PARTNER HANDBOOK F-1 High School Academic Program 2018-19

712 N Wells St., 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60654 USA · Phone: 312-944-2544 · greenheartexchange.org · [email protected] Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Greenheart Exchange ...... page 3 • Introduction to F-1 High School Academic Program ...... page 3 2. F-1 High School Program Overview ...... page 4 • Program Goals ...... page 4 • J-1 and F-1 Visa Comparison ...... page 4 • Sending Partner Requirements ...... page 4 • Conditions of Participation ...... page 5 • Program Options ...... page 5 • Program Eligibility Requirements ...... page 5 • Program Dates and Travel to Host Community ...... page 5 • Application Deadlines ...... page 6 • Program Fee Inclusions ...... page 6 • Custom Option ...... page 7 • Program Support and Supervision ...... page 7 • Local Coordinator Services ...... page 7 • Banking and Money ...... page 7 • Greenheart Club ...... page 8 • International Travel Authorization ...... page 8 • Accommodation Options ...... page 9 • Flight Information ...... page 10 • Health Challenges ...... page 10 • Requirements to Notify Greenheart Exchange ...... page 11 • Contacting Greenheart Exchange ...... page 11 • F-1 High School Academic Program and Support Staff ...... page 12 3. Partnership Conditions ...... page 13 • Partner Authorization ...... page 13 • Working with Subagents ...... page 13 • Avoiding Fraud and Ensuring Timely Return of Participants ...... page 13 • Financial Responsibility ...... page 13 • Pre-Departure Orientation ...... page 13 • Fees, Invoicing, Cancellations, Payments and Refunds ...... page 13 • Health and Medical Insurance ...... page 13 • Program Rules and Disciplinary Procedures ...... page 13 4. Program Fees and Banking Detail ...... page 15 • Invoicing Procedure ...... page 15 • Program Fee Payment Schedules ...... page 15 • Cancellation and Miscellaneous Fees ...... page 15 • Banking Details ...... page 15 5. Application Process ...... page 16 • Application Steps ...... page 16 • Student Application ...... page 16

Updated July 2017 Partner Handbook | F-1 High School Academic Program | greenheart.org 1 Table of Contents

• Required Participant Documents ...... page 17 • Immunization Requirements ...... page 18 • Entrance Tests ...... page 18 • Role of Test Scores in Admission Decisions ...... page 19 • School Acceptance Process ...... page 19 • Course Selection and Grade Level ...... page 19 • Form I-20s ...... page 19 • Convalidation ...... page 19 6. F-1 Visa Application Procedure ...... page 20 • F-1 Visa Overview ...... page 20 • Applying for the F-1 Visa...... page 20 • Application Steps ...... page 20 • Arrival in the United States ...... page 21 • Visa Changes and Extensions ...... page 21 • Visa Denials...... page 21 • F-1 Visa Frequently Asked Questions ...... page 21 7. Pre-Departure Orientation ...... page 23 • Topics to Be Included in Pre-Departure Orientations ...... page 23 8. American School System Overview ...... page 25 • School Types ...... page 25 • Age to Grade Equivalency ...... page 26 • Academic Calendar and Class Scheduling ...... page 26 • Special Programs ...... page 26 • English as a Second Language Support ...... page 27 • Graduation ...... page 27 • Grading Scale and Grade Point Average ...... page 27 • Curriculum and Graduation Requirements ...... page 28 9. Appendix A: Conditions of Participation ...... page 29 • Agreement to Conditions of Participation ...... page 33 10. Appendix B: Convalidation Requirements ...... page 34 • Obtaining an Apostille ...... page 34 • Convalidation Requirements for Select Countries ...... page 34 11. Appendix C: Entrance Test Types...... page 36 12. Appendix D: Student Interview Form ...... page 37

Updated July 2017 Partner Handbook | F-1 High School Academic Program | greenheart.org 2 1. Introduction

Introduction come to the United States and attend a public or private school for one semester up to multiple years Established in 1985, Greenheart International is a on an F-1 visa. Our program allows students to tailor non-profit international exchange organization their experience to fit their needs. We will support you dedicated to connecting people and planet to create a and your students by helping them choose a school more peaceful and sustainable global community. where they will succeed. Whether your students are Based in Chicago, Illinois, Greenheart International interested in earning a diploma from a U.S. high organizes high school exchange, short-term group school and going on to an American university or just homestay, internship and training, volunteer, summer attending a semester/year abroad at a school of their work travel, and language study programs in the choice, we will work with you to find the best possible United States and in over 30 countries around the academic options. Host families are recruited through world. Through environmental and social service a nationwide network of Greenheart Exchange Local initiatives, Greenheart International offers Coordinators selected and trained by professional opportunities for American and international staff. Local Coordinators monitor the student, hosts participants to contribute to conservation efforts and school throughout the program and resolve through service, education and conscious living. At questions or problems that arise. Local Coordinators Greenheart International, we support the preservation are supported and assisted by Regional Directors who of, and respect for, the health and welfare of the earth are in turn supervised by staff in the Chicago Office. and its people by incorporating an ecological consciousness into all facets of our programs and Greenheart Club business. The Greenheart Club offers participants, partners, and The Mayor of the City of Chicago and the City Council host communities the opportunity to improve our recognize Greenheart for the promotion of global environment and foster greater cultural international education, environmental awareness, understanding through volunteer service. Participants and citizen diplomacy. who log volunteer hours through the Greenheart Club can receive rewards such as a Greenheart Certificate, Greenheart Exchange an official letter of recommendation, and the eligibility The Council on Standards for International to apply for a Greenheart Service Grant to create, Educational Travel (CSIET) currently grants full listing improve, or maintain a community-focused volunteer to Greenheart Exchange, a division of Greenheart service project abroad or at home. International. We are also a member of the World Youth Student and Educational Travel Confederation We ask all sending partners to promote the (WYSTC), NAFSA: Association of International Greenheart Club as part of Greenheart Exchange’s Educators, WYSE: Work Abroad Association, and The program. Participants are expected to take advantage Alliance for International Exchange. Greenheart of these cultural exchange opportunities. Exchange is designated by the U.S. Department of State as a J-1 Exchange Visitor Program Sponsor for the Secondary School, Intern and Trainee, and Summer Work Travel (SWT) programs. A special aspect of the United States is its citizens’ willingness to volunteer for the improvement of the community in which they live. For participants to fully experience the benefits of American culture, Greenheart Exchange has implemented a number of ways participants can volunteer and make a difference in their host community and the world. Sending partners should encourage their Greenheart Exchange participants to become involved in the Greenheart Club. Introduction to F-1 High School Academic Program Greenheart Exchange’s F-1 High School Academic Program gives high school students the opportunity to

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Program Goals issued to the sending partner. Once the agreement is signed and returned to Greenheart Exchange, the The following objectives will be met through sending partner’s Greenheart Exchange Online participation on the program: account will be activated for the season. • Students will attend the high school of their choice and will earn a U.S. diploma, if desired Greenheart Exchange will expect your agency to: • Increased understanding of U.S. culture and 1. Display ethical behavior and the highest values by living and studying in the United standard of operation from its agents. States 2. Become thoroughly familiar with the • Improved English proficiency Greenheart Exchange F-1 High School • Increased leadership skills through the Partner Handbook and disseminate complete experience of living abroad, making new and accurate information about services friends, and overcoming challenges offered by Greenheart Exchange. • Opportunity for students to share their culture 3. Use Greenheart Exchange Online and assist and customs with their American peers and host students and natural parents with its family utilization. 4. Verify and check all applications, including J-1 and F-1 Visa Comparison English, academic results, and references. 5. Explain Greenheart Exchange’s Conditions of J-1 Visa F-1 Visa Participation to students and parents. Choose location? No Yes 6. Reject all applications that do not meet program standards. Choose school or No Yes 7. Assist students with visa processing and school district? making travel arrangements. Earn a diploma?* No Yes1 8. Conduct pre-departure orientations with students and natural parents. Stay in the U.S. No Yes 9. Ensure students and natural parents are for more than one year? aware of Greenheart Exchange’s program policies. Choose school Yes Yes2 10. Translate monthly progress reports for subjects? parents. Play sports? Not Not 11. Maintain regular hours, check e-mail daily, Guaranteed Guaranteed and furnish Greenheart Exchange with up-to- date address, e-mail, and phone contact Live with a Host Yes Yes information. Phone contact information Family? (Volunteer) (Paid) should include a business office and an Have local staff Yes Yes emergency, after-hours number. support and 12. Agree to support the Greenheart Exchange involvement? Conditions of Participation when working with students and natural parents, including Participate in Yes Yes agreeing to intervene by speaking to students local events with directly at Greenheart Exchange’s request. Greenheart 13. Follow the appropriate chain of Exchange staff? communication throughout the year. Sending Partner Requirements Sending partners must agree to all conditions indicated in the F-1 High School Partner Handbook, and submit a Request for Operating Agreement in order to be considered for partnership. Once Greenheart Exchange receives these documents, an Operating Agreement (contract) will be

1 Students must meet their school and State’s 2 Based on course availability at the time of enrollment. requirements for graduation. Students must meet any pre-requisites for desired courses.

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Program Options Conditions of Participation Private Day School The F-1 High School Academic Program Conditions Description • Homestay accommodation of Participation are found in Appendix A of this • Superior academic quality document. All F-1 High School Academic Program • Diverse extracurricular activities participants in the United States and their natural • Numerous AP and honors courses parent(s) or legal guardian(s) must read, agree to, and • Dedicated faculty abide by the Conditions of Participation. • Personalized academic counseling Program Eligibility Requirements and university preparation Requirements vary extensively by school. The general Duration Trimester, Semester, or Academic Year + admission requirements are as follows: • Between 14 and 18 years of age. 13-year- Age 14 to 18 old students with above average maturity and Academic Above average* strong English may be accepted case-by- Level case. Most schools will not accept students English Level Intermediate +** over the age of 18, so choices for students in this age group are very limited. Public Day School • Average grades (C) or better. Students with Description • Typical “American experience” lower grades may be eligible for a limited • No religious affiliation selection of schools. • Lower tuitions • Intermediate to advanced English. Each • Lower academic requirements school has its own specific requirements for • Many offer AP and Honors courses English level. Students must meet the English Duration Trimester, Semester, or Academic requirements of the school(s) to which they Year + limited to 12 months (12th are applying. Most schools require students to graders may be eligible for diploma) have an intermediate to advanced level of English as demonstrated by their score on the Age 14 to 18 TOEFL, TOEFL Jr., ELTiS, or IELTS exam. Academic Average to above average* Please note that the SLEP test is no longer Level accepted by schools as of 2014. Students English Level Intermediate +** with low English may be eligible but must Boarding School enroll in a school that offers ESL instruction. Private tutoring can also be arranged. • Description Residence accommodation • Social maturity and flexibility. Students in • All benefits of a private day school homestays must be willing and able to education become a fully participating member of an • 24-hour supervision by school American host family. All students must faculty and staff demonstrate the maturity, flexibility, and • Close, supportive community independence needed to live away from • Best for independent, mature home for an extended period of time. students Program Dates and Travel to Host Community Duration Semester or Academic Year + Age 14 to 18 Once the student has accepted a school placement, Academic Above average* Greenheart Exchange will notify the sending partner Level of the date the student should arrive in the host community. Typically, one week prior to the first day English Level Intermediate +** of school is recommended, but some schools require * Students with low grades may still be eligible for a select international students to attend an orientation, in number of schools. which case the student may be required to arrive ** Students with low levels of English may still qualify, but earlier. School dates may change, so the sending must enroll in a school with ESL support. partner should check with Greenheart Exchange to confirm arrival and departure dates prior to booking flights.

