Frequently Asked Questions About Our Students

Our program requires that students demonstrate a level of fluency that will allow them to function adequately in an American high school. Students will have studied English a minimum of three years and received an acceptable score on a proficiency test. Education systems differ in each country. Students from European countries, where speaking and listening are emphasized more in school, tend to have better conversation skills in the beginning. Students from Asian countries may not be as strong in conversation at first, since their schools do not placed as much importance on it. However, they tend to improve quickly.
 

In addition to an interview and English skills assessment, Global Insights students also attend pre-departure orientations. These orientations vary from country to country but at a minimum, students are instructed on the policies and rules of Global Insights, as well as given instruction in cultural adaptation. Natural parents also attend these meetings to ensure that they, too, have a clear understanding of the program and what will be expected of their son/daughter.
 

Most Global Insights students live in the U.S. for one academic year - from approximately mid-August through mid-June. Some students apply for the semester program only - August through January OR January through June. If possible, flights are scheduled so that students arrive at least a few days prior to the start of school and depart the U.S. within two weeks of the end of the term.
 

Each student is required to carry the minimum amount of insurance coverage required by the United States Department of State - the agency governing official exchange organizations. However, students on our program carry insurance that well exceeds the minimum requirements, offering unlimited coverage in some areas with no deductible. Students are prepared to pay for small medical expenses upfront - then, they are reimbursed for the expense. For larger expenses, medical facilities may bill the insurance company directly. Host families can rest assured knowing that their new son/daughter will be fully covered with the accident/sickness policy in case of an emergency and no financial outlay will be required on their part.
 

Natural parents must supply their son/daughter with an adequate amount of spending money at all times, normally $200-$300 per month, not to fall below $100. The student must not borrow money from the host family or from any other source. Students are responsible for paying for their own personal and entertainment expenses, such as toiletries, telephone expenses, movie tickets, trips, prom expenses, school fees, etc. Host families are required only to supply room and board and a loving atmosphere.
 

Students attend the local public high school. The local Area Representative must obtain prior permission. School is an integral part of the exchange experience. It is essential that the student becomes an active part of that system. Students are encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities that are offered in each school. In addition, they will take courses typical of an American his or her age, including U.S. History and an English course. School attendance is required by the Department of State, in order that the student's visa remains valid.
 

Students must be at least 15 years old and no older than 18-1/2 on the first day of school  in order to participate in the program.
 

The United States Immigration and Naturalization Service regulations prohibit a student from accepting any form of competitive paid employment.  Students cannot take regular or full-time jobs, but may accept non-competitive forms of employment such as babysitting, lawn mowing, etc.  Students are not permitted to obtain work permits or apply for Social Security cares in order to secure a job.
 

Students must follow program rules which states that they may not participate in certain "high risk" activities such as sky diving, hang gliding, glider riding, parachute jumping, parasailing, jet skiing, hot air ballooning, scuba diving, mountaineering, rock climbing, bungee jumping, or any other activity that Global Insights defines as a high risk activity.   

Students may not drive cars while on the program except under the realm of an approved "Driver's Education Program" and then only with the school's instructor.  Global Insights is a non-smoking program and students are not allowed to smoke regardless of age.
 

In most cases, students are allowed to participate in the athletic programs of their school, however there may be specific rules regarding exchange students on the teams and schools have the final say as to whether a student can be involved.