Which Program Should You Choose — And How Can You Combine Them?

2025-06-26 20:39 Choose a Program

Exchange Program? Scholarship Program? Or jump straight to university?
These are common questions for high school students and their parents who are considering studying in the U.S. The good news: you don’t have to choose just one path. In fact, the best strategy is often to combine the strengths of multiple programs to create a personalized educational journey.

Why Not Start with a Trial Run?

The U.S. is a different country, with a different culture and education system. Some students fall in love with it instantly. Others realize it’s not for them — and that’s perfectly okay.

That’s why starting with the High School Exchange Program is a smart move:

You attend a U.S. high school;
You live with a host family;
You experience full cultural immersion;
And you do it without a long-term commitment.

But there are some important limitations:

You cannot stay for more than one year,
You won’t receive a U.S. high school diploma,
And you can’t apply directly to a U.S. college or university afterward.

When Is the Scholarship Program the Better Choice?

If, after participating in the Exchange Program, you think: “Yes! The U.S. is right for me,” then the next step is often the High School Scholarship Program at a private school:

Study for up to 4 years;
Graduate with a U.S. high school diploma;
Get strong academic and college prep support;
Enjoy more flexibility in subjects and school choice.

How Can You Combine These Programs?

#1: Try First — Then Commit
☆ Exchange Program (semester or year) → ☆ Scholarship Program (12th grade)
You start with the Exchange Program, and if you enjoy the experience, you transition into a private school to finish 12th grade, earn a U.S. diploma, and prepare for college.
✓ Great choice if you’re currently in 10th or 11th grade and want to test the waters first.

#2: Take Your Time
☆ Exchange Program → Finish school at home → ☆ Scholarship Program (12th grade in the U.S.)
After your exchange year, you return home, finish school, receive your national diploma, and then enroll in 12th grade at a U.S. private school for an extra edge when applying to college.
✓ Perfect for students who want the benefit of both diplomas — from home and the U.S.

#3: Keep It Simple
☆ Exchange Program → Finish school at home → Direct college application
If you enjoyed your exchange experience but don’t want to go back for high school, you can still apply to a U.S. university directly after graduating at home.
✓ This route is possible, but it may require more independent preparation and testing (like SAT or TOEFL).

What If You Don’t Like the U.S.?

That’s always a possibility — and that’s okay too. This is why the Exchange Program is the perfect first step. If you realize the U.S. isn’t for you, you’ll still walk away with:

International experience;
Improved English skills;
A new perspective on the world.

How to Decide?

Here’s a simple way to start:

Question	If your answer is “yes”	Recommended action
Do you want to try before committing?	✓	Start with the Exchange Program
Are you already sure about studying in the U.S.?	✓	Consider the Scholarship Program directly
Is it important to get a U.S. high school diploma?	✓	Plan for 12th grade in the U.S.
Want to take your time and keep your options open?	✓	Combine both programs

Final Thoughts:
There’s no single “correct” path. The smartest approach is to build a journey that fits your goals, using the strengths of each program to your advantage.

If you’re unsure where to begin, we’re happy to help you create a personalized plan that makes sense for your future.

👉 Fill out a preliminary application

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