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All costs of travel from the home country to the • Local orientation within two weeks of arrival ultimate destination, including any overnight lodging, • Supervision and support of a Greenheart meals, shuttle service, etc., are the responsibility of Exchange Local Coordinator the student. Greenheart Exchange will provide round- • Accommodation with a carefully screened, trip airport transfers from the nearest airport to the paid host family (for homestay programs) homestay community (listed on the host family • Disbursement of the monthly host family placement details) and the host family home. payment Program End Date • Meals at the host home The sending partner agrees to book airline • Assistance with course registration on arrival reservations and to provide Greenheart Exchange as needed with flight details for each student by May 15 or one • Monthly progress reports month prior to USA departure (whichever is earlier). • Assessment meetings once per semester Students should be scheduled to depart from the • Coordination of tutoring or academic support home of their Host Family by not more than seven to as needed 10 days following the end of the school term. Students • Assistance with visa documents (I-20 is may only extend their stay beyond 10 days after the provided by the school) end of term with prior approval from the Greenheart • Illness and accident insurance Exchange Chicago Office. Program insurance will end • 24-hour emergency telephone service the date the student is released from the program or • Participation in the Greenheart Club the date they depart from the host family home • Round-trip transfers to and from nearest (whichever is sooner). domestic airport Application Deadlines Public and Private Day Programs Include: There is no set deadline to apply. We accept • Accommodation with a carefully screened applications on a rolling basis, as long as schools host family have space available. However, as some schools do • Monthly host family stipend have application deadlines, we recommend students • Full board daily (three meals per day) apply as early as possible for the best chance of • Transportation to and from school admission to their preferred school. For students who Boarding Programs Include: have strong preferences regarding location or school • Residence accommodation (except school type, we recommend a deadline of February 1 for best vacations)3 consideration for Fall start dates. • Full board (three meals per day) The average wait time for an acceptance decision is • Supervision and support from the school three to four weeks. Wait times vary and can range • Assistance and support throughout the from one week to 12 weeks depending on the school. program For students who are more flexible regarding location Program Exclusions: and school, we recommend the following guidelines: • Airfare • Extra expenses such as books, uniforms, Recommended Suggested Deadline sport or activity fees, school excursions, etc.4 Deadline (for strong preference) • Personal expenses such as pocket money, Fall Start June 1 February 1 toiletries, entertainment and meals outside of the homestay, etc. Spring October 1 August 1 • School lunches on weekdays if the student Start wishes to purchase them at the school • Program Fee Inclusions Laptop or I-Pad (some schools require) • Fees for additional ESL or academic tutoring All Programs Include: not included in tuition • Expert guidance in school selection • Independent travel • Enrollment in the chosen school

3 For an additional fee, Greenheart Exchange will place 4 Once you have been accepted to a school we will be able the student with a homestay during school vacations. to tell you exactly what extra expenses you will incur.

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Custom Option families and communities to other cultures, and help build international understanding. If you have a particular school in mind that is not on Greenheart Exchange’s list, let us know. Greenheart While the Local Coordinator is the student’s primary Exchange is often able to work with the desired school point of contact for the F-1 High School Program and to facilitate enrollment and identification of a qualified is always available to offer advice and support to the host family. student, the LC is not a “personal assistant” and is not responsible for managing the details of the students’ Program Support and Supervision daily lives. Students are expected to manage their No matter which program the student chooses, private own schedules and solve their own day-to-day day, public day or boarding, they will have 24-hour problems with the advice and support of the Local support and supervision by qualified Greenheart Coordinator. Exchange national and local staff. Arrival Orientation Greenheart Exchange National Office Staff: Our Within two weeks of the student’s arrival in the host staff is available around the clock for students, host community, the Local Coordinator will provide an families, and host schools. Our emergency line arrival orientation. The orientation covers the following ensures that our students and our partners have topics: access to our support and expertise 24-hours a day. • Program rules and regulations • Insurance and emergency contacts CSIET: The Council on Standards for International • Cultural adjustment Educational Travel (CSIET) is a not-for-profit • Guidelines and expectations for living with a organization whose mission is to ensure that youth are host family provided with safe and valuable international and • Safety cultural exchange experiences. Greenheart Exchange • is proud to have received full listing with CSIET for the Financial responsibility 2016-17 listing cycle, indicating our compliance with Monthly Progress Reports standards for educational youth travel organizations. The Local Coordinator will remain in contact with the student by phone or in person on a monthly basis, and Local Coordinator Services will provide counseling to the student as needed for Each student is assigned to a Greenheart Exchange the duration of the program. Each month, the Local Local Coordinator (LC) who lives near their host Coordinator will complete a written Progress Report, community for the duration of their program. Local which is then sent to the sending partner to share with Coordinators are student advocates who are the natural parents. The Monthly Progress Report responsible for ensuring the student’s wellbeing on contains information about the student’s academic the program. They are trained according to progress and social adjustment, including the Department of State guidelines and undergo a student’s current grades and information about the screening process, including background checks. sports, activities, and social events in which the student is involved. Local Coordinators place students with host families and monitor the student and the family throughout the Banking and Money program. They assist students with any problems they may encounter, including academic challenges at Greenheart Exchange recommends that students school, difficulty making friends, or adapting to life with should plan to spend an average of $300-$350 per their host family. They help students and host families month on entertainment and incidentals. Students and communicate effectively to avoid misunderstandings, their natural parents should agree on a budget for and provide mediation and counseling for larger spending money in advance. Greenheart Exchange issues. recommends a debit card or pre-paid credit card that the natural parents can add funds to as needed. The Local Coordinator’s job is a challenging one with a wide range of responsibilities. They receive a small Host families are instructed not to take the student’s payment to cover their costs, but LCs do their jobs money to disburse it on an “as needed” basis. because they are committed to facilitating a positive Greenheart Exchange will not accept responsibility for exchange experience for students and host families. money that is lost or stolen, or for any incident which They want to meet and learn from international may arise as a result of a student either borrowing or students, establish close relationships with people lending money. from other cultures, expose members of their own

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The student is expected to cover personal expenses vacation rentals unless a responsible adult (toiletries, stationery, school supplies, postage, accompanies them. snacks purchased outside the home, entertainment, 3. The Local Coordinator, the natural parents, etc.). Students must reimburse their host families for and the Chicago Office must approve travel in long-distance calls made on the hosts’ telephones. writing. Greenheart Club It is very common for F-1 students to visit their home countries during vacations from school, including Greenheart Exchange offers enriching volunteer American holidays. If the student will miss any school opportunities for participants while in the U.S. Our days during the travel period, permission to be absent Greenheart Club staff can research community from school must be provided in writing by school service opportunities for your participants and connect officials. If a trip is approved, the student must do the them with volunteers in their community. following: Participants can log their volunteer hours via the Before Departure: Greenheart Club. Students who volunteer can earn 1. The student must carry a multiple entry visa. the prestigious distinction of Global Service Leader, 2. The student should check the validity dates which is recognized with a certificate of achievement on his or her visa. If the student’s visa expires and the opportunity to apply for Greenheart Service before he or she is scheduled to return to the Grants up to $1,000 based on their commitment to U.S., it is not recommended that the student continue their volunteer service. leave the country (if the trip is just for a short We ask all sending partners to promote the while to return home during a school break). Greenheart Club as part of Greenheart Exchange’s If the visa does expire, the student would program and let Greenheart Exchange know if your have to apply for a new visa in his or her home students have questions about the Club. country and this process is time consuming and offers no guarantee the student would be International Travel Authorization granted a new visa. Students are permitted to travel domestically with their 3. The student must inform the Designated host families. Any other independent student travel School Official (DSO) at their school that they requires permission from Greenheart Exchange, the will be leaving the country. The DSO is likely sending partner, and the student’s natural parents. the person who signed the student’s Form I- 20. If the travel page (second page) of the All student travel must take place during official school student’s Form I-20 is not signed by a DSO or breaks. The student’s school must approve any travel has an expired DSO signature (the signature that would require the student to miss school in is only valid for one year), the student must advance. Students who miss school without obtaining ask the DSO to provide a new, updated travel express permission in advance risk being dismissed signature to be able to re-enter the country. from the program, and may be subject to discipline by This signature verifies the student is in good the school. Consequences may include failure or standing and will greatly increase the chance expulsion. the student will be permitted to re-enter the Students who wish to travel independently during the United States. program must meet the following criteria: 4. The student should bring the original copy of 1. Student must provide in writing a specific their Form I-20 with them when leaving the itinerary for a specific destination, including U.S. It is very important that the student does flight, train or bus information, address and NOT leave the U.S. without the Form I-20. telephone number at the destination. Upon Return: 2. If the student will be met by and stay with a 1. The student should keep the original copy of responsible adult, Greenheart Exchange their Form I-20 in an easily accessible place requires this information be provided on the in carry-on luggage. Travel Request Form (TRF). F-1 students 2. The student should be ready to have and who are traveling independently must have present to immigration officers the original their natural parents’ permission to do so, as copy of the Form I-20 issued by their school. indicated on the TRF. Greenheart does not allow F-1 students to occupy hotels or If the student will be traveling internationally to a country that is not the student’s home country, all of the above procedures must be followed, plus the

Updated July 2017 Partner Handbook | F-1 High School Academic Program | greenheart.org 8 2. F-1 High School Program student should call the consulates of the country or living environment for an international student countries to be visited to determine if entry visas are (including their financial stability) and their suitability required for citizens of the student’s native country. as hosts. Our Local Coordinators are trained to look for inappropriate situations or motivations and to reject Accommodation Options hosts who are not appropriate, or who have Homestay motivations that are not consistent with the program Students who select homestay accommodation goals. A comprehensive profile of the host family with receive a thoroughly screened, welcoming family that photos is provided to the student upon placement. provides a loving home and parental guidance to the All Greenheart Exchange F-1 host families are vetted student. In addition, host families provide: as follows: • A private room with a door that closes • An in-home interview is conducted with all containing a bed, a desk for studying, and a host family members present place to store clothes • The home and surrounding neighborhood are • Transportation to and from school and inspected for cleanliness and safety activities • Thorough background checks are conducted • Three meals per day, including bagged on all host family members in the home who lunches to take to school. Students who elect will be 18 years of age or older at the time the to buy lunch at school may do so at their own student will be in the home expense • Two references are checked Host family makeup varies, reflecting the Relatives and Friends as Hosts demographic diversity of the United States. Students F-1 High School Program students may be hosted by should not expect the stereotypical family of a mother, blood relatives or personal friends of their natural father and two children. Host homes may be parents while on the program. If this is the case, the apartments, condominiums, prefabricated homes or natural parents have the option to waive the normal single-family dwellings. All host families speak English screening procedures, including background checks. as their primary language in the home. The student’s natural parents must agree to the waiver Greenheart Exchange does not discriminate against in writing. applicants or hosts based on race, religion, or ethnic Host Family Payments background. F-1 High School host families are generous people A host family may be a: who genuinely wish to welcome a young person from • Single parent with one or more children another country into their home. While the host family • Retired couple or a couple without children receives a monthly payment, the amount is relatively • Couple with one or more children low and intended to only defray the expense of having • Single-person hosts may be provided with another person in the home. The exact amount of the pre-approval of the applicant. payment is set according to the cost of living in the host family’s geographic area, so payments are Students in homestays are expected to: highest in coastal and urban areas. • Act as a member of the family and treat all host family members with respect The payment is not intended to be additional income • Keep their room tidy and clean up after for the family, and host families do not view it as such. themselves in common areas of the home It is important for F-1 students to remember this, and to show appreciation and respect to their host families. • Obey the host family’s rules, including curfew F-1 students should never treat host families as hotels • Keep the host family apprised of his or her or hired employees. schedule and whereabouts • Request transportation to activities outside of Host Family Changes normal routines at least 48 hours in advance Host families are carefully screened and selected (minimum of one month for TOEFL testing) based on the student’s profile, interests and requests, • Make an effort to adapt to the host family’s where possible. Students are expected to make a routines and lifestyle. good faith effort to adapt to the host family and their lifestyle, which may be very different from what the Host Family Selection and Screening student is used to. Host families are selected based on their interest in hosting, their ability to maintain a safe and comfortable

Updated July 2017 Partner Handbook | F-1 High School Academic Program | greenheart.org 9 2. F-1 High School Program

Greenheart Exchange does not discriminate against to three weeks in December and January, and Spring hosts based on race, religion, or ethnic background. Break for one week in March or April). When the Students will not be granted a host family move due to boarding facility is closed, students are expected to any of these aspects of the family. Greenheart coordinate their own accommodations during this Exchange does not consider size of the home, time. Many schools also organize trips, at an distance from school, education level of host parents, additional cost, for boarding students during these or desire to be closer to a friend to be legitimate breaks. Greenheart Exchange is able to coordinate a reasons for requesting a move. homestay for participants at an additional cost. If problems arise, the Local Coordinator will discuss Flight Information the problem separately with the student and the host family, and attempt to mediate a solution between Sending organizations are required to provide them. Most problems are the result of a simple complete flight information on behalf of their students miscommunication, and can be resolved easily if via Greenheart Exchange Online, our online caught early enough. If the problem is significant database. Student flights must be booked according enough to cause tension and negative feelings, and a to Greenheart Exchange instructions. Greenheart solution is not possible, Greenheart Exchange will Exchange must approve dates and times of flights and move the student to a new family. arrival airports before flight arrangements are finalized. Additional fees will be charged for early Boarding arrivals or late departures. Residence accommodations are divided by sex, with boys’ and girls’ accommodations either in separate Late Flight Notification Fee: Sending partners will buildings or separate wings divided by a common be charged a $200 fee per student for failure to enter area. Most offer double accommodation, but in some the complete flight information into Greenheart cases single accommodations are available, often for Exchange Online at least 48 hours before the an additional fee. Bathrooms and showers are often student’s arrival, and by either May 15 or one month communal, but in some cases bathrooms are en-suite. prior (whichever is earlier) for departure flights. All meals are included, including snacks. Most Sending partners also will be charged a $300 fee for residences also provide: flights that are not booked into the airport specified • Personalized attention from adult, live-in according to Greenheart Exchange instruction. In the event that the host family is unable to meet the student support staff at the airport, any fees for shuttle or car services will • On-site laundry facilities for student use or a be charged to the partner in addition to the $300 fee. laundry service • Recreational facilities Health Challenges • Academic support and resources Some J-1 High School Program applicants may have • Internet access health challenges that do not exclude them from the • Weekend activities and trips program, but will nonetheless require maintenance Students in residence halls are expected to respect during their time in the U.S. Such students may be their fellow boarders and to learn to live harmoniously granted conditional acceptance to the program, in in a community setting. Most schools set curfews and which case they and their natural parents must sign a expectations regarding noise level, tidiness, and use supplemental form outlining specific expectations and of common areas; and students are not allowed to requirements for involvement in the program. All costs leave the school campus without permission. School for medical care and/or counseling not covered by the rules and policies are strictly enforced, and students student’s insurance are the sole responsibility of the who do not abide by them are subject to discipline. natural parents. Staff members acting as “house parents” live in the Failure to disclose any previous mental or physical residences and provide supervision and care to the health issues on the application will result in the students. They usually have a suite attached to the participant’s immediate dismissal from the program. residence or nearby, and students are required to Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention- check in with them periodically. Other residential staff Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and include cooks, housekeepers, and security personnel. Related Issues Please keep in mind that most boarding facilities are Students who are currently taking medication for ADD, closed during school breaks (usually Thanksgiving ADHD, or a related disorder must provide a written Break for one week in November, Winter Break for two letter from their physician assessing the student’s

