Exchange Students
The Upper St. Clair School District welcomes exchange students as an opportunity to promote cultural awareness and understanding, and to provide diverse experiences to district students.
Exchange students are part of the national Exchange Visitor Visa program. The School District works with recognized organizations to support exchange students but does not facilitate or sponsor the exchanges and does not have any particular program partner.
Student Requirements
Students must fulfill all federal, commonwealth, and district eligibility requirements. These include:
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Being sponsored by a Designated Sponsor Organization, approved by the CSIET/US Department of State.
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Receive approval from the Upper St. Clair School District Superintendent/designee and the principal of the school.
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Must be at least 16 years of age.
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May not be a graduate of their native school system.
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Must have a J-1 Visa.
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J-1 Visa - Regulated by the United States Department of State, an authorized exchange student who has come to the United States to study for a specific period of time under the sponsorship of a State Department-compliant sponsor agency for the purpose of “cultural exchange.”
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Is not eligible to receive a high school diploma but may receive a certificate of attendance or participation, if desired.
Student Visa Information
Upper St. Clair School District can support students who participate in recognized secondary exchange programs that sponsor J-1 visa students. Additional information about secondary school exchanges can be found here.
Upper St. Clair School District is NOT a Student Exchange Visitor Program authorized school and cannot enroll students with F-1 visas. Authorized schools can be found using the school search tool.
Getting Started
A prospective exchange student must first be placed in the home of an Upper St. Clair resident. If you are an Upper St. Clair resident who would like to host an exchange student OR if you are a prospective exchange student looking for a host family, please contact an approved exchange agency.
Additional Information
Sometimes, families inquire about having a family friend or relative who lives internationally come to live with them temporarily to experience U.S. culture and educational opportunities. Please note that under J-1 visa rules, exchange students may not live with relatives.
Considerations / Guidelines
- Requests for exchange student consideration must be received by July 1.
- Approval is based on Board policy 239 Foreign Exchange Students
- Students will be enrolled as full-time students.
- Students seeking a full academic year of study will be given priority over half-year requests.
- Students will be placed in an age-appropriate grade level, regardless of previous study.
- Students will be required to take Keystone Exams that correspond to coursework completed.
- Students may be tested for ESL upon arrival and will work with a school counselor to create a course schedule.