5111.1

Students

Foreign Exchange Students

The Board encourages international studies. Students are encouraged to participate in international exchange programs and other activities that advance cultural awareness and promote mutual understanding and respect for the citizens of other countries.  To that end, it allows foreign exchange students on one year J-I visas, who are residing with families in the community, to enroll on a non-tuition basis in the local schools. Students who apply must not have the equivalent of a high school diploma from a foreign school system. Students who are accepted and placed in grade 12 will only receive an honorary diploma. Further, they must meet those criteria established by the administration in the areas of language competency, residency, and deportment. Only foreign exchange students sponsored by organizations screened by the administration will be accepted. No more than two (2) students at the high school may be accepted for any school year.

Students entering the United States on F-I visas, may enter the local school system, only upon payment of the full, unsubsidized public education costs before entering the United States. Further, students on F-I visas may remain in the United States for no more than twelve (12) months. The local district, is prohibited by law, from waiving the tuition fee of students on F-I visas.

Legal Reference:   Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigration Responsibility Act of 1996

Connecticut General Statutes

10-27 International studies, exchange programs. Advisory committee. (Amended by PA 04-153, An Act Encouraging International Studies Programs)

Policy adopted: