Este programa, y otros similares, no podrían existir sin la generosidad de los centros escolares estadounidenses.
Los High Schools aceptan la admisión de un estudiante de intercambio por la diversidad que trae a las aulas y porquelos profesores disfrutan mostrando a los estudiantes internacionales la visión del mundo que tienen los estadounidenses. Debido a los muchos recursos y el tiempo invertido en la enseñanza de los estudiantes de intercambio, se espera que siempre intentes dar lo mejor de ti estudiando y participando activamente en las clases, haciendo amigos y apuntándote a las actividades deportivas, culturales y artísticas del High School. Allí aceptarán tu visión de las cosas, ya que esto permite que otros alumnos aprendan a partir de tus experiencias.
ESPÍRITU ESCOLAR
Algunos de los aspectos de la vida escolar son muy característicos del sistema escolar estadounidense, como por ejemplo, el concepto del espíritu escolar. El espíritu escolar consiste en estar orgulloso de tu High School y de sus logros, especialmente en el campo de los deportes y otras competiciones. Normalmente, antes de los partidos, las animadoras, o cheerleaders, llevan a cabo un espectáculo para animar al equipo y a sus seguidores (pep rally) y a los estudiantes se les pide que vistan los colores del High School y que traigan pancartas y símbolos a las competiciones deportivas.
ACTIVIDADES ESCOLARES Y CLUBES
Las actividades sociales y deportivas suelen estar organizadas por los clubes y los equipos del High School, y buscan satisfacer los intereses de cada estudiante, desde deportivas (como fútbol americano, fútbol, baloncesto, tenis, voleibol, hockey sobre hierba, entre otros) hasta académicas (como equipos de debate y discurso, el periódico escolar o clubes de idiomas extranjeros) pasando por las de servicio a la comunidad (el Club Internacional; Circle K, con actividades para mejorar el mundo, o la junta estudiantil). Deberías intentar unirte al menos a un club durante tu estancia ya que es una forma fantástica de hacer amigos y formar realmente parte del High School. Para poder participar en la mayoría de las actividades y clubs deberás pagar una pequeña tasa que se emplea en cubrir parcialmente los costes de las mismas.
TUTORES ACADÉMICOS
Los High Schools estadounidenses asignan tutores académicos a los estudiantes. En algunos casos, el tutor académico es la persona que te ayuda a matricularte en tus asignaturas y es una valiosa fuente de información del High School: las políticas internas, las normas, la vida escolar, e incluso las actividades que pueden estar disponibles para ti. Tu tutor controlará tu progreso académico y hablará contigo y con tus profesores si hubiera algún problema, ayudándote a entender la situación y recomendándote posibles soluciones. Lo importante es recordar que siempre podrás acudir al tutor para que te ayude antes de que un problema se complique demasiado. También podrás contactar con tu coordinador/a local o con tu coordinador regional para que te ayude.
- Puedes pedirle ayuda a tus profesores si no entiendes algo. Esto puede suponer que pases algún tiempo extra después de la clase o antes o después del High School.
- Tus profesores normalmente querrán ayudarte siempre y cuando les muestres que estás interesado en aprender y que le estás poniendo empeño en tus estudios.
- Pregunta a tus compañeros. Muchos de ellos estarán contentos de ayudarte y es una buena forma de hacer nuevos amigos.
- Los miembros de tu familia de acogida, especialmente tus padres de acogida, parten de la base de que en algún momento necesitarás ayuda con el High School y disfrutarán proporcionándotela.
- Si aún así necesitas ayuda adicional, pregunta a tu coordinador/a local si puede ayudarte a encontrar un profesor particular. Este coste correrá a tu cargo.
VESTIMENTA ADECUADA
La mayoría de los High Schools no tienen un código de vestimenta estricto, pero sí prestan atención a como van vestidos sus estudiantes: esperan que sus estudiantes vistan de forma respetuosa y decorosa.
Los High Schools pueden pedir a los estudiantes que vuelvan a casa para cambiarse de ropa si su vestimenta incumple las expectativas del High School o perturba el aula. Algunos High Schools tienen códigos de vestimenta que deben seguirse y otros requieren que los estudiantes vistan uniformes.
Siempre recuerda que la mayoría de los estadounidenses, especialmente aquellos en ciudades más pequeñas, son muy conservadores y se espera que vistas acordemente.