Updated July 2017 Partner Handbook | F-1 High School Academic Program | greenheart.org 10 2. F-1 High School Program suitability for a long-term study abroad program. The If, over time, the student continues to exhibit the same letter must list any medications currently being taken, irregular or unhealthy eating, the student will be their dosages, and recommendations for continuing dismissed from the program. Any fees for medical treatment and prescriptions while in the U.S. Students consultations or exams are the sole responsibility of who are required to take medication must continue to the student's natural parents. take it as prescribed, schedule doctor’s appointments as required, and follow all doctor’s instructions for Physical Therapy/Extensive Medical Care If a participant becomes injured or experiences treatment. Students who are not able to meet the serious health issues on program that require behavioral or academic requirements of the program extensive medical care and/or continued monitoring will be dismissed. by the host family and/or Greenheart Exchange staff, Depression and Anxiety Greenheart Exchange reserves the right to dismiss Adapting to a new culture and lifestyle is stressful, and the participant from the program. This includes, but is can cause low mood and anxiety even in otherwise not limited to, extensive physical therapy, continued healthy students. Students who have been previously hospitalization, etc. The decision of program dismissal diagnosed with depression and/or an anxiety disorder is at the sole discretion of the Greenheart Exchange are advised to wait until they have been declared as Chicago Office. recovered for a minimum of two years before applying to the J-1 program. Students who display symptoms Requirements to Notify Greenheart of depression or anxiety while on the program will be Exchange required to see a physician for an evaluation. Greenheart Exchange should be the first point of Depending on the results of the evaluation, students contact if participants experience problems while in may be required to attend psychological counseling at the U.S. Participants should not contact their parents the expense of the natural parents. Students or the Sending Partner before contacting Greenheart experiencing severe anxiety, depression, suicidal Exchange to help resolve problems they are having attempts, and/or suicidal ideation will be sent home. in the U.S. We will be able to assist them much more Chronic Illness (Diabetes, Asthma, Epilepsy, etc.) efficiently if they contact us directly! Students who have been diagnosed with a chronic Sending partners must ensure that participants are illness may be granted conditional acceptance to the aware of their requirements for contacting Greenheart program, provided the illness is manageable with Exchange: treatment to the extent that the student is able to meet • Report flight information via Greenheart the requirements of the program. The student must Exchange Online prior to arrival submit to Greenheart Exchange a letter from his or her • Request travel authorization from Greenheart physician which describes the student’s condition and Exchange for independent travel during the treatment in detail and gives approval for the student program and at least three weeks before their to participate in the program. Students who are departure required to take medication must continue to take it as • Notify their Local Coordinator of plans to travel prescribed, check in with a physician in the U.S. as home for vacations from school a minimum of required, and follow all instructions for treatment. three weeks prior to departure Students whose condition renders them unable to • Report any threats to their health, safety, and meet the behavioral or academic requirements of the welfare or if any emergency arises immediately program will be dismissed. to their Local Coordinator Eating Disorders • Notify their Local Coordinator of any plans for The challenges and stresses involved in adapting to a visits from family or friends in advance new culture and lifestyle can exacerbate an eating disorder. Students who are currently struggling or Contacting Greenheart Exchange have recently struggled with an eating disorder are Greenheart Exchange is available Monday-Friday advised to wait until they have been declared healthy from 9:00am to 5:30pm Central Standard Time (CST): for a minimum of two years before applying to the J-1 program. Students who are suspected of suffering Tel: +1.312.944.2544 (from overseas) from an eating disorder while on the program may be E-mail: [email protected] required to see a physician for an evaluation. Fax: +1.312.944.0194 Depending on the results of the evaluation, students may be required to attend psychological counseling. In Case of Emergency

Updated July 2017 Partner Handbook | F-1 High School Academic Program | greenheart.org 11 2. F-1 High School Program

Participants in the U.S. should contact their Local numbers below to reach Greenheart Exchange staff Coordinator first in the case of an emergency. after office hours in the event of an emergency: Participants will receive their Local Coordinator’s Emergency Tel: +1.888.301.9868 (toll free in U.S.) contact information as well as Greenheart Exchange’s Emergency Tel: +1.708.237.6129 (from overseas) office and emergency numbers, listed below, before they depart. Sending partners may also use the

F-1 High School Academic Program Staff Inquiries regarding operating agreements, commissions, non-Chinese student applications, placements, visa support, student concerns, and general program policy: Juliet Jones, F-1 High School Academic Program Director E-mail: [email protected] Skype: juliet746

Inquiries regarding Chinese student applications, placements, visa support, and student concerns: Hannah Becker, F-1 High School Senior Program Manager E-mail: [email protected] Skype: hannah.cci

General administrative support regarding application processing and student documents: Kiersten Nickel, F-1 High School Program Assistant E-mail: [email protected] Skype: knickel_12

Greenheart Exchange Support Staff

Inquiries regarding general accounting, invoicing, and payments: Christopher Kraft, Senior Accountant E-mail: [email protected]

General inquiries and training support in China: Huapu (Nick) Deng, Regional Manager, China E-mail: [email protected] Skype: nick_huapu_deng

Requests for partnership on Greenheart’s Programs (J-1 High School, J-1 Intern/Trainee, J-1 Summer Work Travel, Short-Term Homestay Programs, and programs you offer in your country): Jason Nusser, Director of International Partner Development Email: [email protected] Skype: jason.nusser.cci

Updated July 2017 Partner Handbook | F-1 High School Academic Program | greenheart.org 12 3. Partnership Conditions

Partner Authorization responsibility for the acts of the participants, whether willful or negligent. It is expressly understood that the Foreign entities or domestic third parties (both Sending Partner will so inform each participant prior to referred to as ‘sending partners’) may be offered departure from the home country. Telephone calls partnership on the F-1 High School Academic made by the participant and damage to host family Program once they have been authorized. The property by the participant are the financial process for becoming an authorized partner is as responsibilities of the participant. The Sending Partner follows: agrees to assist Greenheart Exchange in reclaiming 1. Partner reviews F-1 High School Academic any outstanding debt left by the participant, from the Program Partner Handbook and submits participant. “Request for Operating Agreement”. 2. Partner receives, signs, and emails the Pre-Departure Orientation Operating Agreement back to Greenheart The Sending Partner will hold a pre-departure Exchange. orientation for all participants in accordance with the 3. Greenheart Exchange activates partner’s guidelines established by Greenheart Exchange. The online account and grants access to online session must include all information located in the Pre- partner portal containing all partner Departure Orientation section of this document. resources. Sending partners are responsible for verifying Fees, Invoicing, Cancellations, Payments, program eligibility for all applicants prior to submitting and Refunds candidates to Greenheart Exchange for consideration. Refer to the Program Fees and Banking Detail section Working with Subagents of this document for a detailed breakdown of fees and conditions. Final fee breakdown is outlined in the While working with subagents is generally Sending Partner Operating Agreement. discouraged, it may be permitted if you secure prior approval from Greenheart Exchange. Please note: Health and Medical Insurance 1. The Sending Partner is ultimately responsible Comprehensive medical and accident insurance is for all training and screening of the subagent. included in Greenheart Exchange’s F-1 High School 2. Subagents are not to contact Greenheart Program fees. Greenheart Exchange will provide the Exchange directly. All correspondence from a sending partner with the policy upon receipt of the partner's subagent will be re-directed to the signed operating agreement. Sending partners who partner. wish to use a separate insurance policy should inform 3. Greenheart Exchange reserves the right to Greenheart Exchange. We will review the policy to refuse partnerships with any subagent for any ensure that it meets our minimum requirements for reason. student health coverage. 4. Sending Partners also agree to promote the program only in their country. F-1 students will receive an insurance policy and 5. Authorization to promote the program in instructions for filing a claim during their orientation in secondary countries must be secured from the U.S. shortly after arrival. The student’s Local Greenheart Exchange prior to recruitment Coordinator will be available to assist the student with efforts. filing a claim if necessary. Avoiding Fraud and Ensuring Timely Return Insurance is provided for the duration of the student’s of Participants F-1 High School Program only. Students who wish to extend their insurance coverage beyond the program Sending Partner requires that participants sign a end date may do so for an additional fee of $60 per contract, which obliges participants to observe all month, or $15 per week. Greenheart Exchange program rules as well as the laws of the United States of America. Additionally, Program Rules and Disciplinary Procedures participants are allowed to stay on U.S. territory only Greenheart Exchange staff supervises students for the duration of their program’s validity, as stated on closely and provide counseling to help students adapt the F-1 Visa. successfully to their homestay, school life, and Financial Responsibility American culture in general. Greenheart Exchange wants each student to succeed and have the best Greenheart Exchange assumes no financial possible experience on the program, but students are

Updated July 2017 Partner Handbook | F-1 High School Academic Program | greenheart.org 13 3. Partnership Conditions also expected to abide by the policies and rules of Exchange. Consequences for these actions could Greenheart Exchange and their host school, as well include written warnings, loss of privileges at home as abide by the laws of the United States. and/or school, a verbal warning from the school and/or LC, or follow-up from the school and/or LC with the Students and natural parents should be familiar with student and host family. the expectations for student behavior as outlined in the Conditions of Participation. Students must also Serious Violations obey all school regulations. This includes regular Serious violations can lead to written probations. attendance at school, achievement of satisfactory These violations include repeated inappropriate grades (‘C’ average), and respect for general behavior behavior, receiving a warning from a teacher or and dress code rules set forth by the school. A student counselor, or failure to adapt to host family rules who is expelled from the school will automatically be and/or follow host parent guidance. Greenheart dismissed from the Greenheart Exchange program at Exchange staff and school personnel handle these his or her natural parents’ expense. Greenheart types of violations. Exchange will support all disciplinary decisions made by the school. Grounds for Immediate Program Termination Using illegal drugs, breaking State and/or Federal Greenheart Exchange Disciplinary Process laws, fighting in school or elsewhere, shoplifting, using The host family generally addresses minor behavioral alcohol and tobacco or other drugs, or sexual problems that are confined to the homestay, such as misconduct can result in immediate program failure to respect curfew. The Local Coordinator termination. School personnel, with support from addresses minor issues that persist, as well as more Greenheart Exchange staff, can expel the student serious issues, and a written warning may be issued from school and the Greenheart Exchange F-1 High to the student. Serious violations of the code of School Program. conduct will result in written probation, which outlines In cooperation with the student's school, a the nature of the offense and sets a certain amount of determination will be made in each case as to the time for the student to change their behavior in order student’s ability to change behavior and to conform to to avoid negative consequences, including dismissal program expectations. If, despite counseling, from the program. The sending provider will be given warnings, and probationary periods, a student fails to a copy of all written warnings or probation notices to conform to program requirements, the student may be present to the parents for signature. dismissed from the school and the program and Very serious violations, such as breaking laws or repatriated to the home country. School tuition and violent behavior, may result in immediate expulsion Greenheart Exchange program fees are non- from the school and the Greenheart Exchange refundable. The unused portion of the host family program. stipend may be refunded at the discretion of Greenheart Exchange. Minor Errors Some examples of minor errors are not coming home Greenheart Exchange also reserves the right to on time, not keeping host parents informed of dismiss any student whose mental or physical health student’s whereabouts, or not cleaning up after self. (e.g., eating disorders, depression, suicide attempts The host family will typically resolve issues of this or ideation, or chronic illness or a condition requiring nature, and consequences can include losing extensive and continued care and/or monitoring by the television or other home privileges or being grounded host family and/or Greenheart Exchange staff) (forbidden to go out with friends for a limited period of requires this action. Failure to disclose any previous time). mental health issues experienced prior to the participant arriving on program will also result in More Serious Issues immediate repatriation. The Local Coordinators or school handles more serious issues. Some examples of more serious issues include continuing behavior the host family or school officials have asked the student to stop; insulting the host family or teachers; failure to follow school rules; failure to succeed academically; skipping school; lying to the host family, teachers or Greenheart Exchange staff; or refusing to attend tutoring required by the school or Greenheart

