Inbound Foreign Exchange Program Information (Updated February 2024)
Applications for Placement:
● Inbound student applications are accepted from February 1-June 1, or until spots are filled.
● Applications are only accepted from programs in good standing with OSD who can also document approval and good standing with CSIET and Washington State. Applications are NOT coordinated between the exchange student/family and the school.
Qualifications for Inbound Students:
● Students must be between the ages of 16 to 18 at the beginning of the fall term of their exchange year.
● Above average grades/academic success (A/B average) as demonstrated through official transcripts/documentation.
● Have all immunizations as required by the State of Washington.
● Sponsored through a CSIET and Washington State approved exchange program. (Exchange programs must also demonstrate sufficient support structure for students in their program to assist students in the familial, cultural, and linguistic adjustment. Support options include sponsored events, agency/organization functions, retreats, local contact/advisor, etc.)
● Demonstrate community involvement, leadership, extracurricular interests, etc. through official documentation and a personal essay. Possess adequate English language fluency to participate academically and socially at OSD schools.
Application Packets Must Include:
● Personal letter from the student
● Official, approved transcripts from the student's home school with English translation
● Necessary medical history, and proof of immunizations as required by the Olympia School District
● Official student application to participate in the exchange program
● Name/address of confirmed host family who resides within the OSD school’s boundaries
● Year of anticipated graduation from home school (for athletic eligibility purposes)
● Copies of rules as regulated by the exchange program
● Any pictures available as part of the program application process
Limitations and Exceptions:
● OSD openly encourages applications from all nationalities and ethnicities. As a means of providing an enriching experience for all OSD students, we strive to include as many diverse nations as possible. With this in mind, we limit the number of students from each country to one per school year.
● OSD generally accepts only full-school-year placements, however, partial-year placements may be considered.
Rotary Club & Rotary International
OSD works with the local Rotary Club closely on their one-for-one exchange program. As one-for-one program participants, these inbound students are the only ones to have a reserved space. All application procedures and criteria still apply; however, Rotary student places are "held" as they are filling the roles of our outbound OSD students.
Inbound Student Forms (For accepted students upon arrival at the school):
● Please visit the Olympia School District Enrollment webpage (click here) for details
Use this link (click here) to enroll your student online
Exchange Student Course Selection:
● Students will be enrolled in courses determined by ability and grade level. Exchange students will also be placed into courses required by the agency.
● We will do our best to honor student's class requests, however, due to space and availability, OSD is not required to fulfill class requirements of the student's home school or the student's class requests
Please note: The Olympia School District does not award diplomas for any exchange students and exchange students may not graduate from the Olympia School District. Students are awarded an honorary diploma for successful completion of the school year and a certificate of attendance. In addition, official transcripts will be mailed to each exchange student following their departure.
Questions?
Contact:
Mika Katzer
Foreign Exchange Student Coordinator
360-596-8735
[email protected]