GoStudyIreland Assistant
Online — here to help
Spend a semester or a full academic year living with a host family, studying at an American high school and experiencing everyday life in the USA from the inside.
Studying in the USA gives you far more than English lessons. It's a full year of everyday life — new friends, school traditions, family dinners, road trips and small moments that stay with you long after you come home.
Live with a host family and experience everyday American family and community life — meals together, weekend plans and neighbourhood routines.
Attend classes alongside American students, follow the school calendar and take part in the traditions that make US high school life unique.
Get involved in sports, drama, music, clubs and community activities — subject to each school's availability and eligibility rules.
Develop fluency, confidence and everyday communication skills through daily immersion in school, at home and with friends.
Build independence, adaptability, problem-solving, maturity and resilience as you navigate a new school, a new home and a new culture.
Build relationships and memories that can last far beyond the programme — with classmates, teammates, host siblings and friends.
Both programmes give you an authentic American high school experience with full support throughout your stay. The right choice depends on your goals, your budget and how much flexibility you need.
The Classic Exchange Experience
Designed for students who want an authentic cultural exchange experience. Students attend a public high school, live with a volunteer host family and become part of their local American community.
Ideal for
Cultural immersion, adventure and value
Maximum Choice & Academic Flexibility
Designed for students and families who want greater control over school and location, and who require the additional academic validation services offered by GoStudyIreland.
Ideal for
School choice, location flexibility and academic objectives
Everything that differs between the two programmes, in one simple view.
| Feature |
J-1 Public
|
F-1 Private
|
|---|---|---|
| School type | Public high school | Private high school |
| Programme price | €11,400 | €19,800 |
| Host family accommodation | Included | Included |
| Full board | Included | Included |
| Choose your location | Not available | Available |
| Choose your school | Not available | Available |
| Report & grade translation | Not included | Included |
| US academic certification | Not included | Included |
| Spanish Ministry validation | Not included | Included |
| Local coordinator | Included | Included |
| Insurance | Included | Included |
| 24/7 assistance | Included | Included |
Choose J-1 Public School if your main goal is cultural immersion, adventure and the authentic American exchange experience at a more accessible price.
Choose F-1 Private School if you need full credential validation, want to choose your location or school, or plan to continue studies internationally.
Tell us about your goals, budget and timeline. We'll recommend the programme that fits best — with no pressure.
Talk to an Academic Year SpecialistSending a teenager abroad is a big decision. That's why every student is surrounded by a multi-layer support system — at home, at school and online, day and night.
The host family is the student's day-to-day home and first support network — providing a safe, welcoming environment, meals, routine and someone to talk to after school.
Students have local support in the USA to help them settle in, navigate challenges and communicate with the programme — plus regular contact and monthly reports to keep families informed.
Our team supports you before departure and throughout the academic year, including our existing 24-hour assistance offer, so you always have someone to reach.
Insurance
Travel insurance and liability coverage included.
Visa guidance
Support with programme documentation and visa preparation.
Preparation
Interviews, preparatory meetings and pre-departure orientation.
Ongoing communication
Regular updates and monthly reports while abroad.
Inclusions grouped by stage — and clearly marked for J-1, F-1 or both.
Exact inclusions vary by programme and school. We'll confirm everything in writing during your free consultation.
Eight clear steps. We guide you through every one of them.
Talk with GoStudyIreland and understand whether J-1 or F-1 is right for you.
Complete the student profile, academic information and relevant assessments.
Confirm eligibility and programme placement.
Complete the applicable school and host-family matching and placement process.
Receive guidance with programme documentation, visa preparation and pre-departure information.
Prepare for American culture, school life, expectations and living with a host family.
Arrive, meet your support network and begin your American high school experience.
Continue receiving local and GoStudyIreland support during the programme.
Requirements differ between the two programmes. Here's what applies to each.
The classic exchange experience
The student must be within this age range when the programme begins in the USA.
A solid academic record is required for placement.
And must not have graduated before arrival in the USA.
Students should show the openness needed for cultural exchange.
Maximum choice & academic flexibility
Depending on the programme, you may be able to choose your school or preferred location.
Best suited to families who need credential validation or plan further international study.
Suitable English level and the maturity to adapt to a new school environment.
F-1 eligibility rules differ from J-1 — we'll confirm them for your specific case.
From breakfast at home to Friday night under the stadium lights — this is what an ordinary day can look like as an exchange student.
Breakfast with your host family
Start the day at home before heading to school.
Arrive at high school
Meet friends in the hallways and get ready for first period.
Classes with American students
Follow the school timetable alongside your classmates.
Lunch with friends
Cafeteria conversations, clubs tables and time to unwind.
Sports, clubs or activities
Whatever your school offers — and you're eligible for.
Dinner with your host family
Homework, family time and everyday American home life.
Explore your community
Meet friends, join family outings and experience American culture.
This is an illustrative example — individual schedules vary by school and host family.
Real moments, real growth — in the words of the young people who lived it.
My first day, I didn't know a single person. By the end of the year I had a team, a host family and friends I still message every week.
Student story
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The best part was how normal it started to feel — school, sports, dinner at home. That's when I realised I'd actually become part of a community.
Student story
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As parents we were nervous. The monthly updates and knowing there was a local coordinator nearby made all the difference.
Parent story
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Student and parent stories shown are examples of the layout — only verified GoStudyIreland testimonials should be published here.
Honest, straightforward answers. Ask us anything else in a free consultation.
Tell us a little about the student and your goals. We'll get back to you with honest advice on whether J-1 or F-1 fits best — and what the next steps look like.
No obligation. A conversation, not a sales pitch.
30+ years experience in student exchange programmes.
Support in the USA and 24-hour assistance throughout.
Prefer to talk first?
Whether you're already dreaming about your first day at an American high school or you're a parent trying to understand the options, our team will guide you through every step.
€11,400
Classic exchange experience
€19,800
Maximum choice & validation
Places are limited and applications require preparation, so we encourage families to enquire early.
