Comparing USA J-1 and F-1 Visa Programs for High School Students

High School Exchange ProgramPrivate (boarding) High School
Ideal forStudents who are excited about experiencing a new culture but are not sure if they want to stay in the U.S. for longer than a year and are undecided about attending college in Montenegro or outside of itStudents who are top of their class academically and/or excel at a sport.

Students who know they want to attend college or university in the U.S.
Type of visaJ-1F-1
Type of high schoolPublicPrivate
RequirementsAdequate English
Grade average of 3+
Excellent English
Grade average of 4+
Choose location?NoYes
Choose school?NoYes
Earn a diploma?Usually noYes
Stay in the U.S. for more than one year?NoYes
Play sports?Yes
Not required but usually possibility at public schools
Yes
Not required but usually possibility at public schools
Live with a host family?YesNo, usually students live in a dorm
PriceFixed program price of $7,050; total investment of approx. $10,000 including spending money, flights, etc.Total price dependent on the cost of the school tuition/room & board, as well as scholarships or financial aid earned