The Academic Year Program offers high school students an academic and cross-cultural experience. Students between the ages of 15 and 17 live in an American family and gain insight and understanding of American culture and lifestyle. The experience of staying in a home provides the international visitor with the opportunity to explore the American way of life and be exposed to the culture on a daily basis, rather than see it as an ordinary tourist.

Through this experience, American hosts find it possible to know their guest’s national identity firsthand. Together they create an international community in America’s towns and cities. By sharing the daily routine of American family life and customs, as well as the responsibilities and support of the family, students and host families take a significant step in the building of world peace and understanding.