Frequently Asked Questions About Global Insights.

Global Insights solicits host families through the efforts of our local Area Representatives, through personal and community relationships, as well as through referrals from schools, students, and experienced host families. Host families must complete a detailed Host Family Application, provide references, and submit to a criminal background check prior to being approved. In addition, all host family members must be present for an in-home interview and agree to participate in pre-arrival orientations. In evaluating potential families, Area Representative consider the host family’s motivation for hosting, their financial standing, the condition/cleanliness of their home and safety of the neighborhood, their ability and willingness to understand and accept cultural differences, and to ensure the host family has realistic expectations of the exchange experience. Prior to making a final decision, Area Representatives are asked to consider whether or not they would feel comfortable placing their own child in the care of this family for 5-10 months. If not, the placement is denied.
 

While we do our best to ensure that our students and host families are screened well and are prepared for the program, unexpected issues can arise when a young person from another country enters into a new family and school where there may be different values, habits of thought, patterns of behavior, and rules. A normal exchange experience involves misunderstandings as well as happy and satisfying times, just as with American teenagers. While the vast majority of our students, host families, and schools have a wonderful experience, with only minor issues, if any, problems can and do arise that necessitate the need for intervention. In such situation, Global Insights Area Representatives are trained to act as an impartial third-party, to listen and offer advice, to mediate, and to assist in implementing a plan for improvement. Just as with our host families, we encourage school administrators to call on the support of the local Area Representative if any disciplinary situations arise with one of our students. In addition, school administrators may contact our national office to speak with a Global Insights staff member for further assistance, if needed.
 

Some schools require all exchange students to register as 11th graders; some schools require all exchange students to register as 12th graders; and some schools are open to placement in any grade level. Global Insights respects the right of school officials to determine the grade level and course selection for our students based on the student’s age, transcripts, and school policy. Regarding course selection, students do often have preferences based on interests, future career plans, or requirements from the high school in their home country. In addition, Global Insights requires every student to take an appropriate number of academic courses, including one English or literature course (English as a Second Language cannot be substituted), and one US History, Government, Civics, or Social Studies course. However, students are made aware that the final decision on which courses he/she is offered is at the school’s discretion.
 

Global Insights students are expected to maintain at least a “C” in each class. Global Insights understands that some courses may simply prove too difficult. Students finding themselves in a course that is too difficult, despite his or her best efforts, are instructed to seek assistance first from his or her host parents and Area Representative. Only after such consultation should the student inquire about a class change through his/her school counselor. If a teacher or guidance counselor feels that tutoring (either language tutoring or tutoring directly related to a specific course) is necessary, students are obligated to obtain such services, with the assistance of their Area Representatives, at their own expense. Students must make a sincere and concerted effort to succeed academically in all classes. A Global Insights exchange student whose academic performance is consistently poor, despite assistance, is subject to a probationary period established by Global Insights staff and, in extreme cases, dismissal from the program.
 

It is solely up to the school to decide if a student will be allowed to receive a diploma and/or participate in the graduation ceremony. In our experience, it is very rare for a US high school to grant high school diplomas to exchange students. Instead, many schools offer our students a Certificate of Completion and if they are Seniors, some allow our students to participate in graduation ceremonies. In any event, all Global Insights program participants, including host parents, are informed of this policy and told that the school’s policies must be respected. In addition, each of our students and his/her natural parents must sign the program rules stating they understand these policies.
 

Global Insights students are encouraged to get involved in a variety of school and community activities, as these are excellent ways for students to make friends and to avoid homesickness. School sports are also an excellent way for students to become involved and experience the American “school spirit.” Again, it is at the school’s discretion, as well as that of the state athletic association, as to the policies pertaining to exchange students and school sport teams. Global Insights does not guarantee to its participants that their high schools will permit them to participate on school teams. It should be noted that it is contrary to standards set by the Council on Standards for International Education Travel (CSIET) and regulations by the US Department of State for any exchange organization to set out deliberately to recruit an excellent athlete for the purpose of enhancing a specific school’s sports team.
 

Our local Area Representative would be happy to meet with you to discuss any questions or concerns you might have about hosting Global Insights students in your school, as well as to become informed on the policies your school has established regarding the enrollment of international exchange students. Global Insights understands your school’s need to set policies that will make the program beneficial for the students and families in your community. As a result, Global Insights local Area Representatives always seek to obtain school clearance prior to recruiting potential host families in their area. Accordingly, when they are contacted by potential host families from districts where prior clearance has not been obtained, Area Representatives advise interested families that Global Insights must obtain school clearance before proceeding with the placement process. In the event that school is closed for the summer vacation and no officials are available, the placement in question is placed on pending status until a school official can be contacted for approval of enrollment. Prior to finalizing any placement, Global Insights will seek written approval from your school’s designated official through the Global Insights High School Enrollment Form.