Updated July 2017 Partner Handbook | F-1 High School Academic Program | greenheart.org 14 4. Program Fees and Banking Detail

Invoicing Procedure Cancellation and Miscellaneous Fees Greenheart Exchange will invoice the sending partner Cancellation Fee Payable for the program fees once Greenheart Exchange has Before acceptance by All fees will be accepted the student. All invoicing is done in net Greenheart Exchange refunded in full amounts unless the sending partner indicates in the F-1 Program Operating Agreement that a After acceptance by $500 deposit commission should be added. Greenheart Exchange but before school acceptance Payments should be made by check or wire transfer After school acceptance but $1,000 (including any wire transfer fees) to the account before host family placement indicated on the invoice. Wire transfers should include the invoice number as specified on the After school acceptance and $3,000 respective invoice. A copy of the wire transfer host family placement (complete with bank information, amount, and the Visa denial $300 invoice number) should be emailed to Christopher Important Note: Students who withdraw from the Kraft at [email protected]. Students making program after arrival or who are terminated or expelled payments directly to Greenheart Exchange should from school at any time forfeit the full program fee. take special care to make sure they include the fees Such students may be awarded a partial refund of and that the wire transfer references the appropriate tuition and/or unpaid host family stipends, if information to avoid delays. applicable. Tuition refunds are subject to the sole For all new students, the Form I-20 will not be sent discretion of Greenheart Exchange. until the first installment is received in full. Likewise, re-enrollment procedures for returning students will Miscellaneous Fee Fee Payable not be initiated until the first installment is received. Insurance extension $15/week Program Fee Payment Schedules Late flight fee $200 Incorrect airport fee $300 It is the sending partner’s responsibility to provide all costs/fees charged to the participants. Banking Details New Students Wire Transfer: Deposit $500 Due with application MB Financial Bank N.A. First 50% Due within two weeks 6111 N. River Road, Rosemont, IL 60018, USA Installment of school acceptance Routing Number: 071001737 Swift Code: MBFIUS44 Second Remaining July 15 or within one Account Name: Greenheart Exchange Installment balance month of arrival, Account Number: 0069892889 5 whichever is first Reference: [Invoice Number] Returning Students Check (drawn in USD and mailed to): First 50% May 1 Greenheart Exchange Installment 742 N. LaSalle Drive, Suite 300 Second 50% July 15 or within one Chicago, IL 60654, USA Installment month of arrival, whichever is first

5 Host family details will not be sent prior to receipt of the balance in full.

Updated July 2017 Partner Handbook | F-1 High School Academic Program | greenheart.org 15 5. Application Process

Application Steps • The student and the sending partner will arrange the visa appointment and other Step One: Inquiry required documentation. • The student and his or her parents review Greenheart Exchange’s school portfolio and Step Five: Host Family Placement and Arrival choose schools of interest. Then, the sending • Within approximately four weeks of arrival, partner submits the completed pre-application and after full payment has been made, form to Greenheart Exchange. Greenheart Exchange will place the student OR with a thoroughly screened host family. The • The sending partner submits a completed placement information will be sent to the pre-application form with student’s grades, sending partner via Greenheart Exchange class standing, interests, grade level, and Online. preferred location(s) and requests a list of • The student books his or her flight according recommended schools from Greenheart to Greenheart Exchange instructions for Exchange. arrival date and arrival airport. • Sending Partner provides Greenheart Step Two: School Selection Exchange with flight arrival details one week • Greenheart Exchange provides feedback on before arrival. Sending partners will be the student’s choice of schools and/or charged a $200 fee per student for failure to suggests schools if needed. provide complete flight information via • Greenheart Exchange confirms availability in Greenheart Exchange Online at least 48 the selected school(s). hours prior to the student’s arrival. Step Three: Application • The host family and/or Greenheart Exchange • The sending partner sets up an account for Local Coordinator will meet the student at the the student in Greenheart Exchange Online. nearest airport to the host community. The student completes the application and • The orientation takes place within two weeks provides three years of transcripts, of arrival. reference letters, and medical information. • A Skype interview with Greenheart Student Application Exchange is conducted. Applications should be complete and truthful. It is • Greenheart Exchange confirms application important that students take the application seriously, is complete, and requests any additional as it is sent directly to the school and the school bases support documentation required by the their admission decision on the information it contains. school(s). Many schools also require an It is very important that all supporting documentation additional Skype interview. be authentic and an accurate reflection of the • If student is accepted to their chosen student’s true aptitudes and abilities. Falsified school(s), Greenheart Exchange sends the documents do the student a great disservice, as they official school acceptance letter and/or ultimately set the student up for failure by helping him enrollment contract, and issues the invoice or her gain admission to a school that is too for the full program fee. academically rigorous for his or her skills, or is • If accepted to one school, the sending otherwise an inappropriate fit. Applicants who do not partner confirms the student’s acceptance fully disclose information requested may be subject to of the placement in this school with early repatriation. Greenheart Exchange. • If accepted to multiple schools, the Sending The students themselves should complete all the partner confirms the student’s choice of appropriate forms, in particular, the portions schools and confirms their acceptance of containing biographical and personal information and the placement in that school. the letter to the prospective school and host family. Parents, relatives, friends, or the sending partner Step Four: F-1 Visa Application should NOT complete this information for the student. • Upon receipt of the first payment, the school will issue the Form I-20. Interview • Greenheart Exchange will send the I-20 to the The interview section is only accessible by the sending partner via courier. sending partner. The sending partner should interview the student to assess their English level and

Updated July 2017 Partner Handbook | F-1 High School Academic Program | greenheart.org 16 5. Application Process motivation for coming on the F-1 program. The Some schools may require additional teacher assessment must include sufficient comments in recommendations; if that is the case sentence format describing the applicant’s character Greenheart Exchange will let the sending and personality in detail. Sending partners should do partner know. their best to give a complete and honest assessment • Photo Album: Profile photo and a minimum of of the student. It is expected that the sending partner’s three other photos. Americans prefer happy, assessment will be corroborated by Greenheart smiling faces. Students should be careful to Exchange’s Skype interview of the student. The avoid possibly offensive poses or dress, and partner should also upload the student’s English test should not pose with guns, alcoholic score in this section. beverages, or cigarettes in hand. Skype Interview • Medical Record: Provides information about Once the written application is complete, Greenheart the student’s medical history, and must be Exchange will contact the sending partner to arrange signed by the natural parents/legal guardians. the Skype interview. The student must be alone during Record of Physical Examination: To be the interview and may not receive assistance in completed by the student’s physician, this responding to questions. The purpose of the interview form must include the student’s immunization is for Greenheart Exchange placement staff to assess history and dental certification. All U.S. high the student’s speaking ability, as well as get to know schools require complete immunization the student and what he or she is looking for in a records. This is due to U.S. policies on prospective school and host family. Interview topics immigration as well as individual state and may include the student’s current schoolwork, local laws. Occasionally, high schools will activities, interests, future plans, and family and require additional immunization information, friends. in which case the Greenheart Exchange Chicago Office will alert the sending partner. Many schools also require a Skype interview with a • Medical Release Form: This form, signed by teacher or administrator at the school in addition to the the natural parents, grants permission to Greenheart Exchange interview. If this is the case, medical professionals to provide medical care Greenheart Exchange will inform the sending partner to the student. and will assist in coordinating the time for the • Conditions of Participation: Must be carefully interview. reviewed and signed by the student and their Required Participant Documents natural parent(s) or legal guardian(s). Students and their parents agree to these These documents are available to download and print rules as a condition of being accepted into the within the online application. Once the documents are program. It is the responsibility of the sending completed, they should be scanned and uploaded to partner to review the Conditions of the application: Participation with the student and the natural • Passport: Required by schools to ensure the parents. information listed on the Form I-20 is • Permission for Travel (optional): Students are accurate. permitted to travel within the U.S. when • Official Transcripts: All grades from the three accompanied by their host families most recent academic years (including throughout the duration of the program. There grades available for the current year). may be other travel opportunities that the • Translated Transcripts: Must be signed and student may experience including traveling stamped by a school official, showing the with a friend’s family, with a school group or translation of the student’s grades into team, or with a church group. If parents agree English. These may be official, certified to these types of travel, they can give their English transcripts, or if these are not permission in advance by signing the sections available, Sending Partners may use the that apply. Translation of Grades Form available for • English Test Score: ELTiS, TOEFL, iTEP download in the online application. SLATE, or IELTS results, or the results of • English Teacher’s Recommendation: Must be another test as required by the student’s from an English teacher who has known the desired school(s). Students are strongly student at least six months and include encouraged to take the TOEFL, as the sufficient comments in sentence format. majority of high schools now require it.

Updated July 2017 Partner Handbook | F-1 High School Academic Program | greenheart.org 17 5. Application Process

Immunization Requirements series. Thirty-one states require Hepatitis B vaccinations. It is often easier and less expensive to Immunization requirements in the U.S. are complex begin the series in the country of origin and then to and can be difficult to understand. State and local continue the series after arrival in the U.S. When regulations change often, and these changes are students are placed in states where there will be a usually a response to recurrence of diseases that at Hepatitis B requirement, you will be notified. one time seemed to have been eradicated. Tuberculosis (TB) In some countries, doctors refuse to give more than It is required that all students have the tuberculosis one vaccination against these diseases. When this is skin test. When providing a skin test result, please the case, the students will have to receive a second provide the type of test and date administered. Some vaccination after they arrive in the U.S. Since states will not accept the skin test, and some states insurance does not cover the cost of vaccinations, the also require a TB test has been administered within students have to cover this expense from their the past six months. When the skin test is “positive” personal funds. the affected student must have a chest X-ray to Some students in the past have not been able to confirm the absence of tuberculosis. Many students receive the state-required vaccinations while in their have positive tuberculosis skin tests because they own countries. Doctors in some countries sometimes have received immunizations at some point in the tell these students there is no reason to receive these past. U.S. medical authorities understand this, but vaccinations. However, if the regulations require it, the nonetheless recommend that such students have student has no choice and will not be allowed to attend chest X-rays to make sure they are not infected with classes until he or she has received the required the disease. Now, U.S. high schools require chest X- vaccinations. rays for any students who have positive skin tests. It may be easier and cheaper for applicants to receive Information about specific immunizations follows: these X-rays in their own countries; however, if they Polio do not get them there, they will inevitably be required Schools ordinarily expect that a student will have had to receive them once they arrive in the U.S. and before at least four polio vaccinations, the most recent of they are permitted to attend school. Please note that which should have been received after the student this is not covered by the students’ insurance. was four years of age. If the student has not had at We recommend that students who have positive skin least four, he or she must receive another vaccination tests receive a chest X-ray. Students should bring with prior to coming to the U.S. Documentation confirming them the doctor’s signed documentation that the X-ray receipt of the vaccination must be provided. was negative and that it is an X-ray of the student in Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus (DPT) question. The DPT (also known as Tdap or DTaP) vaccine Note: Some states will not accept X-rays that are older should be given at least every 10 years. Typically, on than six months. Some states (Hawaii, Oregon, the diphtheria and tetanus portions are given to Washington, and Utah, for example) require students teenagers. Applicants who have not had such a to receive the TB skin test (and any subsequent X-ray, vaccination within the past 10 years need to receive if needed) only after they arrive in the U.S. one before U.S. high schools will admit them. Entrance Tests Hepatitis A and B Many states require children and adolescents to English proficiency tests and other entrance exams receive the series of vaccinations against hepatitis. may be required by schools. Please note that the Hepatitis A vaccines are given as a two-dose series, SLEP test was discontinued in 2012 and is no six to 18 months apart. Currently, few states require longer accepted by the vast majority of schools in the Hepatitis A vaccination, but those that do include the United States. The ELTiS test was developed to Texas, Oklahoma, Alaska, Georgia, and Nevada. replace the SLEP test, and is now accepted by the majority of our partner schools. A full listing of types of The Hepatitis B vaccination is given in three doses entrance tests, their availability and registration and cannot be given all at once. Generally, the second requirements, and where more information can be dose is given one month after the first and the third found is located in Appendix C. dose is given six months after the first, although there can be flexibility in this schedule. Schools will accept students who have begun and not yet finished the

