Foreign Student Exchange and Student Visas

Are you a foreign student and planning on participating in a foreign student exchange program—a program that will bring you to the United States to study? Do you understand the document requirements for participating in a foreign student exchange, particularly the student visa requirement? Coming to the United States can be the academic, cultural and personal experience of a lifetime, but in order to visit the U.S. you must first secure a student visa. To help you meet this obligation, in this article we will provide some basic information about the student visa, including the requirements for qualifying, the application procedure and the required documentation you will need to secure this very important document.

Qualifying for a student visa, a document required for anyone participating in a foreign student exchange program, means you must first meet certain guidelines and requirements as laid out by the Immigration and National Act. These include:

You must have a verifiable residence in your country, with no immediate intentions for abandoning this residence.

You must indicate that you plan to return to your country, or at the very least that you intend to depart the United States, once your program of study has concluded.

You must have sufficient funds to pursue the propose course of study, including living expenses.

Foreign Student Exchange: Applying for a Student Visa

While the application process for a student visa can be quite arduous, it is nevertheless required if you wish to participate in a foreign student exchange program. The first step to this process, required for students of all ages, is an interview at the embassy consular section. Getting an appointment for this interview, especially at certain times of the year, could take some time. For this reason, students are encouraged to apply for their student visa as early as possible.

Every foreign student exchange student applying for a student visa must undergo a digital fingerprint scan as part of the application process. This is a very quick process and can usually be scheduled on the day of your interview.

As with any government submission the application process for the student visa requires that all foreign exchange students submit certain documents. These documents include:

Form I-20A-B, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status-For Academic and Language Students or Form 1-20M-N, Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Student Status for Vocational Students. The reason that academic and language students will complete a different eligibility form than vocational students is that the two students fall under different student visa categories, F-1 student status for the former and M-1 student status for the latter.

Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application, Form Ds-160

Passport. Foreign student exchange participants must possess a passport that will remain valid until at least six months after the conclusion of the course of study.

Photograph. A photograph, approximately 2 inches by 2 inches, is required for all participants of a foreign student exchange.

Receipt. This is a specific receipt that proves you paid the student visa application fee.

The SEVIS I-901 fee receipt.

While the above documents are always required, participants of a foreign student exchange should additionally be prepared to show other documents as well, including transcripts, standardized test scores (TOEFL, SAT, etc), and financial proof that they or their parents have sufficient funds to sponsor the foreign student exchange participant in his/her course of study.

Student Exchange Scholarships: Applying for CIEE Scholarships

Have you ever thought about taking advantage of an opportunity to study abroad? If so, the following information about student exchange scholarships may be quite helpful. Student exchange programs, through which students have the opportunity to study and live for a time in a foreign country, can be the experience of a lifetime, but the truth is that for some students participation in these types of programs is only made possible through financial assistance. Fortunately, there are many organizations, including the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)—the organization we will feature here—that make applying for these student exchange scholarships a fairly simple process.

Student Exchange Scholarships though CIEE

Among the large fraternity of students who have previously participated in a student exchange program, it would be very difficult to find a person who didn’t enjoy the experience immensely. In fact, many former students will fondly recall their opportunity to study abroad as the experience of a lifetime. However, for some students these opportunities would not even be possible without some type of financial assistance. This is a fact that the CIEE is well aware of, and because of that, the organization has become a vehicle through which students can apply for a number of student exchange scholarships. Just one application packet through the CIEE allows students who are interested in studying abroad to apply to many student exchange scholarships and grants simultaneously, thus increasing their odds of receiving a financial award.

How to Apply for Student Exchange Scholarships through CIEE

Applying for one of the many student exchange scholarships through CIEE is a fairly straightforward process, but candidates should be very careful and meticulous when preparing their application materials. Competition can be rather stiff for these scholarships and the quality of your materials can often be the difference between receiving funding and being passed up.

When applying for one of the many CIEE student exchange scholarships students should first read over the eligibility requirements and procedures for each individual scholarship. Also, keep in mind that incomplete applications will not be considered, and it is the applicant’s responsibility alone that their application packet is complete.

