San Francisco is one of our California study abroad locations. The city welcomes students, can provide life-changing, positive experiences, and offers superior college-prep programs in their state-of-the-art high schools. It’s considered the ideal home for international students.
San Francisco is the perfect place for hosting as a family or studying as an international student. The city is brimming with world-famous historical landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, food from all corners of the world, and cultural celebrations, such as the Museum of African Diaspora and Chinatown.
The city enjoys cool weather all year round– perfect for students wanting to venture out and enjoy the city’s natural beauty.
To top it off, San Francisco’s high schools embrace students from all over the world and encourage elite courses, extracurricular activities, as well as teaching students valuable life traits to support successful careers and beyond.
AmeriStudent partners with top of the line high schools in San Francisco for you to rise and thrive at your highest capabilities. All of our international student programs offer intensive preliminary college classes, athletic opportunities, as well as plenty of extracurriculars for your student to fully integrate into American student life.
San Francisco Christian School is noted as one of the best private high schools in the Bay Area. Their intensive technology program includes courses like computer applications, robotics, AP computer science, and AP computer science principles, with a wide range of other programs like music and art.
Salesian Preparatory College is located in the East San Francisco Bay Area and has been named “Best Faith-Based High School” for the past 6 years in a row and “Best Independent High School” by Parents Press Magazine in 2019.
Contra Costa Christian High School has welcomed students from China, Germany, the Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Brazil, and Columbia. Their mission is to “prepare the next generation with Christian values and a quality academic foundation.” The school’s graduates’ acceptances reflect over 30% of the top 50 U.S. universities, making it one of the best private schools in San Francisco.
Located in Silicon Valley, Moreau Catholic High School has twice been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School and is committed to teaching their students the best academic, social, and spiritual practices. Their international exchange programs for high school students offers nothing but the best experience.
Bishop O’Dowd High School offers a comprehensive international program, where students can immerse themselves into the American school culture by choosing from over 45 clubs, 30 AP and Honors courses, and 61 athletic teams.
Cardinal Newman High School prepares its students for the challenges of life through Catholic-based teachings with an emphasis on using their skills to give back to their community. With an incredibly comprehensive art program, teachings include ethics, critical thinking, technology, and more.
Start your international student program adventure with AmeriStudent. The research and preparation can seem overwhelming, but we’re here to help guide you through everything from picking the right program to finding a compatible host family.
The right program all comes down to your specific wants and needs. It helps to ask yourself a few questions to narrow down some specifics that can help your decision.
It’s important to consider these questions, as to not suddenly choose a program that may not be a great fit for you.
Finding the right host family is one of the most important aspects of an international student program, and it’s one AmeriStudent doesn’t take lightly. Your new host family will be guiding you through your exchange experience, inviting you into their home, and providing you with the best hospitality.
To enjoy your experience, it’s important to feel safe and comfortable, which is why you may want to narrow down unique family characteristics that are important to you.
For instance, would you prefer a family with or without children? Does your host family have the same hobbies and interests? Do you have any strict religious or dietary needs your host family would need to comply with?
We use all of this information to find the perfect match specific to you. So in the end, you can forge lifelong friendships, comfortably immerse yourself in American culture, and embrace your new San Fran high school.
This is my first time coming to America. I feel very wonderful. The scenery is beautiful and the sky is clear. I live close to Pismo Beach. My homestay family is friendly. They will take me to play every week. The school has many activities and a robotics class. It has improved my vision of the world. After class, I always participate in conversations with students. This is my great life.
Our experience with the AmeriStudent organization has been the best! The students have enriched our lives and created a bond that will last a lifetime! I can’t wait to see how their lives will develop. Thank you for allowing our family to be part of the kids future!
Can’t believe I improved my English so much in five months! Here is just like my family. I love my life in America!
Not only a rewarding experience but…Making new lifelong friends around the country with families!
The homestay is nice，the childrens in school are friendly，I’m have fun and learn a lot in this trip!
I like all the American food! I like playing basketball with American students here!
San Francisco families interested in hosting an international student must first fill out our application. It only takes about 15 minutes to complete and helps us gather important match information.
The application asks for a list of family members in your home, some contacts for references, as well as a few pictures of your family and the home itself. After the initial application stage, we then conduct a thorough background check of every adult in your household. Once checks are clear, we begin the student to household matching process.
The last step is an in-home interview and greeting with your assigned program coordinator. Once an agreement has been made and your student is placed, AmeriStudent offers 24/7 support throughout your student’s stay.
To make sure each student feels safe, secure, and happy in their new living quarters, AmeriStudent has a few basic requirements every home must meet in order to host an international student.
Your student’s living space should include a private room with a designated study area, a laundry facility, as well as two meals per weekday and three meals per weekend. You must also be able to provide transport to and from school when needed.
AmeriStudent caters to families opening up their home by leaving a large enough stipend to settle the costs, provide an authentic San Francisco experience, and alleviate other financial strains.
Offering one of the most generous payment systems in the United States, the amount can range between $1,000 to $1,400 a month depending on the length of your student’s stay as well as a few other factors. For a more precise amount, feel free to speak to one of our staff members.
We understand the costs of another household member can add up quickly, which is why we believe you should make extra money in the process.
Hosting an international student may feel complex at first, but we’ve provided some tips to help you get started.
Ultimately, it’s all about trying to make your student feel as comfortable as possible throughout their stay. When they first arrive, do your best to make them feel welcome. Meeting a house full of strangers you’re about to spend a significant amount of time with can be quite daunting, so have a clean bedroom ready for them to rest.
You might also take some time to learn more about their culture and language. Perhaps make them a home-cooked meal that’s familiar to them or learn a native phrase in their language. Acclimate yourself to their school schedule and try to incorporate them into your family’s activities, whether that be eating dinner together or taking a little field trip to a nearby town.
Many of our host families have different talents and hobbies to share with AmeriStudents. Michele hosts students from Village Christian School, and shares her interest in cooking and meal prepping with her student Camille. Together they chopped, diced, and bagged all the fresh ingredients to be ready to use for future meals. Many of our students like to cook, and Michele does a great job involving her student in the process!
Students and families choose AmeriStudent because of how much we value a safe, educational, and enjoyable experience for all involved. We walk you through every question and every detail that comes to mind with our round-the-clock support and trained staff, while our precise matching system and easy application process make for a smooth sailing international student adventure.
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