Updated July 2017 Partner Handbook | F-1 High School Academic Program | greenheart.org 18 5. Application Process

Role of Test Scores in Admission Decisions Course Selection and Grade Level Schools use test scores to gauge a student’s general In most cases, students will not be able to register and English proficiency and academic level. They are not, select their courses until after they arrive in the U.S. however, the only criterion schools consider. Most The Greenheart Exchange Local Coordinator will schools look for students who are well rounded and inform students of when they must go to school to have developed skills in areas other than academics, finalize their course selection. If a student is planning such as sports, leadership, service, or the arts. to transfer credit to a school in his or her home country after the F-1 High School Program and needs to take Some schools allow applicants who do not attain the a course in a particular subject, Greenheart Exchange required score on the first try to retake the test, or may should be advised as early as possible during the offer an applicant conditional acceptance provided application process to allow time to verify that the they enroll in an intensive ESL program if one is course is available at the chosen school. offered at the school. Other schools consider the student’s initial scores as final. At the time of acceptance, students are assigned to a particular grade level according to the student’s School Acceptance Process English level and academic performance record at the Acceptance to a school is dependent upon the time of application. Many schools test the student’s applicant’s: English and academic abilities upon arrival. In rare • Previous academic record cases, if the school determines that the student’s • English proficiency abilities are lower than those required to succeed at • Activities, interests, and extracurricular the assigned grade level, the school may place the activities student into a lower grade. Greenheart Exchange has • Teacher references no control over the school’s decision in these cases. • Results of Skype interview (if required) Form I-20s • Space available in the student’s grade level at time of application Greenheart Exchange will forward the Form I-20 for the F-1 visa to the sending partner only after the Greenheart Exchange will prioritize the student’s first student has accepted the school placement and the choice of school during the initial phase of the first installment of the program fee has been received. application process. In the event that the student is not The sending partner will ensure that the student has a accepted to his or her first choice, Greenheart valid passport and has obtained an F-1 visa prior to Exchange will submit the student’s application to his arrival in the U.S. or her second and third choices in order of preference. Convalidation While Greenheart Exchange is able to assess the general likelihood that a student will be accepted to a Students from several countries receive credit for their particular school based on his or her application, we academic work in the United States through a process are unable to influence the school’s final decision or called convalidation. Convalidation is the process guarantee acceptance. All admission decisions are through which the Ministry of Education in the at the discretion of the school. student’s home country legally recognizes the student’s courses in the U.S. There may be specific Please note Greenheart Exchange is not able to requirements the student must fulfill to convalidate his predict the exact length of the application process at a or her courses and receive school credit. It is the given school. Some schools have relatively quick student’s responsibility to understand the application processing times, especially if there is only convalidation requirements of his or her country one individual making the decision. Other schools and take the necessary steps to fulfill those have admissions committees made up of several requirements. Students and sending partners are individuals that meet only once or twice per month to advised to consult their Ministry of Education for more review applications, and therefore may take longer to information. issue admission decisions. All schools may take more time to make decisions during busier times of year, Prior to application, the student should notify especially during the peak of the application season Greenheart Exchange of the courses they must take during the months of March through May and during in order to convalidate, so that Greenheart Exchange the summer months when many school administrators can help ensure the courses will be available at the go on vacation. student’s chosen school. More information about convalidation can be found in Appendix B.

Updated July 2017 Partner Handbook | F-1 High School Academic Program | greenheart.org 19 6. F-1 Visa Application Procedure

Important Note: Visa regulations and restrictions are the home country where the student applies. Please subject to change at any time. The below information consult the instructions available on the embassy or is meant to be used as a general guideline. Your local consulate website where you intend to apply. Please U.S. Consulate or Embassy is the final authority on visit www.usembassy.gov for a full listing of U.S. visa regulations and procedures. consulates in your country. F-1 Visa Overview Step 1: Complete the Online Visa Application Form DS-160 The F-1 visa is a type of non-immigrant student visa 1. Complete the form online and print out the that allows international high school students to enter confirmation page to bring to the visa the U.S. to engage in a full-time course of study and interview. pursue a high school diploma. 2. Upload a photo in the format specified in the Students entering the U.S. with an F-1 visa may: Photograph Requirements, which can be ● Attend a certified high school in the U.S. for found at the link above. one or multiple years; Step 2: Schedule an Interview ● Obtain a diploma if they meet the school’s The student must schedule an appointment for his or eligibility requirements for graduation; her visa interview, generally, at the U.S. Embassy or ● Live with a host family, relative or friend Consulate in their home country. residing in the U.S. Wait times for interview appointments vary by In order to maintain F-1 visa status, the student must: location, season, and visa category, so it is important • Attend the sponsoring school listed on the to begin the application process as early as possible Certificate of Eligibility Form I-20 as soon as the student’s school placement is • Engage in a full course of study during normal confirmed. academic periods • Maintain a passing GPA of 2.0 or better Step 3: Prepare for the Interview • Maintain a valid passport at all times (valid at The first step in preparation of the interview is to pay least six months into the future at all times) the non-refundable visa application fee. SEVIS (The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is Applying for the F-1 Visa an automated system for managing information about non-immigrant student and exchange visitors in the All students enrolling in Greenheart Exchange’s F-1 U.S. You or the student must pay the SEVIS fee; High School Academic Program must apply for an F- Greenheart Exchange does not pay this fee on behalf 1 visa. Contrary to the case with the J-1 visa, the of F-1 students. At the time of this writing, the student’s school is the visa sponsor, not Greenheart application fee is $200. The SEVIS fee must be paid Exchange. Only schools that are certified by the at least three business days prior to the visa interview Department of Homeland Security as F-1 visa date for electronic submissions. When the student’s sponsors are able to issue the Form I-20. A limited visa is approved, there may also be a visa issuance number of high schools in the U.S. have this fee, if applicable to the student’s nationality. The certification. Once the student has been accepted to a amount of the visa issuance fee varies by country. school and has paid their tuition and fees, the school Contact your local U.S. Consulate or Embassy for will issue a document called the Certificate of Eligibility current information about all required fees. Since Form I-20, generally referred to simply as the Form I- September 1, 2004, the Department of Homeland 20. This is the form the student will need to apply for Security (DHS) collects a fee from international the visa at the U.S. consulate in his or her home students to cover the costs of the Student and country. Students may attend only the school whose Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Visit the U.S. I-20 they used to enter the U.S. or a school they Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) SEVP transfer to later. Students are expected to report to website to learn more about SEVIS and the SEVIS I- and attend the educational institution that issued their 901 Fee. The payment of I-901 fees will be recorded I-20 before they are eligible to transfer to another and tracked in SEVIS. institution. Partners should instruct students and their natural Application Steps parent(s) or legal guardian(s) on this procedure, and There are several steps to apply for the F-1 visa. The they must gather and prepare the following required order of these steps and how they are completed may documentation: vary according to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in

Updated July 2017 Partner Handbook | F-1 High School Academic Program | greenheart.org 20 6. F-1 Visa Application Procedure

• Passport valid for travel to the United States the border patrol official decides to grant entry to the for at least six months beyond the period of U.S., he or she will put an admission stamp in the stay in the United States. student’s passport with either an end date or D/S, • Non-immigrant Visa Application, Form DS- which stands for Duration of Studies. That means a 160 confirmation page. student may stay as long as he/she is a full-time • Application fee payment receipt, if you are student, plus a 60-day grace period, even if the F-1 required to pay before your interview. visa in their passport expires while he/she is in the • A photo that should be uploaded while U.S. Otherwise the student may remain in the U.S. completing the online Form DS-160. If the until the end date indicated on the Form I-20, plus a photo upload fails, the student must bring one 60-day grace period. printed photo in the format specified in the Applicants should be aware that a visa does not Photograph Requirements. guarantee entry into the United States. The • Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (F- immigration inspector has authority to deny 1) Student Status for Academic and admission. An immigration inspector (not a consular Language Students, Form I-20 A-B is issued officer) determines the length of time a visa holder by the student’s sponsoring school. may remain in the United States. At the Port of Entry Greenheart Exchange will send the I-20 to (POE), an inspector validates the Form I-20 and notes your office upon receipt of the first payment the permitted length of stay. The student’s passport installment. The student must sign the Form I- must always be valid for 6 months into the future. 20. • Any additional documentation required by the The student’s Form I-20 must remain valid while he or local U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Review the she is a student in the U.S. The expiration date on the instructions for how to apply for a visa on the Form I-20 is the estimated date of completion. If the website of the embassy or consulate where student will not finish by that date, he or she should the student will apply. Additional requested bring the form to his or her school’s Designated documents may include such items as School Official at least 45 days before the expiration academic transcripts and test scores, proof of date to have it corrected. financial ability to pay for tuition and living Visa Changes and Extensions expenses while on the program, and evidence of intention to return home after the The F-1 visa permits high school students to enter the completion of the program of study. U.S. strictly for the purpose of attending the particular school that issued their Form I-20. Students who wish Step 4: Attend the Visa Interview to change schools after they arrive in the U.S. must During the visa interview, a consular officer will have their I-20 transferred to the new school by an determine whether the student is qualified to receive authorized school official. Greenheart Exchange a visa, and if so, which visa category is appropriate. cannot authorize the student to transfer to another The consular officer will ask the student a series of school, and students wishing to transfer must inform questions. These may include details about his or her their current school. plans to study in the U.S., questions about the student’s plans after the program, etc. The consular Visa Denials officer will also assess the student’s English level. Although rare, visa denials do occur. It is important not After the visa interview, the consular officer will inform to make final travel plans or buy tickets until the visa the student if further processing is necessary for his or is received. her application. Once the visa is approved, the student There are many reasons why visas are denied. A may be required to pay a visa issuance fee if common reason is because the required applicable to his or her nationality, and will be documentation was missing or incomplete. Students informed of when to expect the visa and how it will be who are denied for this reason will have one year from received, either by courier or, in some cases, the the date of their initial interview to provide the missing student may pick up the visa at the embassy or documentation. After one year, the student will have consulate. to reapply and pay a new application fee. Arrival in the United States Upon arrival in the U.S., the student will present the visa to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol official. If

Updated July 2017 Partner Handbook | F-1 High School Academic Program | greenheart.org 21 6. F-1 Visa Application Procedure

F-1 Visa Frequently Asked Questions allowed to re-enter the U.S. Please see the Travel section for more information. How long is the student’s F-1 visa valid? Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. Therefore, a valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. If the student has a valid visa in her expired passport, she should not remove it. She may use her valid visa in the expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States. When can the student enter the U.S.? New F-1 students are not allowed to enter the United States earlier than 30 days before the program start date shown on their Form I-20. The student's I-20 will have an "Earliest Admission Date" listed on it. This is the earliest date the student can enter the US on their F-1 visa. Continuing students may enter the United States at any time before their classes start. Can the student work during the F-1 program? No. F-1 high school students are not allowed to work during the program. What if the student’s Form I-20 expires? If the Form I-20 expires, the student should contact the school’s SEVIS official to extend their end date and obtain a new I-20 before the old one expires. What if the student’s visa expires? A visa denotes the length of time the student has to enter the U.S. from the time the visa is issued. A visa does not determine how long the student may stay in the U.S once she has arrived. An expired visa does not mean that the student must leave the U.S.; rather, it indicates that if the student leaves the country, the student will have to apply for a new visa at an American embassy or consulate before the student will be allowed to re-enter the U.S. How long can the student stay in the U.S. once his or her F-1 program is complete? After the student graduates or otherwise completes the program, they have 60 days to prepare for departure from the U.S. OR transfer to another school/degree program by requesting a transfer from her school. Greenheart Exchange students are expected to depart the homestay within one week of the last day of school each year. Can the student travel outside the U.S. during their F-1 program? Yes, but the student must have the I-20 signed by the school official every time they leave the country. In addition, if the student’s visa is expired at the time they leave the country, the student must apply for a new visa in their home country before he or she will be

Updated July 2017 Partner Handbook | F-1 High School Academic Program | greenheart.org 22 7. Pre-Departure Orientation