ESTUDIOS Y NOTAS
Muchos estudiantes de intercambio consideran que los primeros meses de High School son los más difíciles. Puede que necesites mejorar tu nivel de inglés y puede que descubras que los profesores utilizan métodos de enseñanza muy distintos a los que estás acostumbrado. Puedes ayudarte consultando un diccionario con frecuencia para aprender nuevas palabras y aumentar tu vocabulario, preguntando todo aquello que no entiendas, y dedicando tiempo en casa para completar los deberes y tareas del High School.
Los deberes son una parte importante del sistema educativo estadounidense. Muchos estudiantes deben esperar tener diariamente tarea para casa, que normalmente debe entregarse al día siguiente. Deberás realizar estas tareas y entregarlas al profesor el día marcado para poder recibir la mayor nota posible. Tus notas globales se verán afectadas negativamente si no haces tus deberes y los entregas puntualmente, y puede que tengas problemas con la asignatura. También deberás estudiar a diario y preparar bien los exámenes. Es muy importante que te familiarices con el sistema de calificación estadounidense. Nosotros te orientaremos para que lo entiendas perfectamente y no tengas problemas.
DIFICULTADES EN EL HIGH SCHOOL
Comprender a los profesores puede ser especialmente difícil al principio debido a que a veces hablan rápido y utilizan vocabulario que aún no conoces. Dependiendo del estado en el que vivas, te darás cuenta de que los estadounidenses también tendrán un acento al que no estarás acostumbrado (con el tiempo, puede que incluso adquieras este acento tú mismo). Presta atención en clase a lo que dice el profesor. La mayoría de los profesores quieren que sus estudiantes levanten la mano y pregunten lo que no entienden en clase. Esto también incluye a los estudiantes internacionales. Si no estás cómodo hablando en clase, cuando termine la clase, quédate a preguntarle al profesor tus preguntas.
Por favor entiende que el profesor puede que tenga poco tiempo para preparar su próxima clase, por lo que puede que te pida que vayas a verle al final del día o antes de que empiece el High School al día siguiente. Aprovecha cualquier oportunidad para pedir ayuda y así comprender mejor las cosas. Preparar los deberes, que normalmente son para el día siguiente, es una presión a la que puede que no estés acostumbrado. Si no entiendes al profesor o tus deberes, puede que decidas no hacerlos. Esto es un error. Revisa los deberes que te han mandado antes de irte del High School. Si no los entiendes, pídele al profesor o a algún compañero de clase que te lo explique. Si estás en casa y no lo entiendes, pregúntale a algún miembro de tu familia de acogida para que te lo explique. Organiza tus actividades para tener tiempo suficiente para completar los deberes todos los días (normalmente dos horas). No esperes hasta el último momento antes de irte a la cama para hacer los deberes. Ya estarás cansado y te resultará mucho más difícil hacerlos.
Tal y como está establecido en las normas del programa, se espera que obtengas una media de C+ o más alta en todas tus asignaturas. Hay diferentes maneras de conseguir ayuda si estás teniendo dificultades para mantener una media de C+.
DIPLOMAS Y GRADUACIÓN
Cada High School tiene su propia política con respecto a los estudiantes de intercambio y su grado. A veces estas políticas están regidas por el gobierno. Depende del High School si puedes recibir un diploma y participar en la ceremonia de graduación. Las agencias estadounidenses no puede cambiar las políticas que tienen los High Schools con respecto a los estudiantes de intercambio y no pueden trasladarte a otro High School en el que recibas diploma. Es importante que recuerdes que, a pesar de la política del High School, has venido para experimentar la cultura y el estilo de vida estadounidense al mismo tiempo que perfeccionas tu inglés. No permitas que la cuestión de los diplomas y la graduación estropee tu experiencia.
HACER AMIGOS
Estarás ansioso por conocer otras personas de tu edad y crear amistades que durarán toda una vida. Si tienes un hermano de acogida, quizás pueda presentarte a sus amigos y encontrarás intereses comunes. O puede que decidas encontrar amigos diferentes, lo cual también está bien. Para hacer esto, tienes que ser extrovertido y estar abierto a conocer personas nuevas.
Lo mejor que puedes hacer para hacer amigos es apuntarte a un club, a un deporte o a alguna de las actividades juveniles para conocer a otras personas que tengan tus mismos intereses. Con el permiso de tu familia de acogida, invita a tus compañeros de clase para visitas o actividades después del High School o los fines de semana.
