Public Schools (F-1/J-1)

Semester or Year Program

ECI offers international students the opportunity to study for one semester or one year at a public high school throughout California on a J-1 visa, or at a small number of public high schools on an F-1 visa. Students who have demonstrated sufficient English ability are eligible to apply. Students may enroll starting in September or January, in keeping with the American academic school year.

The purpose of the J-1 visa is cultural exchange and students can participate in this program for a maximum of one year.  Students need to be prepared to share their culture with their host family and their school.  It is possible for students to request a change of visa status while they are in the United States to continue their studies.  ECI will provide students with the necessary counseling for successful transfer.

Under the Public School F-1 visa program students can attend public school for one year.  At the end of one year, they may continue their education by transferring their F-1 visa status to a private high school or to a college or university.  Under the F-1 visa students may stay in the IUnited States as long as they are a full-time student.  Students can also apply for one year of Optional Practical Training, where they can work and gain experience in their field of study and legally receive a salary.  ECI provides counseling and helps the student through the entire process.

California Cities for the ECI  F-1 Public School Program

 

	Alameda	Angels Camp	Atwater
	Chico	Clovis	Escondido
	Eureka	La Quinta	Lakeport
	Lancaster	Laytonville	Los Angeles
	McKinleyville	Morgan Hill	Mount Shasta
	Mountain View	Napa	Newark
	Ontario	Pine Valley	Redding
	San Louis Obispo	San Rafael	Santa Barbara
	Sonora	Tehachapi	Thousand Oaks
	Tuolumne	Ukiah	Union City
	Upland	Vacaville

 

 

Each student is assigned a counselor whose job is to facilitate the student's smooth transition to American culture. From the time students arrive in the U.S. until the time they leave, ECI staff provides constant monitoring and support, assuring that the students mature and develop in an atmosphere that is both intellectually challenging and personally rewarding.

ECI Host Families

Students in public schools stay with carefully screened and selected host families in the community. ECI stays in contact with the student, school, and host family on a regular basis to ensure a quality experience for all involved.

Additional Activities

ECI conducts cross-cultural events for exchange students, host families, and friends. These events are designed to give all who participate an opportunity to share different aspects of their cultures with one another. In addition, on school holidays, ECI plans and chaperones educational tours based on the interests of the group. International students may participate in these additional activities with the permission of their parents. All activities are well planned and supervised by senior ECI staff.

Cultural Activities:

• Potluck Dinner
• Baseball Games
• Barbeques
• Festivals
• Parades

Optional Additional Activities:

• Las Vegas
• Grand Canyon
• Skiing
• Disneyland
• Theater
• Sailing

Apply Today!

Please use ECI's online application to get more information and sign up to study abroad today. For information on schedules and fees, click here.

Testimonials

"....Thank you for always taking care of us. You guys are really nice. I'm glad that you guys are my family. I will miss you sooo much. I will visit you someday...."

-former student, Yuka

"....You're so nice to us. And thank you for caring for us. We enjoyed it so much!!! And thank you for helping us!!...."

-former student, Maya