My family wants to host a foreign exchange student?
So my family and I (a junior in High School) want to host a foreign exchange student, preferably from Spain. Does anybody know how we would go about doing so? Thanks :)
Studying Abroad - 3 Answers
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1 :
You should research the different exchange programs in your area. If you go to: http://www.csiet.org, you'll find details on many of the programs that are out there. You may want to stay with those that are CSIET approved as the non profit provides standards for safety, leadership and support. Once you find one, contact them and find out how they run their program relative to hosting students. They should also give you the criteria and details for the process and expectations. Since I am the Chair of the Rotary Youth Exchange program in South Florida, I can only comment on ours. Rotary's main website is http://rotary.org/en/StudentsAndYouth/YouthPrograms/RotaryYouthExchange/Pages/ridefault.aspx. I'll just give you the basics. We have a multi step process. We have to visit your home and interview you and your family. This is also a question and answer period. You fill out an application which includes authorization for a background check which we do. Once approved, we hold a local orientation where we give detailed instructions to all the host families. From there we lay out a schedule and start the process of introducing you to the student before they arrive. While we consider requests for certain countries, we do not guarantee what countries from which your student will be. It's a wonderful program that's a life changing experience for all involved. Good Luck!
2 :
You need to check with your high schools, as the regulations will vary somewhat. They can give you the names of organizations that operate in their school. Hopefully, YFU and/or AFS will be among the choices. As those are the top programs, they should be. You will also need to find out how many students are accepted each year. Some schools will require you to apply in the spring for the following school year. Once you find the organizations, contact the area representatives. You are in the driver's seat, so interview several if possible. Try and work with one in the same city also. The closer your representative is, the better. One reason to stick with AFS and YFU, the representatives are NOT paid. They do not get a dime for placing students in your home. It is an avocation, not a vocation. Don't be fooled by those who claim to be "paid volunteers". That's an oxymoron. After you have contacted the representatives, they will ask you to either fill out a host family application either on paper or on line. They will come and do an interview with you and you will be required to provided personal references. You must also submit to a criminal background check (note, this is NOT a credit check). There are no financial requirements to host, but you are responsible for room and board for the student. Also, a private room isn't necessary but of course nice if possible. In both YFU and AFS, you will be able to pick your student from profiles and letters they have submitted. Try to find one that shares at least one interest with your family, i.e. music or sports, as that will give you something to talk about! Now, if your school does NOT have exchange students, or does not have any contact information I've provided the websites for both YFU and AFS. You can fill out an application on line and someone will contact you. Happy hosting! http://www.yfu-usa.org/ http://www.afsusa.org/usa_en/home EDIT: I agree Rotary is also a good program. However, at least in our area, they move the students several times per year, and I don't care for that approach. Also, some districts only allow Rotary members to host. If you can get into it, I think you would also be pleased.
3 :
Humbly and respectfully submitted: Feisty gave a wonderful answer (please choose hers as the Best Answer) - I can't really think of much to add to her answer. If I may, I would like to place a vote to host with YFU (Youth For Understanding). My husband and I have hosted 5 exchange students. The first time we hosted, we did not check out the agency very well. While the overall experience was good, the agency did not take care of some important issues before our Russian daughter got here and could have done better with respect to support while she was here. Some years later, we decided to host again. We contacted multiple agencies on the CSIET list. Because of our previous experience, we did our homework before contacting the agencies and stressed the requirements of our school District. YFU was the agency that was most responsive to our needs. I have incredible respect for the Rotary Club - they do wonderful things. However, based on communications that I have had with others who have had direct experience with Rotary Club's exchange programs, I would recommend hosting with someone else. Support Rotary but, when it comes to hosting, I recommend going with an organization that only does exchanges. If you decide that you would like to check out YFU more and live in Colorado or Wyoming, please contact me -- I can put you in direct contact with the local representatives.
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Friday, December 28, 2012
Friday, December 14, 2012
Information about student exchange at Mexico or Spain?
Information about student exchange at Mexico or Spain?
O.K I'm 16 years old and I'm very interested in doing student exchange I'm in 11th grade in high school and I would like to know if someone who has been in student exchange would give me very good details about what do i need to do like the requirements,costs,etc. I would like to go to Mexico or Spain those are my two choices.And to see where I need to go in my school for example if I need to go to my counselors or another department at my school, and if i go to Mexico, or Spain school I would like to know if i'll get my credits transferred to my school here at the United States or if l would loose them.Every single detail that you have will be very good.
