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The
Who, How and When of Student Exchange and Study Abroad Programs
Whether
you’re aspiring to participate in a student exchange program for summer
study abroad or to volunteer as a host family, it’s
important to understand the who, how and when of these exchange
programs. Regardless if it’s a summer study abroad program or a standard
study abroad program, generally student visas are not required. Most
programs will manage the details involved in handling the travel documents and
student visas (if needed)
The Who
on Student Exchange Programs
Besides the
organization supporting the student exchange there are 3 other groups of people
involved. The person who will be studying in another country is known as the
foreign exchange student The people who will have the student living with them
for the duration of the program are known as the host family. And last but not
least, the person who will be coordinating the program from start to finish,
also known as the student representative.
All high school student exchange programs represent a
positive life altering experience for high school students between the ages of 15 –
18 as well as college age study abroad students. Based on the international
student’s application and grades, the program will determine
which grade to place the student. (Most high school foreign exchange
students will be placed as a junior in their new high school). A true desire to
learn a new culture, language, customs and ways will help make the exchange a
satisfying one.
While there
are not any specific preconceived notions on the race, religion or personalities
of the types of families who host a foreign exchange student, the most important step of
any student exchange program is the ability to match an exchange student with
the appropriate host
family. A loving family that appreciates the possibilities of
giving back, gaining personal growth and experiencing a rich life lesson will
have the most rewarding encounter for them and their student.
Area
Representatives worldwide act as a liaison between host families and foreign
exchange students, a
counselor if you will, helping to ensure the successful completion of a study
abroad program. Some of their responsibilities include, seeking vacancies for
foreign students in local high schools, recruiting and interviewing prospective
host families, the orientation of both the host family in preparation of
the arriving student and the foreign exchange student on their arrival.
The best student reps are enthusiastic, patient and reliable.
The When
on Study Abroad Programs
From summer
study abroad program to student exchange program, the span of study
varies from international student and program. For instance one study
abroad program may begin in August and last for the entire academic school year
or 10 months. As a result, the exchange student would not return from the
study abroad program until June of the next year. Alternatively,
adolescents participating in a student exchange program in the Southern
Hemisphere may start January for the 10-month study abroad program.
Other student exchange programs are based on semesters. In these exchange
programs, students stay for five months. A student could
commence the study abroad program in August and return to their country in
January – making their stay a five-month span.
A summer
study abroad program will generally last about 3 months, although some may be as
short as two weeks. (Keep in mind summer in the Southern Hemisphere, is from
January to April and in the Northern Hemisphere June to September).
The How
on Student Exchange Programs
The student
will ultimately decide which type of program is best for them to enroll in, but
before an exchange student can consider
beginning a study abroad program experience, certain documents are needed
to participate in the exchange program. In America, most study
abroad programs require the students to enter the United States on a J-1
exchange visitor visa as opposed to an actual student visa. The form, known
as the DS 2019 is secured and issued by participating programs – including and
not limited to various summer study abroad programs and student exchange
programs.
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