Application Procedure

Program information and applications will be available beginning Tuesday November 14th 2023. All student applicants must submit a completed application form and two recommendations from teachers.  The student must fill out the application form online and request two teacher recommendations. Links to forms can be found below. Everything must be submitted by Friday, January 19th 2024 (Deadline extended). Late or incomplete applications will be accepted at the discretion of the TIE Coordinator and will be considered less favorably by the selection committee.  Students are encouraged to submit their applications well in advance of the deadline and should not expect teachers and counselors to fill out recommendation forms at the last minute.

Selection Criteria

The size of an exchange group is determined by mutual agreement between the program coordinators of the two schools.  Factors which enter into the decision are transportation and chaperone costs, adequate supervision of students, and the demands made of chaperones for fundraising activities and orientation sessions.  

The names of all applicants are circulated among the high school staff for comments. In applying, the student and the student's parent(s) or guardian(s) grant permission to the coordinator of TIE to consult confidentially with the school administration, guidance counselors, and school nurse about the applicant. Occasionally concerns about a student's health may disqualify a student or require a written statement from a health professional that it is safe for a student to participate in the program. In cases where a student has exhibited a pattern of immature or inappropriate behavior in school or in the community or where there is evidence of substance abuse, the student's application will be withdrawn by the TIE coordinator and will not be considered by the selection committee.  In such a case, the coordinator will notify the student and the student's parents of the application withdrawal. 

The applications of all eligible students are forwarded to a selection committee consisting of three members, including the program chaperones.  From our experience, students who are ready for the challenges of a foreign exchange are those who have experienced success at school, interact well with their peers and teachers, and are involved in a variety of activities at school and in the community.   The committee, in addition to weighing these factors, will consider the quality of the application form (clarity, and thoughtfulness), the teacher and counselor recommendations, and the quality of the personal interview including evidence of maturity of thought, interpersonal skills, and, in the case of Spain, proficiency in Spanish.   Also some preference may be given to students who have not already had a similar experience abroad.

An interview schedule will be posted on the door of Room 111 and an email will be sent to students’ Outlook school account. The interviews will consist of several questions of a general nature and some which assess the candidate’s knowledge of the program requirements and policies.  Students who fail to attend their scheduled interviews will be dropped from the selection process.

The decisions made by the selection committee are final and letters to both successful and unsuccessful applicants will be e-mailed.  Students who have not been selected will be invited to meet with the TIE Coordinator to discuss how their applications might have been stronger.  Any student and/or parent who feels that the selection process was unfair or did not follow the above guidelines is encouraged to make an appeal to the TIE Coordinator.

Applicants and their parents will be required to attend an orientation meeting soon after the students receive their acceptance letter.  Voluntary fundraising activities will be discussed as well as program policies, requirements, and the orientation schedules..  A non-refundable deposit of $500 will also be required at this meeting.  Parents should note that this deposit and all payments made during the summer are quickly committed for travel and lodging reservations.  Therefore, students accepting an exchange position should be certain that they want to participate.  

Link to the Application

Link to Teacher Recommendation (share this link with 2 teachers)