Other - Mexico - 2 Answers
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1 :
Both my nephew and niece were in Mexico on Spanish language exchange programs but just for the summer. Yes they got credit. You didn't mention your Spanish skills but most decent language programs should know about exchange programs
2 :
The ITESM (Tec de Monterrey) has a "prepa internacional" (international high school)... certain campuses only, but worth looking into. Also, there are many language schools throughout Mexico, expecially in Cuernavaca. You didn't say how your Spanish is... if you're fluent you could probably go to a regular high school there (I'm not 100% sure but you should look into it). If you haven't learned Spanish, then going to an immersion school over the summer or holidays is a great idea. I would contact the school in Mexico or Spain directly, as well as speak to y our guidance counselor. Good luck! I hope this helps. I wish I had studied abroad when I was in high school. I finally got the chance in college and it was one of the best decisions I ever made.
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O.K I'm 16 years old and I'm very interested in doing student exchange I'm in 11th grade in high school and I would like to know if someone who has been in student exchange would give me very good details about what do i need to do like the requirements,costs,etc. I would like to go to Mexico or Spain those are my two choices.And to see where I need to go in my school for example if I need to go to my counselors or another department at my school, and if i go to Mexico, or Spain school I would like to know if i'll get my credits transferred to my school here at the United States or if l would loose them.Every single detail that you have will be very good.
Other - Mexico - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Both my nephew and niece were in Mexico on Spanish language exchange programs but just for the summer. Yes they got credit. You didn't mention your Spanish skills but most decent language programs should know about exchange programs
2 :
The ITESM (Tec de Monterrey) has a "prepa internacional" (international high school)... certain campuses only, but worth looking into. Also, there are many language schools throughout Mexico, expecially in Cuernavaca. You didn't say how your Spanish is... if you're fluent you could probably go to a regular high school there (I'm not 100% sure but you should look into it). If you haven't learned Spanish, then going to an immersion school over the summer or holidays is a great idea. I would contact the school in Mexico or Spain directly, as well as speak to y our guidance counselor. Good luck! I hope this helps. I wish I had studied abroad when I was in high school. I finally got the chance in college and it was one of the best decisions I ever made.
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Friday, December 7, 2012
I want to be a foreign exchange student in Spain, and I want to know what it is like there.?
I want to be a foreign exchange student in Spain, and I want to know what it is like there.?
I was just wondering if someone could tell me what it is like there. Not so much about culture, because that is what I am going there for. Such as, do they eat breakfast and when? Is it appropriate to kiss someone on the cheek as a greeting (as in many Spanish speaking countries). Would they consider me to be weird just because I am American? What do they think abut Americans? What are the guys like? (yes, I am a girl, and honestly suspect that the guys there will be different from American guys.) What about the girls? Are the teachers friendly? Are they family oriented? What is the weather like in different parts of Spain? Will I be easily accepted? I wouldn't mind if I weren't but it would sure be a lonely year. Do the kids hang out a lot after school? If you have anything else to add, it will be greatly appreciated:D And just if you are wondering, I am 15. Oh, and if you could put something about how they dress and such things in your answer, I will forever be indebted! Thank you! Muchas Gracias~
Studying Abroad - 1 Answers
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1 :
Well, I've never studied in Spain, but I have studied abroad. I suggest you really start looking on websites and doing lots of reading on the subject. However, one question I can answer. Guys in most foreign countries think American girls are easy. Thank the media for that one.
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Saturday, December 1, 2012
Should I be a foreign exchange student in SPAIN, FRANCE, AUSTRALIA, or SWITZERLAND?
Should I be a foreign exchange student in SPAIN, FRANCE, AUSTRALIA, or SWITZERLAND?
I can't decide! I'm a 17 year old in America, but I'm originally from England. Apart from speaking English, I'm learning Spanish, and want to become more fluent, which is why Spain seems like a good idea. But I'm also going to self-study French, as well... They all seem like such beautiful, fun countries but I have no idea which to choose. What would you recommend, and why? And idk if it would play any part, but I'm black (Cameroonian), so preferably a country with people who generally like black people, lol. Don't want to feel uncomfortable! My main reason for wanting to do this is because I love traveling! I think its crazy that some people haven't even left their state, in the U.S. ( you don't need to be rich to travel!).There's so much to see and experience elsewhere!
Studying Abroad - 1 Answers
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I'd choose Switzerland - beautiful country with so much to see and do whether you like rural or urban areas with generally nice people that are tolerant of foreigners. Also it's not overly touristy so it still has done traditional Swiss charm.
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