Pre-Departure Orientations • Host family expectations • Health insurance and emergency support Greenheart Exchange expects all sending partners to • Money, banking, and costs students will likely provide high-quality service to their participants, and incur (e.g., living expenses) while in the U.S. this includes adequately preparing them for the • program. A pre-departure orientation should be Life and culture in the U.S. provided, preferably in person, to both students and • Culture shock symptoms and advice for natural parents. If an in-person orientation is not overcoming them possible, a webinar in which the information is • Opportunities to get involved with the presented both visually and orally to students is best. Greenheart Club and other programs • Review Greenheart Exchange Conditions of Prior to departing for the U.S., participants must Participation receive information that will assist them in preparing • Other information that will assist students to for their stay in the U.S. Greenheart Exchange has a prepare for their stay in the United States. pre-departure orientation presentation available for download in the F-1 High School Resources section Physical Preparation of Greenheart Exchange’s F-1 Partner Webpage. • Students should get a complete dental Sending partners may use the presentation as is or checkup. may combine it with their own materials, re-branding it • Students who are taking medication for any with their own name and logo as they wish. reason should see their doctor for an examination and review and make sure they Students also should receive an orientation without have enough medication for 10 months. If not, their parents’ presence on social conduct. It is the student should obtain a prescription advisable to use role-playing techniques with written in English for the medication and make theoretical problem situations to resolve. Greenheart sure it is available in the U.S. prior to Exchange sending partners should also enlist the help departure. All medication must be disclosed of former F-1 students in setting realistic expectations on the student’s medical record and Record for new students. of Physical Examination. All medications Pre-departure orientations are mandatory for (prescribed, over-the-counter and herbal) participants. The sending partner should be able to must be labeled and include an English provide proof of participant orientation attendance if translation of label information. asked to do so. We recommend referring to the • Students who use corrective lenses should Participant Terms and Conditions on the resources visit their optometrist and make sure their section of your Greenheart Exchange Online account glasses or contact lenses are the correct so you can accurately emphasize the program prescription. They should also acquire an requirements. extra pair of glasses in case the original pair is lost or broken. Topics to Be Included in Pre-Departure • Participants should prepare their clothes and Orientations personal items far in advance of departure, Below are some main topics that should be included making sure they have adequate clothing for in sending partners’ pre-departure orientation: all kinds of weather and social occasions and • A description of the F-1 High School that they have proper luggage for its Academic Program transport. • Role of Greenheart Exchange as the Necessary Documents supporting organization and the role of the • Participants must have a passport that is valid Greenheart Exchange Local Coordinator for six months after their program end date. • F-1 Visa regulations and the Form I-20 The passport also must have an F-1 visa from • Procedures for travel and entry into the United the American Embassy. Students must have States. their Form I-20 with them. • Greenheart Exchange F-1 High School • Upon arrival in the U.S., the student also will Academic Program rules and the Conditions be provided with a packet including complete of Participation insurance information and their insurance • American schools and academics and how identification cards (if applicable), Greenheart they differ from schools in the student’s home Exchange student ID card, Greenheart country Exchange Student Handbook, and other

Updated July 2017 Partner Handbook | F-1 High School Academic Program | greenheart.org 23 7. Pre-Departure Orientation

important information. • Sending Partners from countries where it is possible to obtain academic credit for the high school year should provide students with the information they need to assure they will receive credit for their studies. Departure from Home Country Participants must be told of an exact point to meet at the home country airport, at least two and one-half hours before scheduled departure (three hours for groups of 20 or more). Each student should have a copy of the travel itinerary. Normally, students can check in two bags and have one carry-on. However, they should check their airline for current luggage restrictions. Students should not take more than they are capable of carrying themselves. Students should be briefed on U.S. customs and immigration, and shown the U.S. customs and immigration forms they must fill out on the airplane. Arrival in the United States of America The host family and/or Local Coordinator will meet participants upon arrival at their final destination, generally in the baggage claim area. If they have any disruption of travel en-route to their host family, they should call the Greenheart Exchange Emergency Line so staff can alert the Local Coordinator and host family of a delay or change of flight. The Emergency number is free from any telephone in the U.S., including payphones available in the airport.

Updated July 2017 Partner Handbook | F-1 High School Academic Program | greenheart.org 24 8. American School System Overview

There is no federally enforced, standardized Christian. The attraction to Catholic schools is more curriculum in the United States. Instead, the authority often the quality of the education provided, not the to regulate education resides constitutionally with the religious aspect. Most Catholic schools require that individual States. Therefore, there is some variation students take Theology or World Religions, but the among schools. However, U.S. high schools can be courses focus more on the history of the Christian faith accredited by one of six accrediting agencies and less on scripture, and many Catholic schools have approved by the U.S. government. All Greenheart policies that ban any form of proselytizing. Other Exchange schools are accredited by one of these courses, such as English Literature, Biology, and agencies. History are taught from a more secular worldview rather than a religious one. School Types Other Christian Schools Private Schools In general, other types of Christian schools, especially Private schools do not receive public funds to operate; those of certain Protestant traditions such as Lutheran they cover their expenses through donations, alumni or Baptist, tend to be more conservative in their grants, and student tuition. They have the wealth and approach. These schools usually require their resources to offer students a high quality curriculum teachers and domestic students to be practicing with smaller class sizes, highly qualified teachers, Christians, though they make an exception for their advanced facilities, and a rich variety of options in international students. In more conservative Christian sports, electives and the arts. Most offer personalized schools, students are required to take a class focused college counseling services, and many offer ESL on the study of the Bible. Other subjects, such as classes to international students. Science and History, are taught from a Biblical world Many private schools are religious schools, but some view. Religion and prayer play a large role in the life of are not affiliated with any religion. Religious schools the school, from classes to after-school activities. tend to be much less expensive than their non- Public Schools religious counterparts. While not all public schools in the U.S. are certified to Most private schools do not offer busing services to sponsor the F-1 visa, the number is growing. Public students as public schools do, so host parents provide schools operate on public funds rather than private transportation. grants and student tuition. While public schools do not charge tuition to their domestic students, their Student Religious Schools and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification All religious schools are private schools in the U.S. requires them to charge tuition to international Religious schools vary widely in their approach to students in an amount equal to what it costs to religion, and students’ experiences at these schools educate a student in that district. In general, public will also vary widely. However, most require students school tuition is lower than private school tuition, but to take one course in Religion per year and attend some public schools in urban areas charge tuitions as religious services at school on a regular basis—from high as many private schools. daily to once or twice per month. Religious schools tend to focus on nurturing both the moral and Some public schools offer very high curriculum academic development of students, and often have standards and rival private schools in educational strict codes of conduct. quality. Greenheart Exchange offers several award- winning public schools in our portfolio for students who Catholic Schools want a high quality education, but do not wish to The largest system of Christian education in the attend a private school. United States is the Catholic school system. Catholic schools are known for offering a very high-quality, Note: The F-1 visa restricts international student traditional college preparatory curriculum. They tend attendance to a maximum of one year in public school. to be inexpensive compared to other types of private Students who are interested in attending multiple schools, with tuitions falling in the $7,000 to $10,000 years are advised to select a private school. range. Boarding Schools Catholic schools are typically much less conservative Most boarding schools are private schools that also in their approach to religion than other types of offer day options. They offer all the benefits of private Christian schools. It is not uncommon for Catholic schools, along with: schools to have a large percentage of teachers and • Safe, secure accommodations with on-going students who are not practicing Catholics, or even supervision by adult live-in staff

Updated July 2017 Partner Handbook | F-1 High School Academic Program | greenheart.org 25 8. American School System Overview

• Complete immersion in an academic semester from January to June. A small handful of environment schools operate on a trimester schedule. • Additional help with homework, study habits The typical high school day begins at 8 or 9 am and and English runs until 2 or 3 pm. High school students in the U.S. • A close-knit community of students from usually change classrooms between classes, rather around the world who live, eat, study and play than staying in the same classroom all day. A standard together class period typically runs for 50 minutes, with 3-5 • Social activities and trips on weekends minute breaks between classes to allow time for Boarding schools are usually best for mature students students to get to their next class. who feel comfortable with a certain level of Block Scheduling independence. They are the most expensive school Schools that employ block scheduling typically option, with prices ranging between $40,000 and schedule classes for 90-minute periods, rather than $70,000 per year. the standard 50 minutes. Students typically alternate Age to Grade Equivalency subjects on different days, rather than following the same class schedule each day. Proponents of block The U.S. school system is comprised of 12 grade scheduling claim that blocks offer more concentrated levels, plus Preschool and Kindergarten. In most experiences of subjects, allowing for more in-depth cases, students will be placed in the grade level that treatment of the course material. Students may also corresponds best to the level they have achieved in take one set of subjects the first semester, and their home school. In rare cases, students may be different subjects the second semester. Some core moved to a lower or higher grade due to variations in subjects, such as English, may continue into the their English level or academic ability. This typically second semester. In some block schedules, subjects takes place after the student has arrived and has been change every six or eight weeks. For example, instead evaluated by school personnel. Sending partners will of taking six classes every day, students attend three be notified of any changes to the student’s grade level classes every other day and spend double the amount when they occur. of continuous time in each class. Grade Age School Level Special Programs Pre-K 3-4 Preschool Advanced Placement (AP) K 5 Kindergarten Advanced Placement is a program in the United 1 6 Elementary School States and Canada created by the College Board offering college-level curriculum and examinations to 2 7 Elementary School high school students. There are over 30 AP courses, 3 8 Elementary School but not all of them are available at each school. Most 4 9 Elementary School schools offer a limited selection of AP courses based 5 10 Elementary School on student demand. The most common AP courses 6 11 Middle School/Junior High are Calculus, English, and U.S. History. 7 12 Middle School/Junior High To earn college credit for their AP course, students 8 13 Middle School/Junior High must take an Advanced Placement examination. These standardized exams are administered in May 9 14 High School/Secondary School and require a fee ($92 per exam in 2016). The exams 10 15 High School/Secondary School are designed to measure how well the student has 11 16 High School/Secondary School mastered the content and skills of the course. AP 12* 17 High School/Secondary School exam scores range from 1 (low) to 5 (high). American colleges often grant course credit to students who *Not all schools accept international students into obtain high scores (usually 3 or above) on the Grade 12. Some schools require a minimum of two examinations. Individual universities have their own years in the U.S. for graduation. policies specifying the minimum required score to Academic Calendar and Class Scheduling earn credit for a given AP Exam, the amount of credit awarded and how credits are applied. Most American schools operate on a semester system. The first semester typically runs from August to December or August to January, and the second

Updated July 2017 Partner Handbook | F-1 High School Academic Program | greenheart.org 26 8. American School System Overview

Honors Courses Exchange at the time of application so that it can be Honors courses are accelerated classes for advanced confirmed that graduation is possible at the student’s students similar in subject matter to AP courses, but chosen school. do not always adhere to the strict AP standards. Most schools require a minimum of two years of study International Baccalaureate (IB) (grades 11 and 12) for students to graduate. Some A two-year educational program that provides an schools may accept previous years of study at another internationally accepted qualification for entry into school in the U.S., while other schools require that at higher education, the IB diploma is recognized and least two years be completed at that specific school. well respected by universities worldwide for its In some cases, a longer period of time may be academic rigor. IB classes tend to be similar in subject required, depending on the student’s English and matter and rigor to AP courses, and IB students are academic levels. generally well-prepared to pass AP exams. A few schools make it possible for students to earn a Dual Enrollment diploma in one year. Greenheart Exchange offers a Dual enrollment programs allow students to take list of schools that have this policy for interested select classes at a college or university for both students. university and high school credit. In some cases, the In addition to obtaining a required number of credits, it classes are taught by certified teachers at the high is common for private schools to require students to school, in other cases the students attend the courses complete a certain number of community service on the college campus. Some dual enrollment courses hours. Students attending both public and private are available online. Fees for dual enrollment courses schools in New York State may also be required to are generally quite low, and usually much lower than pass that state’s standardized achievement tests, the the standard course tuition. Eligibility for dual Regents Examinations. enrollment varies by school. Grading Scale and Grade Point Average English as a Second Language Support Grading in U.S. high schools is typically based on a A growing number of schools in the U.S. offer English 4.0 scale with five letter grades: “A” being the highest as a Second Language (ESL) instruction for and “F” the lowest, denoting failure. Below is the international students. Instruction may be in the form grading system most commonly used in U.S. high of group or individual classes as part of the student’s schools: regular curriculum, or may be offered as after-school tutoring either in a group or one-on-one. In some Grade Percent Rating GPA cases, admission to the school requires the student to A 90-100% Excellent 4.0 enroll in the school’s ESL program. Fees for the program may be included in tuition, or may be charged B 80-89% Good 3.0 separately as an additional expense. Greenheart C 70-79% Average 2.0 Exchange will advise the sending partner if this is the D 60-69% Poor 1.0 case. F 0-59% Failure 0.0 Many schools formally assess students’ English ability In some private high schools and most universities, a upon arrival. If the student’s results indicate that he or grade of “D” is considered unsatisfactory, so anything she would benefit from ESL instruction, the student below 70% can be considered failing. will be required to enroll in ESL classes. If the school does not offer a structured ESL program, Greenheart Grade Point Average Exchange will work with the student’s school to locate A student’s grade point average (GPA) is calculated a tutor. Students are expected to pay tutors directly for by dividing the total amount of grade points earned by their services. Natural parents should expect tutoring the total amount of credit hours attempted. A grade to cost between $25 and $30 per hour. point average may range from 0.0 to a 4.0. For example: A = 4.00 grade points. A- = 3.70 grade Graduation points. It may be possible for the student to earn a diploma if he or she meets the school’s graduation requirements. Each school sets its own requirements. Students wishing to graduate during their Greenheart Exchange F-1 program must inform Greenheart

