United States
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It's exciting to consider the prospect of inviting one of the Global Insights
exchange students to be a part of your family and we realize that you probably
have many questions about our students. We encourage you to share your
concerns and questions with your Area Representative who is available to help
you through this process in choosing a student and becoming a member of the
Global Insights family, but want you to know that our national office is
also available as well. Our most common questions are answered below:
Do the Students speak English?
How are the students prepared for the exchange experience?
When do students arrive and depart?
How are the students insured?
Do the students have spending money?
Where do the students attend school?
How old are the students?
Can students work while they are on the program?
Are students limited in what they can do and participate in?
Can students participate in school sports?
Do the Students speak English? |
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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. |
How are the students prepared for the exchange experience? |
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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.
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When do students arrive and depart? |
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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. |
How are the students insured? |
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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. |
Do the students have spending money? |
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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. |
Where do the students attend school? |
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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. |
How old are the students? |
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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. |
Can students work while they are on the program? |
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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. |
Are students limited in what they can do and participate in? |
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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.
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Can students participate in school sports? |
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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. |