El día a día en el High School no permite mucho tiempo para socializar con los compañeros, y verás que en cada clase tendrás compañeros diferentes, lo cual posiblemente haga que sea más difícil conocer a alguien en profundidad durante la jornada escolar. Algunos estudiantes comentan que hacer amigos es más difícil de lo que esperaban. Comprende que puede llevar un tiempo hasta que consigas una fuerte relación de amistad. Los estudiantes estadounidenses a menudo se encuentran por los pasillos y se dicen “Hola, ¿qué tal?” al verse, pero no se paran a hablar. No te ofendas por esto y pienses que los estadounidenses son antipáticos y no merece la pena conocerles. Esto simplemente es el saludo habitual. Puedes hablar con ellos durante más rato en otras situaciones, en los pasillos antes de que empiecen las clases por la mañana, durante la comida, o incluso mejor después del High School en alguna actividad a la que te hayas apuntado.
Como medida de precaución, tu familia de acogida querrá conocer tus nuevos amigos antes de que salgas con ellos por la noche. Amablemente permítele a tu familia de acogida esta cortesía, ya que lo único que les preocupa es tu bienestar.
Por último, ten en cuenta que algunos estudiantes te pueden parecer superficiales y puede que te desanime a la hora crear nuevas amistades. Algunos estudiantes de intercambio ya han experimentado esto en el pasado, pero no han permitido que esto les detuviera para hacer buenos amigos. Para esto, es necesario más trabajo y determinación, pero al final la recompensa es una amistad duradera.
Estudiar un curso académico en un High School estadounidense es una experiencia única que marcará tu vida para siempre. ¿A qué esperas?
FAQs
How many years is high school in USA? ›
Students typically do four years of study, with eight core subjects and electives, both of which vary by school. Passing a course earns credit and students must earn at least 30 credits to graduate, among other requirements.
What is high school in USA means? ›high school | American Dictionary
a school for children who are about 15 to 18 years old that is usually divided into grades nine through twelve or ten through twelve: [ U ] Cory will be starting high school in September.
International students may study at public high school for a maximum period of 12 months. This time limit includes all public high schools the student attends. However, time spent enrolled in a public high school in a nonimmigrant status other than F-1 does not count against the 12-month limit.
Is USA high school free? ›Public school is free in the United States
Children from kindergarten through grade 12 in high school can go to public school for free. The city, state, or federal government fund public schools so you do not have to pay.
| Age | UK Years | US/International Grades |
|---|---|---|
| 14 - 15 | Year 10 | 9th Grade (Freshman) |
| 15 - 16 | Year 11 | 10th Grade (Sophomore) |
| 16 - 17 | Year 12 / Lower 6th | 11th Grade (Junior) |
| 17 - 18 | Year 13 / Upper 6th | 12th Grade (Senior) |
Twelfth graders are referred to as Seniors. Many students consider the twelfth grade, also known as the senior year of high school, a year to relax and prepare for the transition out of their old lives into college/university or the workplace.
What grade is high school in US? ›In the U.S., high school consists of grades 9-12. It is compulsory education. After a student graduates from high school, they will then go on to college, university, army, or enter the workforce.
What is 12th grade in USA? ›The twelfth grade is the twelfth school year after kindergarten. It is also the last year of compulsory secondary education, or "high school" in the U.S. Generally, students enter the grade as 17-years-old and graduate as 18-years-old.
How do I apply for high school in USA? ›- Passport-sized photos.
- Copy of the birth certificate.
- A nonrefundable application fee.
- Current term report.
- Application forms.
- Proof of Residency.
- Proof of Identification.
- birth certificate or passport.
How much is high school fees in USA? ›
The average yearly tuition at one of the 22,440 private K-12 schools in the United States is $12,350 in 2021. This includes the average tuition at a private high school of $16,040 and the average tuition at a private elementary school of $7,630 (Hanson, 2021).
What is 9th grade in USA? ›Ninth grade is often the first school year of high school in the United States, or the last year of middle/junior high school. In some countries, Grade 9 is the second year of high school. Students are usually 14–15 years old. In the United States, it is often called the freshman year.