Updated July 2017 Partner Handbook | F-1 High School Academic Program | greenheart.org 27 8. American School System Overview

Curriculum and Graduation Requirements While curriculum and graduation requirements vary by school, the following sample curriculum is typical: Subject Credits Sample Courses Journalism, public speaking/debate, literature, drama, and writing (technical English 4 and/or creative). Algebra I and II, Geometry, and Trigonometry; advanced options include Pre- Math 4 calculus, Calculus, and Statistics. Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. Sometimes Earth Science, Environmental Science 3 Science, and Anatomy and Physiology. History and U.S. History and American Government are usually required; World History, 3 Social Sciences Geography, and Economics also may be offered. Foreign 2 Spanish; sometimes French, German, Latin, or Mandarin. Language Computer Computer Skills/ Applications; sometimes higher level courses in Computer 1 Technology Programming and Website Development are offered. Fine Arts 1 Studio Art, Dance, Drama, Music Psychology, Law, Business Management, Marketing, etc. The number and type Electives 3 of electives available varies widely by school. Physical 2 Physical Education and Health Education Religion Parochial schools 4 Bible Studies, Theology, or World Religions only

Updated July 2017 Partner Handbook | F-1 High School Academic Program | greenheart.org 28 Appendix A: 2018-19 Conditions of Participation

Important Note: This is a sample copy. Each submitted application will include a Conditions of Participation page to be completed by the student and their parent(s) or legal guardian(s). F-1 High School Academic Program Conditions of Participation All F-1 High School Academic Program 4. To maintain a satisfactory level of academic participants in the United States and their natural performance (maintain C’s or higher in all parents or guardians must read and agree to abide classes, dependent on the school’s by the Terms and Conditions outlined below. requirements for passing) and appropriate behavior in school, including completing all The F-1 High School Academic Program in the United coursework and attendance requirements. States is an academic homestay program, based on Students must demonstrate serious effort and a daily life in a family, school, and community. It is not a positive, cooperative attitude. Absence from tourist program. Its purpose, along with education, is school is permitted only for cases of genuine cultural exchange, which requires the willingness to illness (doctor’s documentation may be learn and adapt with understanding and appreciation requested if there are doubts) or if special to the customs of a new culture, community and permission is obtained in advance from the family, which may be very different from one’s own. school. Regular school attendance is required. Students in this program are representatives of their Eligibility for participation in extra-curricular own cultures and do their best to earn respect for the activities is at the discretion of the high school. people of their countries. Host families receive a small Athletic eligibility or participation is not payment to help defray expenses of hosting. guaranteed. Primarily, the host family’s reward is the opportunity to 5. To accept and pay all expenses for an individual get to know the student and learn about his or her tutor, if the student proves incapable of country and culture. Greenheart Exchange expects all maintaining passing grades (C or higher, participants, host families, staff and local coordinators depending on school’s requirements) in all of to be respectful of other races, religions, nationalities, their classes, until the student is capable of cultures, sexual orientations, and sexual identities. succeeding academically without a tutor’s We do not tolerate comments, jokes, or behaviors that assistance. degrade or disrespect individuals or groups. 6. To obey all laws of the United States, the host community, and the state in which it is located; Every participant agrees in advance to accept the and to obey all rules of Greenheart. Note: U.S. following conditions: laws prohibit anyone under 21 years of age from 1. To abide by all the guidelines and policies of the purchasing and/or consuming alcohol, and school where the student is enrolled. anyone under 18 from purchasing cigarettes or 2. To accept the host family selected. Greenheart tobacco products. Students participating in the Exchange welcomes hosts from all races, F-1 High School Program agree NOT to smoke, creeds, colors, religious persuasions and social purchase or use tobacco throughout the levels. Host families must have sufficient duration of the program. This includes, but is not financial resources to host; host families are not limited to, conventional cigarettes, electronic “e” permitted to proselytize. All host families are cigarettes, vaporizers, herbs, etc. The thoroughly screened before they are permitted Greenheart Exchange Chicago Office will to receive a student. Greenheart Exchange ultimately decide what constitutes a tobacco representatives visit families in their own product. homes, check personal references and take 7. To refrain from driving or purchasing a car, other steps to ensure suitability of the host motorcycle or any motor vehicle requiring an family. operator’s license. Insurance restrictions 3. To live as a participating member of the host prohibit driving any motor vehicle by exchange family and to accept normal family students except in the case of licensed and responsibilities; and to adapt to and live within bonded driver education programs. Students the rules and customs of the host family, may take part in such classes only with written showing respect for the host parents and host permission of their natural parents, host parents siblings. Example: Host parents must approve and the Greenheart Exchange National Office. all activities of the student; host parents must 8. NOT to hitchhike at any time during the know where the student is, with whom and when program. the student will return home from the activity.

Updated July 2017 Partner Handbook | F-1 High School Academic Program | greenheart.org 29 Appendix A: 2018-19 Conditions of Participation

9. To repay hosts promptly for any and all long- against host families or participants on the grounds of distance calls made by the participant and any race, religion, creed, color or social level in any area cell phone plan costs that are incurred by the of the country. (Note: Host families must have host family on behalf of the participant; and to sufficient financial resources to host; host families are pay for any damage caused to the property of not permitted to proselytize. All host families are the host family, school, hotel or other site visited thoroughly screened before they are permitted to during the program. receive a student. Greenheart Exchange 10. To book arrival and departure flights as directed representatives visit families in their homes, check by Greenheart Exchange. personal references and take other steps to ensure 11. To travel to and from the homestay as directed, suitability of the host family.) and during the program to travel only with During the program, students members of the host family, except if and unless Electronic Devices: are fully responsible for any computers, smart phones, the natural parents provide written approval to laptops, or tablets they have purchased or brought. Greenheart Exchange. Device and internet use should be limited; the extent 12. To possess enough spending money to cover of which is at the discretion of the host family, Local personal expenses while in the host country Coordinator, Regional Director and/or Greenheart ($300-$350 per month is suggested). Students Exchange. must not lend or borrow personal funds. Students are not allowed to work or participate It is strongly advised that student contact with family in business activities of any kind during the and friends in their home country or with relatives in program. Students without sufficient funds to the USA be limited. This includes, but is not limited to, cover personal expenses may be dismissed contact via telephone, online (i.e. email, social media, from the program and repatriated. instant message, etc.), text and voice chat (FaceTime, 13. The homestay period only applies to the WhatsApp, Facebook, Skype, Viber, etc.) Experience academic year. Students should return to their has shown that constant communication with natural respective countries within 30 days of the family and friends in their native countries disrupts and conclusion of the academic year, except if and even prevents cultural adaptation and understanding. unless the natural parents provide written Students are encouraged to purchase American pre- approval to Greenheart Exchange. paid cell phones to communicate with their host family 14. Students who are prematurely dismissed from and American friends; though they should not be the program must leave the U.S. immediately at added to their host family’s account. Participants must their own expense. immediately reimburse host families for any long 15. Students who choose to bring or purchase high distance calls they make or data/internet overages value items such as laptop computers, gaming they incur. Students understand that excessive systems, cell phones, cameras, etc. are electronic device usage (as defined by Greenheart responsible for those items at all times. Exchange) for communication, gaming, social media Greenheart Exchange strongly suggests that or any other purpose may result in limitation of us or students insure items prior to their departure confiscation by the host family or Local Coordinator. and for the duration of their program in the United States. Greenheart Exchange assumes Rules of Internet Usage: no financial responsibility for any items 1. Students are not to post derogatory comments damaged, lost and/or stolen. about their host families, schools and Local 16. NOT to use any firearms while on the program. Coordinators, use profanity or vulgar language 17. To agree not to get body piercings or tattoos and/or post photos of themselves or others while on program. engaging in any activities, including but not 18. To accept and abide by the advice and direction limited to drinking, smoking, or those of a of the Local Coordinator, Regional sexually suggestive nature. Director/Manager and the Greenheart 2. Students are not to post or engage in violent, Exchange National Office. To accept all racist, sexist, homophobic, or otherwise conditions of the program, including those derogatory content on the internet or social outlined below. media sites. 3. Students are not to engage in online bullying, Host Family Placements: Greenheart Exchange harassment or trolling. reserves the complete right to make host family assignments. The program does not discriminate

Updated July 2017 Partner Handbook | F-1 High School Academic Program | greenheart.org 30 Appendix A: 2018-19 Conditions of Participation

4. Students are prohibited from viewing internet Arrivals and Departures: Students should not arrive sites with sexually explicit content, including but to their host families earlier than 7-10 days before the not limited to pornography. first day of class for the school year or semester. 5. Students are not allowed to use ride-sharing Exceptions may be made in rare circumstances and apps (e.g., Uber, Lyft, etc.) during their permission must be obtained from Greenheart programs, unless they have the consent of their Exchange before travel arrangements are made. host family. Students must leave their host families within 7-10 6. Students are not allowed to use dating, hook- days of the last day of class for the school year or up, or meet-up apps while on program, including semester. Exceptions may be made in rare but not limited to Tinder, Grindr, OkCupid, etc. circumstances and permission must be obtained from 7. Students are to respect and abide by all Greenheart Exchange before travel arrangements are electronics and internet usage rules set by their made. host family, school, Local Coordinator and The decision whether to grant Greenheart Exchange. High School Diploma: a diploma is entirely in the hands of each high school. Visits: Greenheart Exchange discourages natural School officials determine, after reviewing transcripts, parents, family members or friends from visiting the to which class level (9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade) to students. If natural parents, family, or friends visit, assign students. Greenheart Exchange has no control Greenheart Exchange and the host family should over this decision. All high schools will issue agree upon it in advance of the proposed visit. During international students official transcripts, which can be visits, students should not miss school unless they translated (at the students’ effort and expense) to have advance permission from their school to do so, satisfy requirements of the students’ home schools. and the visit should be no longer than one week. Host All participants must be covered by illness families are not expected to provide accommodations Insurance: and accident insurance for the duration of the for visitors in their homes or elsewhere. Greenheart program. Greenheart Exchange offers medical and Exchange is not responsible for problems that may accident insurance. result from unauthorized visits. Parents are discouraged from accompanying their sons/daughters Fees: The fee for the F-1 High School Academic to the homestay at the onset of the program and any Program in the United States covers all mandated plans for visiting the student must be approved by program expenses from the time of the student’s Greenheart Exchange and the host family prior to its arrival until the termination of the program in the U.S. occurrence. Any visits from family members or family The fee does not cover personal expenses, routine friends who live in the U.S. should be limited to once medical examinations, inoculating or vaccinating, per month, unless the host family and Greenheart medical costs not covered by insurance, uniforms, Exchange have agreed in advance that visits can take costs of books and other school activity fees, or the place on a more frequent basis. Greenheart Exchange expenses possibly incurred because of premature and the host family must agree upon any visits in termination of the student’s program. Host families do advance. Experience has shown frequent visits are receive a small monthly payment that only helps disruptive to the student’s adaptation to the host family defray the cost of the homestay. Fees, including and American culture. school tuition, must be paid in full prior to the school start date to ensure program operation. Travel: During the program, participants may travel with their host parents, or with other adult- supervised Early Termination of the Program: The school has school or community groups. Any other travel, the right to terminate the participant’s program for whether alone, with peers or with other participants, is inappropriate performance. The sponsoring permitted only with prior approval of the school, organization will work with the school to understand Greenheart Exchange, and then only after complete and support the school’s decision. In addition, if the itineraries, including names and addresses of people student‘s behavior outside of school merits program to be visited, have been submitted as part of the travel termination the sponsoring organization will work with request. Students are not allowed to stay in rented the school to end the student’s program. The apartments or hotels when unaccompanied by a sponsoring organization agrees to provide appropriate responsible adult. Students must leave their host oral and written warnings to, and probationary periods families within 7-10 days of the conclusion of the for, students whose behavior does not meet program school year or semester. Students may return to their expectations. Students who fail to respond home country during vacation or holidays. appropriately to these warnings may have their visa terminated. The sponsoring school also reserves the

Updated July 2017 Partner Handbook | F-1 High School Academic Program | greenheart.org 31 Appendix A: 2018-19 Conditions of Participation right to dismiss any student whose mental or physical 10. Consistent inability or unwillingness, even after health as documented by a trained professional—e.g., appropriate warnings and probationary periods eating disorders, depression, chronic illness or have been extended, to interact productively condition—requires this action. The sponsoring and/or amicably with the host family. school also reserves the right to dismiss and send 11. Undergoing a major lifestyle change (e.g., home any student whose conduct is unlawful, grossly getting married, converting to a new religion). improper or offensive to the host family, community or 12. Having insufficient funds to cover personal school. Such conduct includes, but is not limited to: expenses and/or becoming excessively indebted financially to the host family or others. 1. Illegal drug use/use of controlled substances. 13. During the program, if a student exhibits, over 2. Unacceptable sexual behavior (e.g., having time, irregular or unhealthy eating practices that sexual intercourse, becoming pregnant or potentially put his/her health in jeopardy, a arriving in the U.S. pregnant, impregnating professional opinion will be sought out to another or sexual harassment of another); in evaluate the student. If the health professional addition, if, after and despite verbal and written recognizes an eating disorder, or the student warning by Greenheart Exchange, the student continues to exhibit the same irregular or continues to exhibit an overtly inappropriate unhealthy eating, the student may be dismissed public display of physical affection, the student from the program at that time. Any fees for is subject to possible dismissal from the medical consultations or exams are the program and repatriation. responsibility of the student’s natural parents. 3. Driving or purchasing a motor vehicle requiring 14. Experiencing serious health issues that require an operator’s license. continued care and monitoring by host family 4. Drinking alcoholic beverages. and/or Greenheart Exchange staff. 5. Violation of federal, state, or local laws. 15. Other clear evidence that the student is not 6. Expulsion from school by school officials. capable of, or is unwilling to, participate fully in 7. Unauthorized travel. a cross-cultural environment. 8. If, after and despite verbal and written warning 16. The school also reserves the right to dismiss by the school and Greenheart Exchange, any participant who is found to have continuation of unsatisfactory school misrepresented him/herself or provided false performance, including: information in the program application. In the a. Two or more suspensions imposed by event the student is returned home, either alone school officials, whether for misbehavior or accompanied, parents or guardians are or lack of academic effort, or responsible for all expenses above those b. Two or more failing grades in the same covered by the fee. Refunds are not made to the marking period. families of participants whose programs 9. Violent behavior or physical attacks of any kind. terminate prematurely.

