International Foreign Exchange Program Requirements
Exchange Student Admissions Requirements:
Would you like to become a foreign exchange student in Los Angeles? Here are the admissions requirements.
Would you like to become a foreign exchange student in Los Angeles? Here are the admissions requirements.
- Students must be no younger than 15 and no older that 18 when they arrive in the program
- Students must be intermediate English speakers with a proven English Placement Score of: Slate 4.0/TOEFL Jr 750 and TOEFL iBT 52 for Public High School
- Students must have the minimum required English proficiency score to attend a particular private school. If the student has a test score which is lower than the schools requirement, the student cannot be presented to that particular school on the recommendation of IACE
- Student must not have graduated from a high school in their home country
- Students must be motivated and serious about their academics and take the school required courses
- Students must hold and maintain a passing Grade Point Average (GPA) in their home country and while studying in the U.S.
- Academic transcripts of the three last years of school translated in English must accompany the application as proof of level
- Students must be personally mature to handle a school year abroad
Every Culture has something to Teach the World!
When an international exchange student applies to the IACE exchange program and the IACE application is received, ALL international students are required to be interviewed via Skype before being accepted into the IACE program as well as take and submit a ELTiS/Slate/TOEFL Jr and/or TOEFL iBT score. IACE looks for international exchange students who are serious about their studies with strong academic achievement, maturity and a positive attitude. *Please note that the SLEP test has been replaced with the TOEFL Jr. test.
At the top of the page under the resource tab you will find the link to English placement tests for foreign exchange student applicants.
At the top of the page under the resource tab you will find the link to English placement tests for foreign exchange student applicants.
IACE will evaluate the exchange student application form and consider:
The student's academic profile including previous academic performance and English level.
The student's needs, requirements and goals for the program.
The student's recommendation letters from Mathematics and English teachers, student's personal maturity as indicated on his/her personal letter and Skype interview.
The student's academic profile including previous academic performance and English level.
The student's needs, requirements and goals for the program.
The student's recommendation letters from Mathematics and English teachers, student's personal maturity as indicated on his/her personal letter and Skype interview.

Host Family at restaurant on Malibu Beach!
International Exchange Students attending Public and Private High School will live with a Host Family: Foreign exchange students are placed with IACE Host families if they are attending a public or private high school. Host families who have been selected to host for IACE and provide a safe, nurturing and caring environment for the academic year and live in proximity of the schools.
We look for host families that want to welcome an international exchange student into their home and family and share with the international exchange student student their way of life, culture and learn about the international exchange student's culture. By living with a host family, international exchange students have the opportunity to improve their English language and experience local customs. Host families are personally screened and selected for the program and have had a criminal background check clearance for any member of the family who are 18 years or older.
Because we are such a diverse community in America, our host families can range from a variety of ages, single adults, single parents, couples with/without children, retired people, and consisting of different religions, etc... International exchange students are welcomed into the host family home as a family member. IACE takes pride in offering our international exchange students quality homestay programs that will ensure you have a wonderful family and support during your stay. Our staff at IACE is dedicated to ensuring you have a memorable and positive homestay experience and are available 24 hours 7 days a week.
We look for host families that want to welcome an international exchange student into their home and family and share with the international exchange student student their way of life, culture and learn about the international exchange student's culture. By living with a host family, international exchange students have the opportunity to improve their English language and experience local customs. Host families are personally screened and selected for the program and have had a criminal background check clearance for any member of the family who are 18 years or older.
Because we are such a diverse community in America, our host families can range from a variety of ages, single adults, single parents, couples with/without children, retired people, and consisting of different religions, etc... International exchange students are welcomed into the host family home as a family member. IACE takes pride in offering our international exchange students quality homestay programs that will ensure you have a wonderful family and support during your stay. Our staff at IACE is dedicated to ensuring you have a memorable and positive homestay experience and are available 24 hours 7 days a week.
Guardianship/Sponsorship:
International high school exchange students must have a local guardian while attending school and to have that guardian available to make medical and legal decisions on behalf of the international exchange student. IACE will be your Guardian/Sponsor for the academic school year.
Medical Insurance for Exchange Students:
ALL international exchange students must have a medical insurance policy during the entire 10 month academic school year as required by law. IACE provides this medical insurance policy which will be included in the total cost and provides the health insurance at least the minimum requirement amount for international exchange students under California Law.
International high school exchange students must have a local guardian while attending school and to have that guardian available to make medical and legal decisions on behalf of the international exchange student. IACE will be your Guardian/Sponsor for the academic school year.
Medical Insurance for Exchange Students:
ALL international exchange students must have a medical insurance policy during the entire 10 month academic school year as required by law. IACE provides this medical insurance policy which will be included in the total cost and provides the health insurance at least the minimum requirement amount for international exchange students under California Law.

