How to do an exchange in the USA?

Have you ever wondered how to do an exchange in the USA? The country is the second most popular for Brazilians (19.5%). First place goes to Canada (24.4%), out of 53 destinations. This is according to 2018 data from Belta (Brazilian Educational & Language Travel Association).  

Also according to the survey, among the main reasons for choosing an exchange program are: getting to know new cultures and countries (18.2%) and investing in languages (13.2%). For those who want to explore new places and meet new people, the third largest country in the world, the USA, is ideal. 

The landscapes are diverse: beaches, mountains, developed cities, countryside, snow, waterfalls, among many other aspects that appeal to all kinds of tastes. If you want to train your English, upgrade your CV and take advantage of all these aspects, follow the text and see how to do an exchange program in the USA.

• Miami: the american way of life suits the city! Malls, beaches and parties attract Brazilians. Those who do an exchange in the region discover a Miami with a wealth of architecture. Downtown is the typical financial center, with modern and huge skyscrapers, while Wynwood is the old industrial district that today is explored by artists with graffiti and galleries, and South Beach is home to historic buildings. 
• San Francisco: has a beach atmosphere, museums, outdoor excursions and all the opportunities for exchange students to network. 
• New York: this is the city that offers all the opportunities of a major metropolis. Cultural diversity, bustling life and award-winning restaurants can all be found in the most populous city in the USA. 

These are 3 different examples of what you can enjoy on an exchange in the United States. When choosing, it's worth doing some detailed research, talking to the agency responsible for the trip or to people who have already experienced the exchange in different cities in the country.

Duration

To learn the language, integrate into the culture and take advantage of excursions and opportunities, there may not be a minimum amount of time. After all, this is the kind of learning that never ends. But for those with limited time, it is possible to find exchanges to the USA from one month to one year. And even long-term courses such as higher education, post-graduate and doctoral programs. 

A short stay offers limited opportunities, some travel and study for the weeks of your stay. Longer courses allow you to work in the country and integrate into the new routine after the novelty wears off. Courses lasting more than a year make the exchange student almost a native, both in terms of language fluency and local customs. 

Seen

Once you've chosen all the aspects mentioned, it's time to focus on the more technical procedures, such as the seen. Whether you're staying for a day or a few years, you need a visa to enter the United States. In the case of exchanges, the most common are the F-1, M-1 and J-1. 

• F-1: is intended for students who intend to attend a university or other academic institution.  
• M-1: this is aimed at those who wish to attend a professional, non-academic institution. 
• J-1: any activity predetermined for the period of stay in the country is covered by this type of visa. Examples include postgraduate courses and internships. 

USA full of opportunities

Whether it's to study or work temporarily, the United States offers many opportunities for foreigners. If you enjoy American culture and are interested in what happens in the country, follow The Florida Lounge blog, which presents new content every week about living, investing and visiting the country and, specifically, the state of Florida. 

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