Getting Here!
Q: Other schools allow exchanges to arrive on a tourist visa. Why can't I do that?
A: Great question! Because our school has an international boarding program, all international students who enroll in classes must enter the country on an F-1 Student Visa, including our exchanges.
Q: When should I start this process?
A: As soon as you receive the welcome email from Molly Gowen! The sooner we gather your info, the sooner we can issue an I-20 and get you on your way to your nearest consulate or embassy.
Q: Can you help me secure an appointment for my visa interview?
A: Unfortunately, we do not have the authority or reach to help you schedule this. This is why we advocate starting the process a few months in advance.
Taking Courses at Athenian
Q: My student is being enrolled as a 10th grader at Athenian, but this is not their year at home. Why is this the case?
A: Enrolling your student in the 10th grade in our system allows us to enter them into the course registration system and take classes. It's largely just a bookkeeping tool!
Q: My student has work to complete from their home school. When can they do this?
A: Students are enrolled in four out of a possible six class periods, leaving two free periods a week to complete their coursework from home. They may also reach out to their teachers here at Athenian for help!
Living With The Host Family
Q: My child is not really getting along with their host. What can I do? Is this normal?
A: Great question! First, we advise that you ask yourself "Do these kids actively dislike each other, or are they not 'clicking' in the way my child is used to doing with their friends?" If it is the former, please have your child reach out to Molly Gowen to set up a time to mediate. If it's the latter, this is normal! Exchange placements are essentially random, so this is a great opportunity for your child to learn the ins and outs of navigating close social quarters with someone with whom they are not close friends. It's a critical life skill!
Q: My child is used to a certain dynamic at home, and this is different in their host family. What can we do around this?
A: Prepare them! Talk to your child ahead of their trip to explain that the ways in which you connect as a family may not be the ways that their host family connects with them, and that's ok! Some discomfort is normal as part of this process, and healthy for your child to feel as they navigate exchange. Please reach out to Molly Gowen right away if you have any concerns!
Q: What is being done to ensure my child's safety while they are living with another family?
A: Our host families are given preparatory material and some training around hosting, as well as being background checked through out school. The best preparation, however, is largely related to the fact that the host parents are parents too, and really want to create as wonderful an experience as possible for your child!
In Case of Emergency
Q: What do we do if there is an emergency?
A: In the unlikely event of an emergency involving your student here, our protocol is to have their host family take them to the emergency room and contact you right away, unless your child has already done that. If there is a school or local emergency, we follow local and state law and contact you as soon as possible. If there is an emergency on your side, please email Mark Friedman (mfriedman@athenian.org) to help you facilitate contacting your child, if you need the support.