Yes, international students can study in public high school in the USA, but there are some important restrictions and requirements to be aware.
Visa which International high school student can Apply
There are two main visa options for international students who want to attend high school in the USA:There are two main visa options for international students who want to attendÂ
F-1 Student Visa: It is the visa most international students obtain when studying at high school outside an exchange programme. For instance, with an F-1 visa you can study in a public high school for up to twelve months, or in a private high school for the duration of your program.
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa: If you will be going to high school in the United States under a program approved by the U.S. Department of State you will have to apply for the J-1 visa to be an exchange student.
Measures With Regard to F-1 Students in Public High Schools
International students on an F-1 visa face some specific limitations when attending public high schools in the USA: International students on an F-1 visa face some specific limitations when attending public high schools in the USA:
12-Month Limit: F-1 students are allowed to study not more than 12 months in public high schools and this includes the time spent in two or more schools. This limit is valid for the whole period of F-1 status.
Full Tuition Payment: Full per capita un-subsidized cost of education – Public High School: All F-1 students must bear the cost of enrollment at the particular public high school regularly attended by them. The fee which varies between $3,000 and $10,000 in a year has to be paid before one applies for the F-1 visa.
No Public Elementary School: International students are not allowed to be granted F-1 visas in case they wanted to study in the public elementary schools K-8. However, dependents of the holders of other nonimmigrant visas may attend public elementary schools.
No Public Adult Education: F-1 visas are also unavailable to students who wish to enrol on publicly funded programmes in adult education, even if there are fees.
Selection of a High School for International Student
When selecting a high school in the USA, international students should consider factors such as: When selecting a high school in the USA, international students should consider factors such as:
Public vs. Private: While most of the public high schools are supported by U. S. taxpayers, the options may better reflect the traditional American education. Private high schools can offer a greater variance of classes and after school activities.
International Student Programs: Search for the schools that demonstrate many international students which should be helpful for you in case if they have specialized programs to help you resolve some important issues.
Location and Housing: Dependent on whether you will be living in a dormitory or with a host family, think of the schools location and available accommodation.
Read Also: Can international high school students work in usa
APPLICATION AND ENROLLMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN U. S HIGH SCHOOLS.
The application process for international students varies depending on whether you’re attending through an exchange program or directly enrolling: The application process for international students varies depending on whether you’re attending through an exchange program or directly enrolling:
Exchange Programs: In case you are studying in the framework of the exchange program, the organization of the exchange itself will help you with the application and during your stay at the foreign university.
Direct Enrollment: If one is applying directly to a particular high school, he/she will need to fill a school application form and forward his/her school records, and scores and submit financial documents to the school to be granted a form I-20 by the DSO of that particular school. After filling this form you can seek an F-1 visa.
Conclusion
High school in the USA can be a fascinating experience for students who travel from their home countries to study – but this kind of education is filled with visa regulations and limitations depending on the status of the learning institution, most especially the public high schools. Therefore, international students understand the various school types and visa types that see them have a wonderful and successful high school time in the United States.
