Our Story
Private and Public School F-1 Exchange, or PSE, was founded in 2006. PSE Founded
Our difference
In the early 2000s, a growing trend emerged among students seeking personalized experiences that traditional J-1 high school programs could not offer. In some cases, that was more choice over where in the U.S. they would study. Other students were looking for programs that allowed them to study at the same school for multiple years and obtain a U.S. high school diploma. From this emerging market trend, PSE was founded. PSE has been offering students these and other types of F-1 high school experiences ever since.
F-1 program
As the F-1 high school market has continued to develop over the last couple of decades, F-1 providers have come and gone. PSE has grown and evolved with the market, building trusting relationships with overseas agencies and American high schools, carefully expanding our curated list of partner schools to meet the ever-changing needs of international students, and always maintaining an absolute focus on quality and service.
15th Anniversary
PSE celebrated our 15th Anniversary in 2021 and we are more dedicated than ever to our mission of promoting international understanding and goodwill through cultural exchange. Our trusted partner agencies have been a key contributor to that mission.
Trimester program launched
PSE exchange students with their local coordinators
First boarding school student
15th Anniversary
Why PSE
Promoting International Understanding and Goodwill through Cultural Exchange
QUALITY
Quality is in our D.N.A. That’s why we were ready for CSIET accreditation as soon as it became available and have maintained Full Listing status for 6 consecutive years.
EXPERIENCE
PSE was one of the first F-1 agencies established in the U.S. and has become one of the longest running F-1 high school providers in the country. Our operations team is not only passionate about international education, but also has more than 100 years of collective experience in the field.
CHOICE
PSE is a trusted agency among SEVIS-certified high schools across the U.S. Students can choose from our curated list of well over 100 public and private schools throughout the country varying in size, course selection, extra-curricular offerings, cost, and more. We also offer a variety of programs that students can choose from to meet their needs and expectations.
Always Included with PSE
Whichever PSE program your students choose you can rest assured that they will benefit from our full services and the quality for which we are known. The below services are always included with PSE:
CSIET Accredited Program
Fully vetted host families
Private bedrooms
Transport to and from school
3 meals per day
College counseling provided in all schools
Ongoing local coordinator support In person monthly meetings and progress reports
24hr emergency helpline
Access to PSE optional trips
PSE Programs
PSE offers a variety of F-1 programs to suit all students.
F-1 High School
Our standard program offers students not only a wide range of quality private schools, but an excellent list of SEVIS-certified public school options as well.
In recent years, we have expanded our program offerings to include gap year options, community college programs, boarding schools, scholarship programs, trimester options, and programs catering to elementary and middle-school students.
Public or Private School?
Many students wonder whether a public or private school is the best choice for them. While there are many factors that contribute to choosing the right school, there a few key points to consider.
Private Public
- Small class sizes
- Ability to study for multiple years
- Select a specific school
- Some offer ESL support
- No uniform
- Larger student body
- No religious affiliation
- Lower cost
Standard F-1 High School
The F-1 High School program allows students to select the perfect school for them from a range of public and private schools.
The ultimate choice
The program where everything started, and still the ultimate option for students looking to access the educational experience of their dreams. The F-1 High School program allows students to select the perfect school for them from a range of public and private schools.
- 14-18 years old
- Select from over 100 public and private schools
- Academic Semester or Year
- Study for multiple years
- Options to receive a diploma after 1 year of study
- Select schools based on courses, extracurriculars, size, location, and cost
- IB and STEM schools available
Trimester
An alternative to traditional semester and year-long programs with flexible start dates and durations.
A taste of High School
We understand that there is no such thing as a one size fits all option for students looking for high school exchange programs. For those seeking an F-1 program experience for a shorter length of time than an academic semester or year, the Trimester program is a great option.
Standard Trimester programs are 12 weeks long and start in late August, January, and March, but program dates are flexible. PSE can tailor the start date and duration of the program to meet the request of individual students. PSE currently has more than 25 partner schools offering the Trimester program all across the U.S.
High School Gap Year
For students who have already graduated from secondary school and want to experience high school education and culture in America.
Don't know what's next?
A great option for graduated students who are not ready to enter university, the high school gap year program is ideal for those seeking an authentic U.S. high school and host family experience.
Participating in the PSE gap year program provides students further opportunities to learn, hone English language skills, and live in a host family environment. Students on this track participate in school activities, choose their course load, and engage in host family life. PSE works with a select group of schools within our network that will accept graduated seniors.
Community College
Take college level courses that allow for a customizable educational experience with all the benefits of a home stay program.
College Credit and American Culture
For students who have already graduated from high school, the Community College program offers higher education and an American homestay experience for a quarter, semester, or academic year. The transition from high school to college level learning is accompanied by the comforts of a home stay environment.
Additional Benefits:
Cost-Effective Education: the Community College program offers lower tuition rates compared to 4-year universities.
Clear Path to a Bachelors Degree: Community College’s prepare students to transfer to a 4-year university to complete their bachelor's degree. This step leads to a well-respected entry into university in the USA. Community College’s have transfer agreements with state universities to facilitate the admission of Community College students.
Improved English Proficiency: Community College’s often provide English as a Second Language programs, which can be beneficial for international students looking to improve their English language skills before transitioning to a university.
International Support Services: PSE Community College’s have an International Support Center dedicated to providing educational services and support.
