So maybe everything you've read on these pages makes you want to look into an exchange program. We've put together a lot of information to point you in the right direction.

The first step is to research the type of program you want and get yourself accepted. To help you get started in finding the program that's perfect for you, we describe a host of programs in the following article — some of the many available that you might want to consider.

When you've selected a program, your program sponsors will issue you a document to enroll you in SEVIS. That stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It's an Internet-based system that allows schools, universities, and other exchange sponsors to provide the U.S. Department of Homeland Security with information on the whereabouts of foreign visitors when they are in the United States. Your program sponsor will provide a lot of guidance and help in getting you through the process.

When you have the SEVIS document, you will be ready to contact the U.S. embassy in your country to apply for a visa to come to the United States. A visa is a document issued through a U.S. embassy that allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port of entry and request permission from an immigration officer to come into the country. The United States issues various kinds of nonimmigrant visas for different types of travelers, business people, tourists, and performers. The following are the types issued to students:

• The F, or Student, Visa: This visa is the type most commonly issued to those who want to enroll in academic studies. People who plan to go to an accredited U.S. college or university or an English-language institute get this type of visa. Learn more at http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.

• The J, or Exchange Visitor, Visa: This visa is for people who will be participating in an exchange visitor program in the United States. The "J" visa is especially for people headed into educational and cultural exchange programs. Learn more at http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1267.

• The M, or Student, Visa: This visa is for somebody eyeing a nonacademic program or vocational study or training at a U.S. institution. Get more information at http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.