ASSIST Scholar Testimonials & Student Experiences

ASSIST is renowned for providing exceptional, comprehensive support to our Scholars before, during, and after their exchange year. You will never be without a safety net. Your on-the-ground support system includes:

• At Your Host School: Academic advisors, dormitory advisors (for boarding students), and designated faculty members.
• From ASSIST: Your home country’s ASSIST Program Coordinator, as well as the full staff at our U.S. headquarters, who are always available to help you navigate any challenges.

Our relationship with Scholars does not end when the school year concludes; we offer robust alumni networking, mentorship, and ongoing global community engagement long after you return home.

If you are placed at a day school, you will be assigned at least one host family for the school year. In some cases, students may live with more than one host family during the year, allowing them to experience different perspectives on American family life and culture. Host families are carefully selected by our member schools and are typically closely connected to the school community. Many are current or former parents, faculty, staff, alumni, or trusted community members who are excited to welcome an international student into their home.

If you are placed at a boarding school, you may also have opportunities to stay with local families during school breaks and holidays.

Our member schools typically feature small class sizes designed to foster an engaging academic environment. Students should anticipate, and actively prepare for, a high level of daily classroom participation.

Yes. A cornerstone of the ASSIST experience is our intensive, in-person, multi-day orientation. This landmark event allows you to bond with fellow global Scholars, meet the ASSIST leadership team, and participate in interactive workshops about American culture and school life before heading to your campus.

While attending the live event is highly encouraged, we recognize that visa delays or travel conflicts can happen. For those who cannot attend in person, ASSIST provides a robust online orientation alternative to ensure you receive the exact same vital preparation, resources, and community connection before your school year begins.

You have several options for school breaks (such as Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring breaks):

• Experiencing American Culture: ASSIST highly encourages Scholars to remain in the U.S. during shorter holidays to experience authentic American traditions, like Thanksgiving. American students and families are famously generous and eager to invite international students into their homes.
• Traveling Home: While staying in the U.S. is preferred for the cultural experience, Scholars are permitted to return home to their families during major school breaks.
• Alternative Hosting: You may also arrange to spend breaks with roommates, friends, or relatives residing in the United States.

Do not hesitate to speak up! Often, American classmates simply assume you already have plans and would be delighted to invite you if they knew otherwise. If you do not have an invitation for a school holiday, please notify your school advisor and your ASSIST representative well in advance. They will actively help you coordinate safe and enriching holiday plans.

Communication and respect are key. Please be highly considerate of your host family's own vacation schedules and expectations for you. Never finalize independent plans for a school break without first discussing them with and securing approval from your host family.

Sometimes, opportunities arise to travel outside of North America with your host family or as part of a school-sponsored trip. While these are wonderful opportunities, you must secure official permission from ASSIST in advance before any international travel plans are finalized.

Yes! Your friends and family are more than welcome to visit during your exchange year. We strongly recommend, however, that visits take place later in the year (preferably in the spring). This gives you plenty of time to get used to your new school, schedule, and classes and to make new friends. Visiting friends and families are not permitted to stay at your school or house family.

It depends on your home school. If you’re seeking academic credit, you must check with your school in your home country and with your Ministry of Education (or your country’s equivalent) to find out what you’ll need to do to ensure the credits for classes you take in the USA will transfer.