waldorf International exchange program

• 10th grade students typically participate in foreign exchange; exceptions may apply in special cases.

• High motivation to learn a foreign language; a strong average in the foreign language.

• Excellent attendance record

• Social and emotional maturity

• Good standing in all aspects of school life.

• Ability to be away from home for an extended period of time

• Good ambassador for the school

• Respectful and cooperative with rules and expectations of the host school and host family

• Willingness to host a foreign exchange student in a generous and thoughtful way

• Practical and physical ability to host a foreign student: provide a clean bedroom for the visiting student (notify the foreign family if the bedroom will be shared)

• Provide clean towels and linen and reasonable use of washers and dryers, subject to host family supervision.

• Provide social and emotional support for the visiting student

• Support and supervise a visiting student’s life at school

• Provide breakfast, lunch and dinner daily

• Accept the role and responsibility of parenting the exchange student for the duration of the visit

• Support and supervise a visiting student’s life at school

• Enforce home and school rules and expectations

• Include exchange student in family outings, trips and vacations

• Take the student on outings to see important places and experience the cultural life of the area

• Know the visiting student’s whereabouts at all times

• Do not allow visiting students to drive any type of vehicle

• Problems or concerns that arise in the relationship between the visiting student and any member of the host family must be reported to Roland Rothenbucher, High School Chair or Chris Bleecker, Admissions Director.

Waldorf School of Garden City parents are expected to make an appointment with Chris Bleecker, Admissions Director to discuss what is expected and anticipated to achieve a successful foreign exchange experience.

The Waldorf School of Garden City High School maintains a credit rich program for graduation.

When going on a foreign exchange, students and families must understand the following:

• We do not award credit for courses taken at the exchange school.

• The regular curriculum at the Waldorf School of Garden City will be enough to make up
for any lost credits.

• Students who do not finish at The Waldorf School of Garden City and transfer to another school may need to fulfill more credit requirements at their new school to make up for credits lost while on exchange.

Tuition and Fees

No extra tuition fees are needed. The tuition is exchanged with the host school. As with all students at the Waldorf School of Garden City, à la carte lunch is provided for and paid for by students separately.

Expenses

Students are expected to arrange and finance air fare and all other travel expenses. Spending money is also recommended so the students can participate in social life and cover personal expenses while away. Debit cards are recommended. The monthly amount can be estimated with the help of the foreign exchange student’s family.

Telephone Use

Students should use a cell phone with international capacity or should use telephone cards for calling home. Students who use the host family phone should call collect or reimburse the family for calls.

Travel documents

• Students must have a valid passport

• Purchase travel insurance that would cover various kinds of expenses in case of illness and other emergencies (mandatory)

• Families must check with the embassy of the foreign exchange country to receive any visas or travel documents needed; some documentation may be needed by the foreign host family or school. The Waldorf School of Garden City will assist in providing what is needed

• Arrange for proper health insurance coverage while away (mandatory)

Visas

Visit our VISA page for more details.

The School will provide documentation as needed to the host country or the host school through the Registrar’s Office. Dr. Chris Bleecker, Director of Admissions, will help facilitate all that is needed for the student to go to the foreign country, including host family communications.