Des Moines, IA
A real American exchange experience in the heart of the Midwest. Not a tourist program — a genuine community placement.
J-1 exchange designated with a strong host family network and genuine community involvement.
Official cultural exchange with full support. A State Department-designated program that provides orientation, insurance, and a dedicated local coordinator for every student.
Carefully matched families committed to welcoming international students. Every host family is vetted, trained, and genuinely excited to share their home and culture.
Students join clubs, sports teams, and local activities — not sidelined as visitors. Full integration into the school and community from day one.
Prairie Exchange Academy partners with Global Link Advisors on these specific placement tracks.
State Department-sponsored visa program with orientation, insurance, and local coordinator support. Students experience authentic American life with full program backing.
Students are placed in local activities, church groups, and service projects alongside American peers. This is real community life, not a curated tourist experience.
Full access to AP courses, electives, and extracurricular activities at the host school. Exchange students participate in everything — just like any other student.
A solid public school curriculum with full access for exchange students.
Agriculture Science, Business, Music, and Community Service.
Spanish and French offered at multiple proficiency levels.
Basic ESL support with peer tutoring and after-school English workshops to help exchange students build confidence and fluency.
What you need to know before applying.
Life at Prairie Exchange Academy goes far beyond the classroom.
FFA (Future Farmers of America), Student Council, National Honor Society, Drama Club, Yearbook, and community volunteer organizations.
State fairs, Friday night football, community service projects, and cultural exchange events. Students experience genuine Midwestern American traditions.
Varsity and JV programs in football, basketball, wrestling, track & field, cross country, baseball, softball, and volleyball.
Getting here and getting around.
Tell us about your student. We'll let you know if Prairie Exchange Academy is a fit — and if not, we'll suggest the school that is.