Top 10 student exchange programs in the USA

Do you want to study in the United States but do not have enough money? Well, if you are looking for a few easy and inexpensive ways to study for a short time at your dream university then this blog is for you. Today, we are going to uncover some of the amazing and top exchange programs in the USA for international students. The departments of ECA (Educational and cultural affairs) in the USA allows many dedicated students to explore fully funded opportunities for student exchange programs in the USA.

10 Student Exchange Programs in USA

Isn’t it amazing that students from the age of 16 to 45 can study their favourite subjects at their dream universities without any stress of student loan. You might be wondering what these student exchange programs are, what makes them special, and what is the eligibility criteria for it. We are going to dive deep into all of it. Excited? As you should be as here are 10 popular student exchange programs in the USA:

1. Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD)

Eligibility: Age should be 18 or above it, citizen of UGRAD country, undergraduate student at any renowned university, language proficiency, eligible to US student exchange visa (J-1), and has 1 or more semester left to complete in home country.

The global undergraduate exchange program, also known as global UGRAD is the most preferred student exchange program in the USA. Did you know that it provides scholarships for one semester which is a non degree type of program. The UGRAD program also includes courses which focus on personal or professional development, communication skills, and cultural development. Global undergraduate exchange program is sponsored by the Bureau of ECA, United States.

2. Community College Initiative Program

Eligibility: Age should be 18, secondary school diploma, language proficiency, should meet country related requirements, and dedicated student with record of good academics.

Community college initiative (CCI) program is quite a popular exchange student USA program among the majority of the students. This program is a non-degree program which offers students from any part of the world to study in the USA for a year. CCI not just helps students in focusing on technical skills but also allows them to be a part of fantastic internships in the USA. Students get certificates, recognition, and awards while also understanding the american culture and lifestyle.

3. Study of the U.S. Institutes for Student Leaders (SUSIs)

Eligibility: Students must be between 18 to 25, good academic performance, involvement in extracurricular activities, language proficiency, no or little experience of studying in the US, not permanent US citizen, and eligible to get a United States J-1 visa. 

If you are looking for a super short stay in the USA for your study then U.S. Institutes for student leaders (SUSIs) student exchange program is the right choice for you. This four to six weeks student exchange program in the USA allows students to explore the United States. Students can work on their leadership skills while being a part of engaging classroom fun, insightful lectures, productive discussions, and workshops. The courses provided by this student exchange program are civic engagement, entrepreneurship, journalism, and media.

4. J-1 Visa Summer Work Travel Program

Eligibility: Language proficiency, post-secondary school student, part of full-time course/program in their home country, completion of one semester, either placed in a job or belongs from visa waiver country

The J-1 visa summer work travel program is another amazing student exchange program which has thousands of benefits. This student exchange program is also sponsored by the Bureau of ECA, United States. This program is for both university as well as college students. It allows students from any part of the world to study, live, travel, and explore the USA during summer vacations. This program brings fun and adventure to the life of students while they are free and ready to work on themselves.

5. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program 

Eligibility: Student having undergraduate degree, five year professional experience, language proficiency, record of service, leadership quality

The Hubert H. Humphrey fellowship program is a Fulbright student exchange program in the USA. It allows young as well as experienced professionals belonging from developing countries like India, Pakistan, Egypt to the United States for 10 months of non-degree type of graduate program. This fellowship is available for youngsters from the field of rural development, journalism, abuse education, public policy analysis, and climate change.  

6. Fulbright Foreign Student Program

Eligibility: Students holding bachelor's degree or anything equivalent to it, language proficiency, and leadership skills.

The Fulbright foreign student exchange program in the USA allows dedicated graduate students, young professionals, and artists around the world (except USA) to become a part of research and study in the USA. The length of this student exchange program is around 6 months to 1 year which makes it feasible for anybody who wants to stay in the USA for a while. The application process might vary depending on the country one belongs from. 

7. Youth Leadership Program

Eligibility: Students from the age 15 to 17 and these students should belong to the countries listed by US govt.

The youth leadership student exchange program in the USA encourages mutual understanding, thoughtfulness, civic involvement, and respect between American students and students from other countries as well as culture. This student exchange program allows students to actively engage in workshops, internships, community service, team building tactics, and stay with American families. The length of this program is around three to four weeks.

8. Techgirls

Eligibility: Citizen from specific countries listed by US govt, age should be between 15-17, language proficiency, interest in technical subjects, language proficiency, one semester left in home country

Techgirls is an amazing student exchange program in the USA which is funded by the US govt in order to encourage and empower young females from the age of 15 to 17. This is especially for the females who are inclined towards the field of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. In the year 2024, this program is going to include 111 young girls from 37 countries. This student exchange program was started in the year of 2012 and till now 653 young teen girls have participated in it. 

9. IREX Community Exchange Program

Eligibility: Age should be between 21-28, currently living in their home country, have 2 years of minimum professional experience, eligible to get US J-1 Visa, language proficiency, citizens from countries listed by the US govt are allowed. 

The IREX community exchange programs (CEE) is a long program which allows young dedicated people to network with other people, engage with different communities, develop their skills, and stay in the USA for a year. This student exchange program covers many expenses like J-1 visa support, round-trip, health benefits, housing, meals, and many other expenses. This student exchange program is merit based.   

10. University of Iowa Summer Exchange Program 

Eligibility: Students should be between the ages of 18-22, students should belong from Pakistan or India or USA, excellence in creative writing. 

University of Iowa summer student exchange program in the USA is a fully funded two weeks program. The most amazing thing about this program is that it does not ask for IELTS or TOEFL and also allows students who have average or low CGPA. It is for undergraduate students who want to become thought leaders and uphold social justice. Students are required to submit a few documents; creative work in English, creative writing around the life of writers, and writing on India Pak relations.

If you're still seeking clarity on student exchange programs, consider exploring our comprehensive guide “your ultimate guide to student exchange programs” for a more in-depth understanding.