GAP Year in the USA
for 15-18y.o.students
BridgeUSA – the official J-1 visa exchange program by the U.S. Department of State
The BridgeUSA exchange program gives high school students the opportunity to spend an academic year in the United States, fully immersing themselves in American culture — by living with a host family, studying at a U.S. high school alongside local students, and discovering something new every day.
This program helps teenagers realize their potential, step out of their comfort zone, and prepare for future admission to universities in North America.
Fill out the application form to receive the official brochure with program details and participant requirements.
Application for participation in the U.S. high school exchange program – BridgeUSA
Fill out the form to receive detailed information and materials
GAP Year in the USA
for 15-18y.o.students
BridgeUSA – the official J-1 visa exchange program by the U.S. Department of State
The BridgeUSA exchange program gives high school students the opportunity to spend an academic year in the United States, fully immersing themselves in American culture — by living with a host family, studying at a U.S. high school alongside local students, and discovering something new every day.
This program helps teenagers realize their potential, step out of their comfort zone, and prepare for future admission to universities in North America.
Fill out the application form to receive the official brochure with program details and participant requirements.
Application for participation in the U.S. high school exchange program – BridgeUSA
Fill out the form to receive detailed information and materials
About the Program Bridge USA
Full immersion in American life and cultural exchange.
Living with a welcoming American host family and studying at a public high school allow students to experience the real U.S. lifestyle, develop independence, and become more open to the world.
High-quality American education and extracurricular activities.
Students attend classes together with American peers, choose subjects, join clubs, sports teams, and school events — just like real American teenagers.
Improvement of English and communication skills.
Constant interaction with native speakers at home and at school ensures full cultural and language immersion, helping students naturally improve their English fluency and gain confidence in communication.
Leadership, volunteering, and personal development.
Participants take part in Greenheart Exchange volunteer initiatives (minimum of 4 hours per semester), gaining responsibility, teamwork experience, and leadership skills.
Complete safety and support at every stage.
Host families undergo thorough background checks, each student has a personal coordinator, and the program sponsor provides 24/7 support and medical insurance.
International friends and a global network of opportunities.
Students become part of the international BridgeUSA community, make friends worldwide, and build connections that benefit future studies and career growth.
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About the Program Bridge USA
Full immersion in American life and cultural exchange.
Living with a welcoming American host family and studying at a public high school allow students to experience the real U.S. lifestyle, develop independence, and become more open to the world.
High-quality American education and extracurricular activities.
Students attend classes together with American peers, choose subjects, join clubs, sports teams, and school events — just like real American teenagers.
Improvement of English and communication skills.
Constant interaction with native speakers at home and at school ensures full cultural and language immersion, helping students naturally improve their English fluency and gain confidence in communication.
Leadership, volunteering, and personal development.
Participants take part in Greenheart Exchange volunteer initiatives (minimum of 4 hours per semester), gaining responsibility, teamwork experience, and leadership skills.
Complete safety and support at every stage.
Host families undergo thorough background checks, each student has a personal coordinator, and the program sponsor provides 24/7 support and medical insurance.
Міжнародні друзі та глобальна мережа можливостей.
Students become part of the international BridgeUSA community, make friends worldwide, and build connections that benefit future studies and career growth.
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Application deadline: 31 January 2026
Limited spots available. Enrollment may close earlier than the official deadline.
Participation Requirements
Application deadline: 31 January 2026
Limited spots available. Enrollment may close earlier than the official deadline.
Prices and What’s Included in the Bridge USA Program
Full support and study “all-inclusive.”
Start: Fall 2026
Book an exchange program
$10 500
Contract until September 30, 2025
Book an exchange program
$11 500
Contract until December 18, 2025
Book an exchange program
$12 500
Contract until January 31, 2026
What’s Included in the Program Fee
✓ Enrollment at an accredited U.S. high school (public or private), including participation in school clubs and extracurricular activities
✓ Accommodation with a carefully screened host family with full room and board
✓ School and host family placement in accordance with program standards
✓ Pre-departure and post-arrival orientations (including Student Handbook)
✓ 24/7 support from a local coordinator
✓ Medical insurance
✓ Guidance and support with the J-1 visa application process
✓ Free university counseling including planning and submission of up to three applications to North American colleges or universities of your choice
Additional Expenses
+ ELTiS test — $75 (if required)
+ SEVIS Fee — $220
+ Visa Fee — $180
+ Airfare — depends on the place of residence
Що входить у вартість
✓ Enrollment at an accredited U.S. high school (public or private), including participation in school clubs and extracurricular activities
✓ Accommodation with a carefully screened host family with full room and board
✓ School and host family placement in accordance with program standards
✓ Pre-departure and post-arrival orientations (including Student Handbook)
✓ 24/7 support from a local coordinator
✓ Medical insurance
✓ Guidance and support with the J-1 visa application process
✓ Free university counseling including planning and submission of up to three applications to North American colleges or universities of your choice
Додаткові витрати
Additional Expenses
+ ELTiS test — $75 (if required)
+ SEVIS Fee — $220
+ Visa Fee — $180
+ Airfare — depends on the place of residence
Participation Steps
Steps to join the BridgeUSA program
Participation Steps
Steps to join the BridgeUSA program
Step 1
Interview
Step 2
Registration and submission of documents
Step 3
J-1 Visa (DS-160, fee, interview)
Step 4
pre-Departure Online orientation
Step 5
Departure to the USA
Veronika Sh.
