Where will I live?
Students can be placed anywhere in the United States. Most students are placed in more rural and suburban settings as there are more families in these areas who want to host students. Some students are placed in very small communities where they may be the only exchange student. Others may be in larger communities where there is a great deal of diversity in the student body. Students should be prepared for any possibility.
What will my host family look like?
Host families come in all shapes and sizes. Some families have young children, high school aged children or no children at all. Some families have two parents and other have a single parent. Families come from all religious backgrounds, ethnicity types and economic statuses. It is important for students to keep an open mind about the type of family they will have. CIEE works to place students in families who share common interests and hobbies.
What classes can I take in high school?
Every high school offers different classes, but all CIEE students must take at least English and an American History class. Some students have requirements from their home country schools and are required to take a math class and a certain science class. All high schools offer basic math and science classes. Most schools also offer other language courses and extracurricular classes such as music, band, woodworking, art, photography etc. Students usually have the ability to sign up for some of these classes in addition to their core study classes. Students will meet with their school’s Guidance Counselor to establish their class schedule.
In what activates can I participate?
Students can participate in activities such as school sports, school clubs, community activities and church groups. Each community will have different activities and clubs available to students. The important thing is that students try to get involved in their school and community activities. It is a great way to make friends and meet people in the community.
What is the Community Service Project?
The Community Service Project is a volunteer program required by CIEE. All students on the CIEE program are expected to volunteer in their communities for a minimum of 8 hours per semester (16 hours for full year students). Students can get involved with a local organization, church or even their school community and volunteer their time to help others. Most students who participate in the Community Service Project find that giving back to their community is very rewarding and they really enjoy the experience. When students have completed their project, they write an essay and submit that to CIEE. Once a student turns in their Community Project essay they will receive their Certificate of Completion for the program.
Who do I talk to if I am having a problem?
Students have many people who they can talk to if they are having problems. If a student is having a problem at school they can talk to their teachers or the guidance counselor. They can help create a plan for how to do well in school and help you work through any problems you are having adjusting to the new school and community. Students should also talk to their host family when they are having problems. If a student is feeling homesick, they should tell their host family and try to get involved in the family activities as well as activities at school or in the community. The more that student’s talk about their feelings, the better their host family will be able to support them during this time of adjustment.
If students have a problem with their host family and do not feel comfortable speaking directly to their host family, the student should talk to their Local Coordinator. Local Coordinators are here to help you adjust and work through problems of misunderstanding and communication. They can also speak with your host family and help try to resolve any issues that you might be having.
Lastly, students can talk to CIEE about problems that they are having. CIEE is available to assist students 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Support Coordinators work with students, host families and Local Coordinators to help solve any problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
