Some experts say that attending high school in the United States can help international students be “academically and socially prepared” to attend U.S. colleges, according to U.S. News and World Report.The article lists four ways that international students can benefit from a U.S. high school education: improved English skills, easier navigation of the U.S. college system, college readiness and social skills.

The importance of learning the social norms for “the college experience” is a significant focus of the article. The author stressed the importance of a U.S. high school experience for international students who also plan to attend a college or university in the United States. She said, “the transition to college can be tough for any student, but with a prior understanding of cultural norms, terms, and habits, (students) may be better suited to fit into the fabric of a new school."

An international student can apply for an F-1 visa to attend a public secondary school (grades 9 -12) that is Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified. Regulations require that an F student may only attend public school for a maximum period of 12 months and that the student must reimburse the full, per-capita cost of attending.

An international student also has the option of attending an SEVP-certified private school as an F student. Unlike when attending a public school, an F student who attends a private school may attend for longer than 12 months.

Source:

• 4 Benefits for International Students at U.S. High Schools, U.S. News and World Report