Boarding
Enrolling at
a Boarding School in the U.S.A. through PSE makes the process easier and gives you increased security without additional costs.
Admission Expertise
Applying to a boarding school can be timeconsuming. PSE provides expert guidance in navigating the complex admissions process, ensuring that deadlines are met and helping to alleviate the burden of administrative tasks.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
PSE can help secure financial assistance from the school to make the cost of a boarding school more affordable.
Support Services
PSE maintains regular communication with the school's academic and dorm counselors throughout the student's stay. Student progress is documented in quarterly reports.
Elementary
Students can attend school for as little as 12 weeks, which is a great introduction to international Education.
Early start
Our youngest program participants require the highest level of care. Our Elementary School program is designed to give parents and students the reassurance they need when embarking on an international education adventure at such an early age.
This program is only offered in a few carefully selected schools, and each of them is prepared to offer the additional support the elementary age students require. Students can attend school for as little as 12 weeks, which is a great introduction to international education. They can also choose to study for a semester or a year and extend their stay for multiple school years with PSE through their middle school and high school career.
List of high schools
High Schools
Here are some examples of the variety of schools we offer. Become a PSE Partner to access complete profiles of all of our schools.
The Aquinas Institute of Rochester
Rochester, New York www.aquinasinstitute.com
At Aquinas there is a serious and disciplined educational environment with a strong emphasis on college preparation. The school is dedicated to developing young men and women of integrity, character and leadership.
Quick Facts
-Year Founded: 1902
-Religious Affiliation: Catholic
-Grades at the School: 6-12Enrollment 6th-8th: 212
-Enrollment 9th-12th: 574
--% International: 18%
-Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:12
-ESL: No
-School Uniform: Yes
Mesa, Arizona www.mpsaz.org
The highly rated district of Mesa Public Schools serves the students of the city of Mesa, plus small portions of Tempe and Chandler. Students in the district’s six comprehensive high schools enjoy opportunities such as International Baccalaureate, honors and AP courses, and a full array of award-winning extracurricular activities.
Quick Facts
-Public School District
-Grades at Schools: 9-12
-Diploma: Yes
Keith Country Day School
Rockford, Illinois www.keithschool.com
Keith Country Day School provides a rigorous and innovative educational experience that embraces diversity of people, cultures, and ideas. Students are expected to develop critical thinking skills through academic, athletic, and artistic programs.
Quick Facts
-Year Founded: 1916
-Independent
-Grades at the School: K-12
-Student Body: 302
-Enrollment 6th-8th: 79
-Enrollment 9th-12th: 165 -% International: 7%
-Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:12
-ESL: No
-Dress Code: Casual
Mesa Public Schools
List of high schools
Easton, Pennsylvania
www.ndcrusaders.org
Notre Dame High School enriches the academic, cultural, social, and athletic development of students through excellence in teaching. The selection of diverse course offerings encourages each student to grow in their strengths and develop new passions. A nurturing community promotes personal growth, compassion for others, and good citizenship. Community service is integral to the mission of the school, and all students complete 20 hours of service each year.
Quick Facts
-Year Founded: 1957
-Type of School: Catholic
-Grades at School: 9-12
-Total Students: 500
-Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:13
-ESL Available: Yes
-Dress Requirement: Uniform
Nashville, Tennessee
www.lipscomb.edu/academy
Lipscomb Academy is ranked at the top of the state for academics, arts, and athletics. Located on the campus of Lipscomb University, students benefit from the resources of one of the leading Christian universities in the nation, including dual enrollment coursework. The school offers a challenging academic experience, with many AP and Honors courses, and a vibrant student life. Lipscomb prides itself on having the feel of a family and the opportunity of a university.
Quick Facts
-Year Founded: 1891
-Type of School: Christian
-Grades at School: Pre-K – 12
-Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:10
-ESL Available: Yes
-Dress Requirement: Uniform
Anaheim, California
www.auhsd.us
The Anaheim Union High School District is a public school district serving portions of the Orange County cities of Anaheim, Buena Park, Cypress, La Palma and Stanton. Its high schools have been honored as California Distinguished Schools and California Gold Ribbon Schools.
Quick Facts
Notre Dame High School
Lipscomb Academy
-Public School District
Anaheim Union School District
PSE Stories
Visit our blog to read more student success stories.
www.pse-edu.org/blog Student
Being an international student in an American high school is bound to lead to many new experiences. Angalina, from Germany, embraced them all, starting with her new home state, Colorado.
“Every morning I see the mountains and sunrise. It makes my day!”
she exclaimed. Those mountains led to a new passion for cross-country running and eventually a ranking as one of the top runners in Colorado.
In addition to taking up running, Angalina racked up a long list of all-American firsts. Eating corn dogs, winning pumpkin carving competitions, going “leafpeeping”, taking in a movie at a drive-in theater, and being asked to the Homecoming dance were a few of them
Along with her new American friends, Angalina was accompanied on these adventures by her loving host family and supportive local coordinator. Her host mother calls her “a gem” and was delighted by the way Angalina became part of their extended family.
Host Family
“We took Leo skiing for the first time. He was so brave and went through lessons. Seeing the look on his face as he accomplished something that was new and difficult but also seeing him enjoy it--was so worth it. Leo became part of our forever family and are still in communication with him! We look forward to hearing his success stories in the future!”
- Okray family, WI (PSE host family)
Agent
“PSE is the best organization that I have know for 10 years. I am always happy to recruit students for PSE.”
