If so, you've come to the right place—spending a semester or school year as a PAX exchange student in the United States will change your life! Become more independent; explore a new culture; make memories to last a lifetime; gain an advantage for university; master English; find out what real American families are like...and much more.
"If you want to come to America, come to America." With just a month left in their exchange year, 10 PAX exchange students from all over the world explored New York City while reflecting on their year in the United States and thinking about what advice they would give to future students.
The below list includes all countries from which PAX currently accepts non-scholarship exchange students. For students from Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) countries or Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange Study (YES) program countries, please visit the website of FLEX or YES for the most up-to-date information on how to apply. PAX is not involved in the application/selection process of these programs.
The program is open to high school students who will be between the ages of 15 and 18 upon arrival in the United States.
To be a PAX international exchange student, applicants need to have studied English for a minimum of three years and pass a standardized test.
At their U.S. high schools, PAX students are required to earn a “C” or better in each class. The PAX Admissions Department takes this into account when reviewing student applications. The equivalent of this grade point average varies from country to country of course. Other factors also impact the likelihood that an exchange student will be successful in the U.S. school system. These include overall English level, level of difficulty at the home country school, and how students from your country have tended to fare in the American school system in the past.
The 10-month academic program begins in August or September; students can also begin a five-month semester program at this time. Additionally, there is an option to begin the five-month semester program around early January, which coincides with the beginning of the second semester in the U.S.
While J-1 Exchange Visitors must be prepared to live in any part of the U.S. where an American family has volunteered to host them, PAX offers a number of special add-on options for incoming students. These include state, regional, and top high school preferences in addition to an early placement guarantee. Under the early placement guarantee, a student receives information on their host family and school earlier.
With the help of our international partners, all students participate in a pre-program orientation in their home country. Additionally, every PAX student attends a PAX-led local orientation upon arrival in their American host community. In addition to the overall support structure, these meetings help set students up for a successful exchange experience.
PAX’s arrival orientation program in New York is an optional add-on for first semester and 10-month program students. Simply express your interest in the New York orientation when applying.
PAX provides support to students throughout their exchange. Every student has a Community Coordinator nearby to help work through any problems they might experience with host families, school, homesickness, or anything else. You can learn more about what PAX Community Coordinators do and how they support the students in their areas here. In addition to the Community Coordinator, PAX has a dedicated Support and Supervision Department and maintains a 24-hour emergency hotline.
If your country is listed in the below form, simply fill out these few items and click “Submit.” We will be in touch within two business days to provide you with the information you need. For students from Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) and Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange Study (YES) program countries, please visit the website of FLEX or YES for the most up-to-date information on how to apply. PAX is not involved in the application/selection process of these programs.
Interested in learning more about becoming a PAX exchange student in the United States? Fill out this brief inquiry, and we'll point you in the right direction. The below list includes all countries from which PAX currently accepts non-scholarship exchange students. Please note that PAX is not involved in the application/selection process of the FLEX or YES programs.
One number for every situation, including 24-hour emergency assistance