How many hours is school in America? ›| Average number of hours in the school day and average number of days in the school year for public schools, by state: 2007–08 | ||
|---|---|---|
| State | Average number of hours in the school day | Average number of days in the school year |
| United States | 6.64 | 180 |
| Alabama | 7.03 | 180 |
| Alaska | 6.48 | 180 |
With more and more students opting for bachelor abroad, the process now starts earlier. Around 40% of international students are getting an education in USA after 12th, i.e. a bachelor's degree. The large number also proves the number of opportunities and benefits of starting your journey abroad earlier.
What grade is freshman? ›Freshman (9th Grade)
What grade are you in at 18? ›Twelfth grade, 12th grade, senior year, or grade 12 is the final year of secondary school in most of North America. In other regions, it may also be referred to as class 12 or Year 13. In most countries, students are usually between the ages of 17 and 18 years old.
How old are 4th graders? ›In North America, the fourth grade is the fifth school year of elementary school. Students are usually 9 or 10 years old.
Can you be 17 in 8th grade? ›I'm 17 in eighth grade. Yea, I know, it's very embarrassing. Sometimes I cry about it because it really bothers me. The reason why I am in this position is because when I was young, I struggled in school, and my mother moved around multiple times.
What are 10th graders called? ›Freshman Year (9th grade) Sophomore Year (10th grade) Junior Year (11th grade) Senior Year (12th grade)
Is freshman year hard? ›Freshman year can be tough for many students. Adjusting to high school, learning who you are, and trying to figure out how to balance everything can make it hard to excel in the classroom. In this blog post, we'll share just how important freshman year grades are—and what colleges care about even more.
How old is Grade 8? ›
Usually children in 8th-grade ages from 13 to 14.
What age is college? ›Ages 18+ Students can enter higher education after graduating from high school. Learn more about the US higher education system.
How old is a 11th grader? ›Students are usually 16–17 years old.
How old is a 7th grader in USA? ›The seventh grade is the eighth school year, the second or third year of middle school, and the first year of junior high school. Students are around 12-13 years old in this stage of education.
What years are high school? ›The US system is typically divided into three levels or schools: elementary (Grades K–5), middle (Grades 6–8) and high (Grades 9–12).
Is Grade 11 high school or college? ›To further explain: Under Republic Act No. 10533 (Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013), you will have to complete Kindergarten, Grades 1 to 6 (elementary), Grades 7 to 10 (junior high school) and Grades 11 to 12 (senior high school)—in all 13 years—before you can receive a high school diploma.
Is Grade 12 a high school? ›Grade 12 is usually a student's last year of high school. This is the year they attempt to finish meeting their graduation requirements.
What is Grade 13 called in America? ›Thirteenth grade, grade thirteen, or super senior year is the final year of secondary school in some jurisdictions.
What grade would a 14 year old be in America? ›Children in sixth grade are typically 11 to 12 years old, while those in eighth grade are 13 and 14.
Can you be 20 in high school? ›In the U.S. you are only allowed into high school until you are 21, and once you're over that age, you will have to go to an adult high school. Many adults are unaware that the GED® test is not their only possibility of obtaining a high school diploma.
Can I study in USA for free? ›
The USA has a lot of universities and colleges that don't require any tuition fees, and you can study there for free. These institutions are operated through donations, and endowments and you will find a lot of faculty that work there are simply very passionate about their job and want to help students study for free.
Can a foreign child go to public school in USA? ›Yes. Nothing in the law prevents an organization or an individual from paying the full tuition costs for the student. However, the payment cannot come from public funds. The student must still show that he or she has sufficient funds to cover education and living expenses while in the United States.
What age can you stay in high school USA? ›High School or Senior High School
In the junior high system, students move to the senior high school a year later, usually around age 15. In both cases, the school runs through to age 18, although some states allow children to leave school earlier, if they have the permission of their parents.
All children in the United States are entitled to equal access to a public elementary and secondary education, regardless of their or their parents' actual or perceived national origin, citizenship, or immigration status.
Is school expensive in USA? ›While public education is generally free, there are some fees associated with public schools, including the purchase of books, equipment and uniforms. These fees vary from state to state and between schools themselves.
How can I study in USA? ›- Research your options. Postsecondary education includes six degree levels. ...
- Finance your studies. ...
- Complete your application. ...
- Apply for your visa. ...
- Prepare for departure.