Updated July 2017 Partner Handbook | F-1 High School Academic Program | greenheart.org 32 Appendix A: 2018-19 Conditions of Participation

Agreement to F-1 High School Academic Program Conditions of Participation We, the undersigned, submit and support the application of ______(print full name of applicant) as a participant in the F-1 High School Academic Program in the United States. We acknowledge that we have read and thoroughly understand the Conditions of Participation of the F-1 High School Academic Program in the United States, and hereby agree to abide by said Conditions. Liability Release Agreement We do hereby release Greenheart Exchange, its officers and agents from any and all claims and causes of action for loss of property, personal injury or illness, accident, delay or expense sustained by any participant arising out of any travel or activity conducted by or under the control of Greenheart Exchange. This clause applies except for those claims eligible under the Participant Illness and Accident Insurance, when participant is covered by said insurance. We also release Greenheart Exchange and its agents and agree to indemnify them with regard to any financial obligations or liabilities that the applicant may personally incur or any damage or injury to the person or property of others that the applicant may cause while participating in the program. In the event that Greenheart Exchange or its agents advance or loan any monies to the applicant or incur special expenses on his or her behalf, we agree to make immediate repayment. Waiver I authorize Greenheart International, its representatives and its affiliates the irrevocable use of any photographs/video accompanying this application or any photographs/video taken while participating on a Greenheart International program for promotion or publicity. I understand that I will not receive compensation for the use of these photograph(s)/video(s). I agree that Greenheart International may use such photographs/videos of my son/daughter with or without their name and for any lawful purpose, including, but not limited to such purposes as brochures, advertising, and website content.

Signature of Applicant ______Date______

Signature of Mother/Guardian ______Date______

Signature of Father/Guardian ______Date ______

Updated July 2017 Partner Handbook | F-1 High School Academic Program | greenheart.org 33 Appendix B: Convalidation Requirements

Obtaining an Apostille For most countries, the first step in convalidation is obtaining an Apostille (official seal) for the student’s U.S. transcripts from the Secretary of State for the state in which the student resides. The student must obtain their official transcripts and have them notarized by a Notary Public in order to legalize the documents. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain his or her transcripts BEFORE leaving the U.S. Greenheart Exchange is not responsible for students’ transcripts. The student must send the notarized transcripts to the Secretary of State (in the state in which they reside) to receive an Apostille. A list of Secretary of State offices with their addresses can be found in the F-1 High School Program Student Handbook. They will charge between $2 and $25 for each Apostille. An Apostille is needed for each notarized document. The package should include the following: • A brief cover letter stating the country the document is going to, name, phone number, and other contact information; • Each notarized document which needs to be authenticated; • A personal or business check or money order; • A return self-addressed stamped envelope so that it can be mailed to the place desired. The typical timeframe to obtain an Apostille is two to three weeks. In some instances, the student’s school in the home country will also require a letter issued by the school, confirming enrollment. If a letter is required, it will also need to be notarized prior to asking for an Apostille. Convalidation Requirements for Select Countries Italy Authenticated transcripts should be sent to the Italian Consulate in the student’s jurisdiction with the following: • Translation of the school transcript into Italian • A note from Greenheart Exchange confirming that the student is a participant of the F-1 High School Program • A cover letter from the student addressed to this Consulate General of Italy, listing all the documents that are mailed to this Consulate and the indication of where the documents should be returned (full address in Italy or in the United States and a contact telephone number). Upon receipt of all the above the Consulate General of Italy will issue the Declaration of Value. If the student is planning to return to Italy within few days from the end of the school year and would like the documents to be mailed to his/her address in Italy by special delivery, he/she should clearly mention it in the cover letter. Brazil All Brazilian students must take certain classes in order to convalidate, which are the following: • English • Social studies, such as U.S. History, U.S. Geography, World History, Civics, Government • Mathematics, such as Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus • Science, such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology • Physical Education • Optional - Art, Home Economics, Economics, Accounting, Psychology, etc. The following steps must be taken at the end of the program: • Student obtains an official transcript from school. The transcript should be signed and/or have an embossed seal on it. No sealed envelope is necessary for this; the actual transcript is what matters. • Student gets the transcript notarized with an acknowledgement. Example of acknowledgement: Acknowledgment of High School Transcript Acknowledged by ______before me on the ____ day of ______, 2017. Signature______Printed name______Notary Public, State of ______, County of ______

Updated July 2017 Partner Handbook | F-1 High School Academic Program | greenheart.org 34 Appendix B: Convalidation Requirements

My commission expires______Stamp/Seal • Student obtains the apostille (see above instructions). The student should check if certification of the notary’s signature by the county clerk is necessary. There are a few states that have this requirement. If so, they will need to mail this to the county clerk’s office first. • Student purchases a money order in the amount the apostille will cost. The money order should be payable to the Secretary of State. The money order must be purchased from the U.S. Post Office. • If the student’s state has a standard request form, that form must be used. If not, a cover letter will need to be included, example below: Dear Secretary of State, I ______, am an international exchange student from Brazil, who recently studied in [STATE] for the [ACADEMIC YEAR] school year. In order to receive credit in my home country, I must obtain an Apostille. Please find enclosed the notarized documents for the Apostille. I have included a money order in the amount of [AMOUNT] for the processing fee along with a self-addressed stamped return envelope. Thank you for your assistance. Your help is greatly appreciated. Kind regards, • The student should prepare a self-addressed stamped return envelope to be sent back to a U.S. address. This could be the Host Family’s address, if they are willing to help, or the Local Coordinator’s. This envelope should be enclosed along with the documents to be sent to the Secretary of State. • The student should also leave money and/or an addressed, stamped return envelope for the Host Family or Local Coordinator for the documents to be sent to him/her in Brazil, as this process will generally be happening as they leave. The Local Coordinator can also send the documents to the Program Manager to courier the transcript to the partner in Brazil. Greenheart Exchange will then invoice the partner for the amount. Spain Spanish students must obtain a form letter, typically provided by the sending partner, which lists the subjects the student has studied along with student’s full name and birth date. The following steps are then taken: • Student verifies that all information in the letter is correct, and then takes the letter to his or her school counselor or other school official. • School official enters the grades for each subject, prints it on school letterhead, and signs it with their title. Notarization is NOT required. • Student sends the hard copy of the letter to the Program Manager for Spain in the Greenheart Exchange Chicago office: Greenheart Exchange ATTN: F-1 High School Program Manager 712 N. Wells Street, 2nd Floor Chicago, IL 60654-3500 The Greenheart Exchange Chicago Office will take care of the rest of the process. South Korea Occasionally South Korean students will need to have their transcripts authenticated with an Apostille. This depends on what school they are attending in Korea and what their plans are for the following year. Each student should be aware if they need this. Please follow the general instructions above to complete the process.

Updated July 2017 Partner Handbook | F-1 High School Academic Program | greenheart.org 35 Appendix C: Entrance Test Types

Entrance Test Types

School Acceptance Registration and Availability Website and Information ELTiS (English Accepted by most Language Test for Greenheart Available to registered ELTiS www.eltistest.com International Exchange partner testing partners online. Students) schools. TOEFL (Test of Required by some Available only at registered English as a Foreign more rigorous TOEFL testing centers www.ets.org/toefl Language) schools. worldwide. Accepted in lieu of Available only at registered TOEFL Jr. (for the standard TOEFL TOEFL testing centers www.ets.org/toefljr teenagers) by some schools. worldwide. IELTS (International Accepted by some Available only at IELTS testing English Language schools in place of www.ielts.org centers worldwide. Testing System) TOEFL. Version of the iTEP SLATE International Test of (Secondary Level Available at certified iTEP English Proficiency www.itepexam.com Assessment Test of centers worldwide. (iTEP) exam for English) young learners. SSAT (Secondary Required by a small Available only at registered School Admission number of very SSAT testing centers www.ssat.org Test) rigorous schools. worldwide. Some schools require Can be made available to School Entrance Contact Greenheart their own entrance partners to administer to Exam Exchange exam. students in their office.

Updated July 2017 Partner Handbook | F-1 High School Academic Program | greenheart.org 36 Appendix D: Student Interview Form

Important Note: This is a sample interview form of questions the partner may ask the student.

F-1 High School Academic Program Student Interview Form Student Name: ______Interviewer Name: ______Date of Interview: ______Length of Interview (minimum 45 minutes): ______Were the parents present for the interview? ☐Yes ☐ No

Questions for the Student Family: 1. Tell me about your family and your relationship with them. What are a typical day and weekend like with you and your family?

2. What are your responsibilities at home? Do you help with chores?

3. How are decisions made in your own family? Do you think it will be the same in your new family? Will it be a problem for you if the role of the mother and father is different from your own family? How will you feel if it is a single-parent family, with just a mother or just a father?

Personality: 4. How would your friends or your family describe your character? Please give at least three adjectives and explain.

5. Tell me about an experience that was difficult for you. Why was it hard and how did you manage? Who helped you? Are you glad you had that experience?

6. Have you ever changed schools or neighborhoods? Do you have any other experiences of being the “new person”? How did you adapt?

7. How would you react if there were problems in your host family and something wasn't going your way?

8. Do you smoke or drink any alcohol? Can you adjust to having these things becoming forbidden?

9. How do you think you will cope with homesickness?

Updated July 2017 Partner Handbook | F-1 High School Academic Program | greenheart.org 37 Appendix D: Student Interview Form

Goals and Expectations: 10. Whose idea is it for you to do an exchange program? Do you, yourself, want to go away next year? Why?

11. Why do you think host families host a student from abroad for 10 months?

12. What expectations do you have of your host family? What will the family be like, where will they live, and what do they like to do?

13. Tell me three personal goals or hopes that you have set for yourself during the program. How do you think you might grow or change?

14. What will be the most challenging part of being an exchange student?

15. What are you most looking forward to?

Questions for the Interviewer 1. Please check all boxes that best describe the student’s personality. ☐ Active ☐ Adaptable ☐Calm ☐Casual ☐Easy going ☐Expressive ☐Fast learner ☐Flexible ☐ Friendly ☐Independent ☐Insecure ☐Intelligent ☐Lively ☐Loner ☐Mature ☐Optimistic ☐Organized ☐ Outgoing ☐Patient ☐Polite ☐Quick-tempered ☐Quiet ☐Self-disciplined ☐Sense of humor ☐ Reserved ☐Sensitive ☐Serious ☐Shy ☐Sociable ☐Spontaneous ☐Appreciates routines ☐ Warm personality ☐ Young for his/her age ☐Needs guidance ☐Has strong opinions

2. Please also give examples and comments on the student’s maturity and flexibility:

3. Please give examples and comments on the character of the student.

4. As far as you can tell, does the student have any special needs/interests that may influence the host family placement? ☐ Yes ☐ No Please explain.

5. Do you think the student will be able to adapt to his/her host family, school, church, make friends, participate in school and family activities etc.? ☐ Yes ☐ No Please explain.

6. Is the student: ☐ Unsuitable ☐ Uncertain ☐ Suitable ☐ Excellent What is your overall comment about the student being able to succeed on the program? Please explain.

Updated July 2017 Partner Handbook | F-1 High School Academic Program | greenheart.org 38