of subjects, including English literature and composition, calculus, biology, chemistry, physics, history, psychology, economics, and more.

The curriculum for AP classes is standardized by the College Board, the same organization that administers the SAT exam. At the end of the academic year, students have the option to take the AP exam for each corresponding class. Scoring well on these exams can earn students college credit or advanced placement in college courses, potentially allowing them to skip introductory classes and save time in college.

Homecoming dance

In an American high school, the academic year is punctuated by a diverse array of events and ceremonies that contribute to the vibrant tapestry of student life. From the spirited excitement of homecoming, with its themed dress-up days, pep rallies, and culminating football game, to the glamour and elegance of prom, where students don their finest attire for a night of dancing and celebration. These hallmark events are cherished traditions that create lasting memories.

A pep rally is a school event where students gather to collectively support their sports team before upcoming games. It's a spirited time filled with enthusiasm, loud cheers, music, and fun contests, aimed at boosting community spirit and engaging students in school life.

In Texas schools during homecoming season, students traditionally create large decorative items called “mums”. They are worn to school as accessories.

However, the high school experience is not limited to these grand affairs alone. From school dances and athletic competitions that showcase the school's sports teams to club activities, choir concerts, theater plays, cultural celebrations and academic competitions that foster intellectual growth and community engagement, there is always something happening on campus.

Brigade

When it comes to forming new friendships, which is the most beautiful and rewarding aspect of the exchange experience, school provides great opportunities to meet people. Whether it's in the classroom, at sports events like swim meets, or through joining clubs and school organizations, there are chances to form new connections. It's worth taking advantage of these opportunities, asking the student counselor about school activities, and even taking some inspiration from host siblings or friends about their involvements.

Overall, the American high school experience as an exchange student is a unique and rewarding journey filled with opportunities for academic growth, personal development, and cultural exploration. By taking advantage of the diverse array of subjects, extracurricular activities, and social opportunities available, exchange students can fully immerse themselves in the American high school experience, gaining invaluable skills and memories that will last a lifetime.