Below are the items that must be submitted together when applying for CIEE student exchange scholarships:

A completed scholarship application form

A financial administrator form

A 500-Word Essay. The 500-word essay you submit should of course be typed, and will require that you address certain areas and topics. These include the location where you plan to study, the term you are applying for and the names of each CIEE scholarship for which you are applying. You should also include information regarding your primary objectives for studying abroad, details regarding your financial need and how the CIEE student exchange scholarships for which you are applying will help you meet those needs. In the final component of your essay, be sure to include any extenuating circumstances or situations that may be relevant in the consideration of your scholarship application. This essay is your first, and perhaps only opportunity to showcase who you are, and therefore, you should write an interesting and polished essay with no spelling or grammatical mistakes.

Additional items may also have to be submitted, based on the eligibility criteria for each individual scholarship. Failure to include these items could significantly jeopardize your student exchange scholarships application.

There are two firm deadlines for submitting CIEE scholarship applications, April 1 for summer, fall, and academic year programs, and November 1, for winter, spring, and calendar year programs. Awardees will be notified by email approximately 4 weeks following either of these two deadline dates.

Summer Student Exchange: Summer Language Programs

Are you looking for an exciting new adventure this summer, one that combines meeting new people, exploring new sights, embracing a new culture and learning a new language? Have you considered a summer student exchange program in Europe—a program that offers language learning and plenty of time for sightseeing and cultural excursions? The European Summer Language Program offers students a unique opportunity to study a foreign language in some of the more fascinating regions in Europe, including France, Germany and Spain. These programs, which also allow an abundance of time for sightseeing and activities, can be an exhilarating way to spend a fun-filled summer while simultaneously earning some valuable high school credits in language arts. In this article we will take a closer look at this inimitable summer student exchange program, first by providing some general information about the European Summer Language program, followed by a closer look at one of the more popular regions the program is currently conducted, Antibes, France.

Summer Student Exchange: About the European Summer Language Program

The European Summer Language program is a 4-week summer student exchange for students who are 16-20 years of age. The program features structured language instruction with some of the finest language instructors in all of Europe, all of whom have a passion for teaching. There are many exciting, educational and cultural excursions offered to local areas of interest. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to participate in recreational activities together, with added time to explore the community and culture of the region; the shops, art galleries, sports, restaurants and beautiful landscapes.

Summer student exchange participants will stay with host families who, in addition to providing room and board, will provide supervision on many of the excursions and supply structure in the student’s schedule. Staying with a host family also offers students additional opportunities for language acquisition and a great resource for learning the customs, traditions, and history of the region.

Summer Student Exchange: Language Learning in France

The French component of the European Summer Language Program is located on the Cote d’ Azur in Antibes, a region very near to Nice, Cannes and Italy. The region offers a bounty of historical sites and cultural activities, with hundreds of tiny streets and shops that are perfect for students to explore when in town.

Students will live and take their meals with local host families during the 4-week program, giving them the opportunity to learn some of the French customs, history and traditions firsthand. Structured language classes are held in the morning, 5 days a week, with qualified French instructors, many of whom have been with the program for several years. To ensure students receive the appropriate instruction, classes will split into 3 categories, beginner, intermediate, advanced, based on their knowledge and comprehension of the French language. During the afternoons students can explore the local community and sights, and with lots of cultural excursions on the weekend the program offers students a very well-rounded experience they will not soon forget.

Student Exchange Programs: Do You Know What to Expect?

Have you recently decided to enroll in one of the many exciting student exchange programs that are now being offered throughout the country? Do you know exactly what to expect once you’re a participant? Student exchange programs are not for everyone, but they are ideal for those students who are independent thinkers and who enjoy an interesting challenge. To give you an inkling of what to expect and all the changes you’ll experience, here we will outline some of the challenges and benefits associated with student exchange programs, including the drastic changes you can expect in your home life and your normal routine.

