Why Global Insights?

Global Insights is designated by the US Department of State as an official Exchange Visitor Program Sponsor, and is accepted for listing by the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET). Global Insights is authorized to issue DS-2019 forms for our students to obtain a J-1 visa. As a result, Global Insights bears full responsibility for the well-being of our students, providing them with full accident and illness insurance coverage and closely monitoring their progress in their host families, schools, and communities. In comparison to other programs, Global Insights is a small program, with approximately 100-150 participants per year. We believe this allows us the opportunity to choose our students very carefully, as well as provide a more personal service to our students, host families, and schools. In addition, the majority of our staff and Area Representatives have hosted themselves, some on multiple occasions over the years, thus having a first-hand understanding of the life-long benefits such an experience can offer.

While hardly anyone would question the potential value of adding exchange students to the high school population, most everyone can recognize the potential for problems with this type of endeavor. It is crucial that the exchange organization provide adequate support to high school personnel to ensure the success of the program. Schools accepting Global Insights students have the assurance that all students have been carefully screened and tested. All will have passed objective examinations demonstrating language skills sufficient to allow students to function as a contributing member of the student body. While no selection and screening process is foolproof, a genuine effort is made to maintain uniform standards for student participants, as required by the United States Department of State.

Students attend mandatory pre-departure and post-arrival orientations in order that participants and their natural parents fully understand the intent of the Global Insights High School Program. Sample topics include:

• students will be expected to contribute to the community and school through various activities

• students must maintain a ‘C’ average and fully participate in classes in which they are enrolled

• students will be expected to abide by all school rules and policies

• students must realize that participation in sports, driver's education, and/or graduation ceremonies is strictly at the  discretion of the school, is NOT guaranteed, and should not be prime motivating factors for participation in the program.
   

Schools have the assurance that Global Insights will work closely with them in order that the exchange experience be beneficial to the school, as well as the student participant and host family. Global Insights emphasizes solid local support, in addition to national and international support. Global Insights students are placed only in areas with a trained Global Insights Area Representative within a 50-mile radius. Area Representatives are selected and trained by professional Global Insights staff. They are provided with training handbooks and supplies, as well as an Area Representative newsletter to keep them up-to-date on program events and requirements. Global Insights provides on-going support and guidance to Area Representatives, maintaining regular contact via national toll-free phone lines. Area Representatives work closely with schools, host families, and exchange students to provide solid local support, ensuring that all program rules and requirements are adhered to. Sample duties include:

• maintain contact with school officials, obtain permission to enroll exchange students, and follow student progress during the year

• find, screen, and select host families with the assistance of Global Insights staff

• provide counseling and support

• organize activities to promote cultural understanding
   

Expectations of the School

• provide a copy of the school rules to the student the first day or before and hold the same expectations for the exchange student as for all other students

• assist students to understand the school system and policies

• encourage students to become involved with other students and in school activities

• encourage students to become involved with other students and in school activities

• exercise patience the first few months to allow the student to adapt and adjust to the school and new culture

• contact the local Area Representative or the Global Insights National Office, with any difficulty or suggestions to better the program.
   

Expectations of Global Insights

Students

• undergo extensive and rigorous application and interview process before being selected for participation

• selected based on fluency in English, academic motivation, flexibility, and maturity

• required to enroll in challenging coursework, including classes in both English and History

• fully insured and provide their own spending money

• make every effort to integrate into the school's social fabric by becoming involved in school activities and being open to teaching others about their home country

• attend pre-departure and post-arrival orientations to ensure understanding of program policies and rules
   

Area Representatives trained by Global Insights Staff live within 50 miles of their students provide support to the student, host family, and school throughout the exchange experience

“As an educator, I have seen how international students have greatly increased cultural understanding, and have taught American teachers and students how to see the world from a different prospective. The experience gained will continue to shape the way our students live for years to come.”

- Patrice Tashiro, Roswell, GA