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J-1 Exchange Program 

For High School Students

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Astar is a non-profit organization that is designated by the U.S. State Department. We located in greater DC area since 2006. Our mission is to foster the growth of cross-cultural understanding through organizing cultural exchange programs for public and private American schools. Through exposing international students to a new culture at a young age, we hope to inspire students to expand their horizons and better understand the languages and cultures of the world that they live in. For this purpose,  Astar and our sister organization Forte International Exchange Association  have been conducted J-1 cultural exchanges program with high schools in United States for more than 10 years. 

Our J-1 Program Includes:

  • Enrollment in a U.S. public high school for one school year

  • Room and board with a qualified local volunteer host family

  • Orientation training after student’s arrival in the U.S.

  • Support and contact with an local coordinator

  • Health and accident insurance

  • Airport pick-up and drop off for arrival and departure from the program

  • DS-2019 support for J-1 Visa applications

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The Program Fee Excludes:

  • International and domestic air travel expense

  • School fees

  • Additional activity fees

  • Lunch at school

  • Personal money

 

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Who can Apply:

  • Applicant must be between 15- 18 years old by the first day of school in United States.

  • Applicant must be able to communicate in English with confidence

  • Applicant must have school grade at “C ” level or above for the past two years of school in native country

  • Applicant must be able to provide the proof of medical and immunization record

  • Applicant will not have previously participated in a secondary exchange program either for a year or semester, or attended school in the United States in either an F-1 or J-1 visa status

  • Applicant or their family can sponsor the program fee and daily expense during the stay in United States as an exchange student.

 

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Application Process:

  • Submit application form

  • We issue DS-2019 form if applicant is admitted

  • Applicant pays SEVIS fee and obtain a J-1 Visa

  • Applicant receives information and confirmation regarding host family and school placement

  • Obtain

  • Travel arrangement

  • Start your study and life in United States for 1 school year with your host family

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*The application review process takes 1-2 week; we will notify the applicant if he or she is qualified.

*We will not start the review process until applicant submits all application materials.

 

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Submit Your Application:

  • Fill out application form with personal information

  • Two recommendation letters: one from your English teacher, and one from your math teacher

  • School transcript from the past two years

  • Personal essay: introduce yourself and why do you want to join this program

  • Medical and immunization record

  • Photo

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