In the United States, ninth grade is usually the first year in high school. In this system, ninth graders are also often referred to as freshmen. It can also be the last year of junior high school. The typical age for U.S. 9th grade students is 14 to 15 years.
How old is a sophomore? ›The 10th grade is the second year of a student's high school period (usually aged 15–16) and is referred to as sophomore year, so in a four year course the stages are freshman, sophomore, junior and senior.
Is Grade 11 a freshman? ›These same terms apply in the same way to the four years of a standard high school: 9th grade is freshman year, 10th grade sophomore year, 11th grade junior year, and 12th grade senior year.
What country has 3 hours of school? ›For example, an average high school student in the US has to spend about 6 hours a day doing homework, while in Finland, the amount of time spent on after school learning is about 3 hours a day. Nevertheless, these are exactly Finnish students who lead the world in global scores for math and science.
How long is a school day in China? ›
The school days usually last a whole day (from around 8:00 until 17:00) with 45-minutes-long classes, with a little more flexible schedules in more rural areas. In China's metropolises, where lunch breaks are shorter, kids might finish school around 15:00 as well.
How long is a school day in Texas? ›| State | Minimum amount of instructional times per school year (by grade, if applicable) | Minimum number of hours per school day |
|---|---|---|
| In days | ||
| South Dakota | District option | † |
| Tennessee | 180 | Kindergarten=4.0; grades 1-12=6.5 |
| Texas | † | 7.0 |
Of course, you can, but you should NOT! If you want to study in the US after the 10th you will have to do your 11th and 12th grade in a US high school system. This could be a public (free) or private (costly) program.
Can I study in USA with low grades? ›If you've ever thought about studying abroad, but have grades between from 50% to 60%, rest your worries. While the options may seem limited for those with low grades and GPA, studying in USA is still possible through excellent programs.
How much does it cost to study in USA? ›| Average fees at US universities, 2018-19 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Public two-year colleges | Public four-year colleges (out-of-state fees) | |
| Tuition and other fees | $3,660 | $26,290 |
| Room and board | $8,660 | $11,140 |
| Total (per year) | $12,320 | $37,430 |
Grade 9 is the beginning of your High School experience. The Grade 9 year is very important as it is the year in which you demonstrate your strengths academically and choose your career path. At the end of this year, your grades will assist in constructing your high school program.
What grade is year 10? ›It is approximately equivalent to ninth grade, "freshman year," or "Second year" in the US, and grade nine in Canada.
Is American high school 4 years? ›The four "years" of High School are called Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior. (K) is mandatory in some states, optional in others, and hardly available in others (like New Hampshire). The first six grades (with some variation) can have many names: Elementary School, Grammar School, Primary School, Grade School.
What are the 4 years of high school called in America? ›These same terms apply in the same way to the four years of a standard high school: 9th grade is freshman year, 10th grade sophomore year, 11th grade junior year, and 12th grade senior year.
At what age does high school end in US? ›The U.S. is governed by local, state, and federal education policy. Education is compulsory for all children, but the age at which one can discontinue schooling varies by state and is from 14 to 18 years old. Free public education is typically provided from Kindergarten (ages 5 and 6) to 12th Grade (ages 17 and 18).
How old are you in 12th grade? ›
It can be called the class of seniors or the last class of the school. People in the twelfth grade are between the ages of 17 and 18.
How old are you in 11th grade? ›Students are usually 16–17 years old.
What grade is high school in us? ›In the U.S., high school consists of grades 9-12. It is compulsory education. After a student graduates from high school, they will then go on to college, university, army, or enter the workforce.
What grade is a freshman? ›Freshman Year (9th grade)
How old is a 4th grader? ›In North America, the fourth grade is the fifth school year of elementary school. Students are usually 9 or 10 years old.
How old is grade 8? ›Usually children in 8th-grade ages from 13 to 14.
What age is college in America? ›A: Colleges offer only undergraduate degrees while universities offer graduate degrees as well, but the terms are often used interchangeably. Q: Are there age limitations to attend U.S. universities? A: In general, you must have completed high school and you must be at least 17 years of age.
How many years is college in USA? ›Following high school, students can choose to study a bachelor's (or “undergraduate”) degree at a college or university. Find a bachelor's degree. Bachelor's degrees in the USA typically take 4 years to complete.
What is 10th grade called? ›Freshman Year (9th grade) Sophomore Year (10th grade) Junior Year (11th grade) Senior Year (12th grade)