Reasons to Join Student Exchange Programs

Students decide to join student exchange programs for a number of reasons. Among them are:

· Academic Success. If you are planning to further your studies at one of the countries’ fine colleges and universities, being part of a student exchange program will look very impressive on your college application.

· Professional Reasons. Not only will your participation in student exchange programs impress the admission officers at the many schools you apply to, it will also look great on a professional resume. Among other things it shows that you are willing to take on challenges, and you are open minded enough to appreciate and embrace other cultures.

· See the World. Some students join the military to see the world, and others participate in student exchange programs. Participation in these programs affords you opportunities to see parts of the world you may not otherwise get to experience.

· Learn a New Language. Student exchange programs are ideal for those who want to learn a new language. Instead of learning from textbooks, here you’ll learn through total immersion with native speakers.

What to Expect in a Student Exchange Program

Many students go into student exchange programs not knowing what to expect—unaware what will happen when they fully immerse themselves in another culture. To help you avoid this fate, below are some examples of what you can expect as a participant in these programs:

· A New Family. Being part of a student exchange program means you’ll become part of a new family—your host family. During your stay you’ll live and share meals with them, and be introduced to their culture, food and customs. These are people you’ll remember for many years to come for the generosity they showed and for the wonderful resource they became during your stay.

· A Brand New Routine. Say goodbye to your old routine. In student exchange programs you’ll learn how to adjust to alternate ways of doing things—a challenge that many exchange students embrace.

· A Bit of Homesickness. It would be unreasonable to think that you won’t have at least some degree of homesickness, but once you adjust to your new environment this will ease up a bit and you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.

If you love challenges, and you appreciate the diversity and beauty of other cultures, being a part of one of the many student exchange programs that are currently being offered may be just the adventure you need.

International Exchange Programs for Teachers

Are you a United States secondary, elementary or college teacher with a strong interest to visit other countries and to learn the customs, traditions and language of their people? Would you be interested in teaching the English language and other subjects to students in this host country in exchange for this wonderful opportunity? If so, you may want to consider one of the many international exchange programs for teachers. In this article we will provide a bit more detail about how these international exchanges are structured, and highlight one such international exchange to give you a better idea about the program requirements and how to apply.

What Are International Exchange Programs for Teachers?

When most people think of exchange programs between countries, their thoughts immediately turn to student exchange programs, either at the secondary or university level. In that model, students from foreign countries participate in either a short term or long term program in which they study in a foreign country while living with either a host family or in some type of student housing. Actually, these student exchange programs are very similar to the international exchange programs for teachers.

International Exchange programs for teachers give educators the unique opportunity to teach English and other subjects in another country. The programs can either be short term, spanning 4-6 weeks, or long-term, in which teachers will remain in the host country for an entire semester or school year. Language proficiency is not required for these programs, but a strong interest to learn the language is definitely encouraged. Housing options can include living with a host family as many students do, but usually the teacher’s housing is provided by the organization that sponsors the international exchange.

International Exchange Programs for Teachers: One Example

One example of an international exchange for teachers is the program that is sponsored by the Rotary International Club, one of the largest and most well-known service clubs in the world. Initiated in 1992, this international exchange sponsors English teachers at the elementary, secondary and university level to teach English in Spanish, Portuguese and Russian speaking countries.

To date, U.S. teachers have been placed in over 50 communities around the world to teach 4-week sessions of English to speakers of other languages who could benefit from a working knowledge of the English language. This is a unique opportunity for teachers to experience the customs, traditions, language and culture of another country while simultaneously providing a valuable service as a teacher of English.

Applying for the Rotary Club International Exchange program is really a rather simple process, usually entailing an application and interview. Once accepted, teachers will be given ample time to prepare prior to their departure, and the Rotary Club will pay for round trip transportation, room and board, as well as any local transportation costs during their stay.

Aside from their teaching duties, teachers will also have the opportunity to participate in a number of cultural activities, as well as sightseeing ventures in the host country.

With this international exchange program and many more like it, teachers will not only help learners in the country they travel to, but they will usually become better prepared to serve the needs of international students at their home school, and become more versed in the challenges these students face.