with their American Friends!
Exchange Students attending Public High Schools: Foreign exchange students are required to take an English Proficiency test and submit results to IACE of a minimum ELTiS 222/Slate 4.0/TOEFL Jr 750/ TOEFL iBT 52 to be accepted into the IACE Program, The public schools offered by IACE offer ESL classes with the exception of Oak Park High School. *Please note that international exchange students will be required to take 4 additional Academic classes English, Math, Science and History and two electives.
Exchange Students attending Private High Schools and Boarding Schools: Foreign exchange students are required to take the Slate test, TOEFL Jr (this test replaced the SLEP test) or TOEFL iBT and submit the score to IACE. When IACE presents an international exchange student for consideration, the international exchange student may be required to take another English Proficiency test. For example the international exchange student submits his/her Slate test to IACE but the private school might require the TOEFL Jr. Some private schools offer no ESL therefore international exchange students must have a high command of the English language to be considered for acceptance.
Exchange Students attending Private High Schools and Boarding Schools: Foreign exchange students are required to take the Slate test, TOEFL Jr (this test replaced the SLEP test) or TOEFL iBT and submit the score to IACE. When IACE presents an international exchange student for consideration, the international exchange student may be required to take another English Proficiency test. For example the international exchange student submits his/her Slate test to IACE but the private school might require the TOEFL Jr. Some private schools offer no ESL therefore international exchange students must have a high command of the English language to be considered for acceptance.
What if you are an International Exchange Student that has a English placement score a little below the minimum English requirement?
If your intent is to graduate it might take you an addition year or a summer or two. There are two high private high schools that offer an intensive ESL Program.
As an international exchange student when recommended by IACE and offered acceptance you will be administered an English test by the high school and based on results be placed in beginning ESL , intermediate ESL or advanced ESL.
If your intent is to graduate it might take you an addition year or a summer or two. There are two high private high schools that offer an intensive ESL Program.
As an international exchange student when recommended by IACE and offered acceptance you will be administered an English test by the high school and based on results be placed in beginning ESL , intermediate ESL or advanced ESL.

or a lower level of English
Southwestern Academy (Boarding school) offers three levels of ESL:
All ESL classes are carefully structured courses and taught by certified ESL teachers using the latest material resources. Southwestern offers an intensive, three-level program (beginning, intermediate and advanced) to teach English as a Second Language, with some transitional classes in different subjects. Once the international student passes all three levels, they enter Southwestern's mainstream classes.
Classes cover: Reading and Phonics, Grammar, Vocabulary Development, Writing, Speaking and Listening, Conversation and Note Taking (advance level). At each proficiency level, international exchange students are assigned to classes suited to their abilities.
Transition classes offer international exchange students a chance to practice English skills as they move into college preparatory subjects. These classes include: Art History, Music, Film, Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry, Area Studies, American Culture, Education, and Life Science. Field trips and computer classes supplement all subjects. In addition, ESL international students are encouraged to participate in Southwestern varsity teams or recreational sports.
SOUTHWESTERN INTENSIVE SUMMER ESL PROGRAM: If you wish to improve your academic English skills and learn about American culture, come to Southwestern Academy for the summer. You can study for four, seven, or 14 weeks and earn a half or full semester credit. For those international exchange students for only four weeks who want to improve their English speaking and listening skills can take the American Culture program. Ten to twelve students are in each class for personalized attention.
All ESL classes are carefully structured courses and taught by certified ESL teachers using the latest material resources. Southwestern offers an intensive, three-level program (beginning, intermediate and advanced) to teach English as a Second Language, with some transitional classes in different subjects. Once the international student passes all three levels, they enter Southwestern's mainstream classes.
Classes cover: Reading and Phonics, Grammar, Vocabulary Development, Writing, Speaking and Listening, Conversation and Note Taking (advance level). At each proficiency level, international exchange students are assigned to classes suited to their abilities.
Transition classes offer international exchange students a chance to practice English skills as they move into college preparatory subjects. These classes include: Art History, Music, Film, Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry, Area Studies, American Culture, Education, and Life Science. Field trips and computer classes supplement all subjects. In addition, ESL international students are encouraged to participate in Southwestern varsity teams or recreational sports.
SOUTHWESTERN INTENSIVE SUMMER ESL PROGRAM: If you wish to improve your academic English skills and learn about American culture, come to Southwestern Academy for the summer. You can study for four, seven, or 14 weeks and earn a half or full semester credit. For those international exchange students for only four weeks who want to improve their English speaking and listening skills can take the American Culture program. Ten to twelve students are in each class for personalized attention.

or a lower level of English
Fairmont Academy
Fairmont Academy (Private School) offers three levels of extensive ESL Programs:
LANGUAGE FOUNDATION:
Students who have not yet met the English language proficiency requirements to be admitted to the International Foundation program are able to apply to the Language Foundation program. This intensive – 9-periods/day program consists of one to two semesters dependent upon language ability. Upon completion of this program, and acquisition of the necessary language skills, students can advance into the International Foundation Year program.
INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION YEAR:
The International Foundation Year program is a program for international students with an intermediate and low-advanced level of language proficiency. This program combines intensive language coursework with one full academic year of credit-bearing courses so that our international students are able to maximize the time it takes to complete their studies.
INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION CENTER:
Through the International Foundation Center (IFC) – Fairmont Private Schools offers specialized preparatory language coursework and student services to our international students. The IFC will allow international students to maximize their time in acquiring their language proficiency while taking the necessary credit-bearing courses they need to graduate.
LANGUAGE FOUNDATION:
Students who have not yet met the English language proficiency requirements to be admitted to the International Foundation program are able to apply to the Language Foundation program. This intensive – 9-periods/day program consists of one to two semesters dependent upon language ability. Upon completion of this program, and acquisition of the necessary language skills, students can advance into the International Foundation Year program.
INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION YEAR:
The International Foundation Year program is a program for international students with an intermediate and low-advanced level of language proficiency. This program combines intensive language coursework with one full academic year of credit-bearing courses so that our international students are able to maximize the time it takes to complete their studies.
INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION CENTER:
Through the International Foundation Center (IFC) – Fairmont Private Schools offers specialized preparatory language coursework and student services to our international students. The IFC will allow international students to maximize their time in acquiring their language proficiency while taking the necessary credit-bearing courses they need to graduate.
At the top of the page click on Program Applications to download the IACE APPLICATION!.
Under the Schools tab will direct you to each school profile which includes a school summary and each schools English Proficiency Test minimum required score.
Under the Schools tab will direct you to each school profile which includes a school summary and each schools English Proficiency Test minimum required score.