Participant of a group trip to the USA
"I immediately recommended the educational agency European Standards to my friends. During our trip to California, we spoke English all the time, and the results were amazing. The host family was simply wonderful — in just two weeks, they truly became like family to us. We shared real-life moments together — from regular grocery shopping to even accompanying them to a hospital visit for a baby’s ultrasound. When it was time to leave, we couldn’t hold back our tears. It was an unforgettable and incredibly positive experience!"
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Mother of Anastasia D.
Parent of a GAP Year student in the USA (J-1 Visa Program)
Ми скористалася послугами агенції «Європейські стандарти» і відправили на рік нашу донечку в школу в США. Ми залишилися задоволеними, наша дитина стала дуже самостійною та удосконалила англійську. Можу сміливо рекомендувати дану агенцію батькам, котрі переживають за безпеку своїх дітей. Від вас треба лише довіритися менеджерам і виконувати вчасно покладені на вас задачі з підготовки ваших документів.
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Вероніка Т.
Participant of the Guaranteed University Admission (Pathway) Program in Canada
"Thank you for helping me get into a college in Vancouver to study law and make my dream come true — and for supporting me every step of the way, even beyond what was required 🥺. I feel incredibly lucky to have found your agency. I wish you continued success and the same genuine passion for your work that I felt from you throughout the entire preparation process!"
Questions
Why is the program safe?
The program is strictly monitored by the U.S. Department of State; all host families undergo thorough interviews and background checks. Each participant is assigned a local coordinator who is available 24/7.
Can I choose a region or climate?
The basic J‑1 program does not guarantee a choice of state or city. However, our partners offer additional paid options (State Request, Regional Request, Warm States, Metropolitan Area, etc.) that allow participants to select a state or major city.
Will the participant receive an American diploma?
No. According to the program rules, exchange students can attend school for up to 10 months and participate in graduation ceremonies, but they do not receive a diploma. The program focuses on cultural exchange and improving English, not obtaining a diploma. An American diploma does not provide an advantage for admission to U.S. universities.
What happens if my child gets sick?
The program provides medical insurance for emergencies and accidents. In case of health issues, the coordinator will assist in seeing a doctor, and all costs are covered by the insurance policy (except for routine procedures).
How is a host family selected?
The organization reviews your profile, interests, and preferences (hobbies, dietary needs, etc.) and matches you with the most suitable family. According to U.S. Department of State requirements, participants cannot stay with relatives; most students do not choose a family or school unless acquaintances have passed full screening and the school agrees to accept the student.
Can participants stay with friends or relatives?
J‑1 program rules prohibit living with relatives. Exceptions for staying with acquaintances are allowed only if they pass full screening, are eligible to host, and the school agrees to accept the student.
What is the deadline for submitting documents?
The final deadline for submitting the complete application package is the end of February 2026. However, this applies only to those who signed the contract no later than January 31, 2026. Spots are limited, so enrollment may close before the official deadline.
What kind of support is provided?
Each participant is assigned a local coordinator—your representative in the U.S.—who provides 24/7 guidance, assists with daily life and academic issues, arranges a host family change if necessary, and sends written reports to parents four times a year.
Questions
Why is the program safe?
The program is strictly monitored by the U.S. Department of State; all host families undergo thorough interviews and background checks. Each participant is assigned a local coordinator who is available 24/7.
Can I choose a region or climate?
The basic J‑1 program does not guarantee a choice of state or city. However, our partners offer additional paid options (State Request, Regional Request, Warm States, Metropolitan Area, etc.) that allow participants to select a state or major city.
Will the participant receive an American diploma?
No. According to the program rules, exchange students can attend school for up to 10 months and participate in graduation ceremonies, but they do not receive a diploma. The program focuses on cultural exchange and improving English, not obtaining a diploma. An American diploma does not provide an advantage for admission to U.S. universities.
What happens if my child gets sick?
The program provides medical insurance for emergencies and accidents. In case of health issues, the coordinator will assist in seeing a doctor, and all costs are covered by the insurance policy (except for routine procedures).
How is a host family selected?
The organization reviews your profile, interests, and preferences (hobbies, dietary needs, etc.) and matches you with the most suitable family. According to U.S. Department of State requirements, participants cannot stay with relatives; most students do not choose a family or school unless acquaintances have passed full screening and the school agrees to accept the student.
Can participants stay with friends or relatives?
J‑1 program rules prohibit living with relatives. Exceptions for staying with acquaintances are allowed only if they pass full screening, are eligible to host, and the school agrees to accept the student.
What is the deadline for submitting documents?
The final deadline for submitting the complete application package is the end of February 2026. However, this applies only to those who signed the contract no later than January 31, 2026. Spots are limited, so enrollment may close before the official deadline.
What kind of support is provided?
Each participant is assigned a local coordinator—your representative in the U.S.—who provides 24/7 guidance, assists with daily life and academic issues, arranges a host family change if necessary, and sends written reports to parents four times a year.
Educational Agency “European Standards”, TM — est. 2004
Legal Address: 121 Vovchynetska Street, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
Contacts
Email: ella.vic@schoolonline-1.co.ua
