Admission of Foreign Exchange Students Policy

Code: JECBA-AR

Amity School District 4J

Adopted: 11/12/97 Revised/Readopted: 03/09/05

Admission of Foreign Exchange Students

1. Pre-requisites

1. State department guidelines stipulate that a group-sponsored student must obtain school approval and family placement before leaving their home country.
2. Foreign students attending district schools through group-sponsored exchange programs must obtain a “J” Visa from the U.S. Department of Immigration and Naturalization Service which they must show upon registration. Approved group-sponsored exchange programs are those designated by the United States Information Agency and officially recognized by the Board. Foreign students on a J-1 Visa are not required to pay tuition.
3. Foreign students attending district schools through private sponsorship must obtain an “F-1” visa and prior approval required by the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Pursuant to federal law, foreign students on an “F-1” Visa may only attend secondary schools within the district and are required by law to pay the district’s established tuition rate for the period of attendance. The period of attendance may not exceed 12 months.
4. The student or sponsoring organization will provide all dues and fees.

2. Program Guidelines

1. The high school may accept a maximum of six full-year students from foreign countries, two from any approved programs.
2. Candidates will be selected from foreign exchange programs at the discretion of the building administrator.
3. In addition, up to two students may be accepted at any one time from short-term programs at the discretion of the building administrator.
4. All potential organizations or individuals will obtain approval from the Superintendent and high school administrator.
5. The high school administration reserves the right to terminate attendance if the student does not comply with the high school academic/behavioral standards that apply to that student.
6. A foreign student will receive an honorary Amity High School diploma, unless their prescribed course of study includes completion of requirements for a standard diploma. Counselors will review an appropriate course of study and will give a written recommendation to the student. The recommendation will specify either an honorary or standard diploma. All full-year students may participate in graduation ceremonies regardless of diploma received.

1-1