5114 - INTERNATIONAL STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM
New Albany-Floyd County Consolidated School Corporation supports international student exchange programs as a method of enhancing cultural education in our high schools. International student exchange programs promote international understanding and quality international youth exchanges, inbound and outbound, that enrich our high school communities.
Sponsors
Applications may be made by sponsor organizations designated by the United States Department of State as a secondary student exchange visitor program and currently in good standing with the United States Department of State. The program must be approved by and in good standing with the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET). The high school principal has the authority to approve or reject student applications submitted based on the program guidelines and has the prerogative to choose from a variety of approved agencies.
Timeline
Applications from approved sponsor organizations will be accepted by both high schools between the last week of March and the second week of June. Those applications reviewed and approved by the high school principal must have all necessary forms and documents submitted. The principal will notify the sponsor organization by mid-June if a student is approved to enroll. Exceptions may apply at the principal's prerogative. A maximum of four (4) students may be placed in any one high school, and no more than two (2) of these students may be of the same nationality.
Eligible Students
Students shall:
be between fifteen and a half (15-1/2) and eighteen (18) years old at the time of enrollment;
have sufficient knowledge of the English language to participate in high school classes;
have appropriate medical insurance coverage;
be accepted by a host family;
not have earned a diploma in the country of origin;
document above-average academic and behavioral records;
enroll on a full-time status for both semesters at the assigned high school;
attend high school in the area where they are residing; and
attend only one (1) school year in the Corporation.
The host American family should be selected to assure that the exchange student will have companionship. It is strongly recommended that the host family have a teenager attending the same high school that the exchange student will attend. Exceptions shall be made only when the sponsor organization has investigated the situation and can satisfy the school that the student will have ample opportunity to meet with and spend considerable time with teenagers in this county. In such cases, the principal shall make the final decision.
Procedures for Admission of Eligible Students
The sponsor organization must apply for and obtain written approval from the principal for admission of the student at least eight (8) weeks prior to the student's enrollment date. Such written approval, once given, shall assure that a place will be held for a student for three (3) weeks or until a host family is identified, whichever shall occur first.
The application shall include the student's transcript, evidence of English competency, pertinent information about the student, the student's health record, and an assurance of appropriate medical insurance coverage.
Written approval or denial for admission shall be given to the sponsor organization by the principal.
A notarized temporary custody agreement between the international exchange student's parents/guardians and the host family and/or sponsor organization is required.
Notification to the Student and Host Family
A copy of the regulations regarding the international student exchange program shall be provided for the student and host family after the student has been approved for admission to a New Albany-Floyd County High School.
A list of estimated school-related expenses shall be given to the host family.
Enrollment and Orientation
The exchange student, accompanied by a member of the host family, shall meet with the principal and a counselor to enroll the student. Formal entrance to the school shall be at the beginning of the school year. An orientation designed to acquaint the student with the American school and with the rules governing behavior shall be provided by the school staff. The student shall be expected to follow school rules and to participate fully in the educational program provided.
High School Curricular Responsibilities
A full schedule of appropriate classes for both semesters shall be provided for the exchange student. Extra-curricular and co-curricular opportunities will be made available according to the policies governing all students in the New Albany- Floyd County high schools.
Advanced Placement or honors classes will be offered according to space and academic need. Foreign exchange students may not audit any classes; all classes will be taken for credit.
Upon completion of the stay in New Albany-Floyd County Schools, the student shall be issued an official transcript of all work completed.
High expectations for foreign exchange students require that no expulsion waivers be granted should an expulsion occur.
Supervision
It is the sponsor organization's responsibility to resolve problems arising between the student, the host family, and/or the school, including, if necessary, the changing of host families or the early return home of the exchange student. The principal shall notify the representative of the sponsoring organization if the host family is reported to be neglecting the needs of the exchange student.
Financial Support
School-related expenses shall be the responsibility of the sponsoring agency, the student family, and the host family.
The student, student family, or host family shall pay for school lunches, admission to school activities, and commemorative items, such as the yearbook.
Employment
Exchange students shall not be permitted to take part-time jobs during their stay in the New Albany-Floyd County Schools. Small jobs, not to exceed ten (10) hours per week, such as tutoring, grass cutting, and baby-sitting, may be allowed.
Athletic Eligibility
Exchange student shall be governed by the Indiana High School Athletic Association rules and regulations regarding participation in interscholastic athletic competition.
Appeals
Appeals to these guidelines can be submitted to the Assistant to the Superintendent.
Revised 7/28/09