Suggestions for parents when sending child abroad as a foreign exchange student
CSFES is receiving requests from parents to recommend suitable student exchange organizations. While CSFES is not in the position to make such referrals, we offer the following when making this very important decision:
Fingerprint Background Checks
Ask specifically if the student exchange organization conducts fingerprint background checks. If the answer is no, search for another company.
In Case of an Emergency
CSFES recommends learning in advance how well the student exchange organization responds to emergencies, especially of an evening, weekends and holidays. Find out the emergency telephone number in which to call in case of an Emergency. Then call the telephone number. The response will tell you if this is a responsible organization.
Reviewing Student Profiles
When visiting the websites of the prospective student exchange organizations, is there an opportunity for whomever is visiting the website to easily access your child’s student profile, complete with your son or daughter’s photo?
Is this the method in which you would like for your son or daughter to be placed by the student exchange organization?
There is an increase in sexual predators targeting children through the Internet, therefore, this is a vital concern to CSFES.
Host Family Information
In the event you have progressed to receiving your son or daughter’s prospective Host Family information packet from the student exchange organization:
Check to see that this family’s interests are similar to your son or daughters.
If your child has allergies or asthma; is he/she being placed in a home with animals or those who smoke?
Be very concerned if prior to your son or daughter’s departure, you are notified by the student exchange organization that there has been a sudden change with the Host Family selected for your child. If you are told the Host Family is no longer the same “due to a divorce or unforeseen circumstances,” etc., this is a major concern to CSFES.”
You will be told that a Welcome Family will instead await your son or daughter. It has been our experience that this gives cause for your child to potentially be bounced around from Welcome Family many times prior to a “permanent” family being secured. Does the organization pre-screen welcome families, including fingerprint background checks?
Your son or daughter should not be placed in a home where his/her host mother or father is also the organization’s supervisor, area representative or regional director. This provides no neutrality in the event your son or daughter has concerns or an emergency.
Student Identification Card
If your child is placed in the United States, please make certain your son or daughter’s identification card includes a telephone number which affords immediate contact with both the Department of State and sponsor in case of emergency.
In the event your child is not provided with a Student Identification Card complete with the above-referenced information, prior to departure or arrival into the United States, please notify CSFES immediately.
Ask who has the final say on the selection of family. If you have concerns about the family (age of host parents, etc.) and you are told that if you have to accept the family—ask more questions.
CSFES asks that parents please:
a) ask for a copy of the child protection policy of the agency responsible for placing students.
b) ask for a guarantee in writing that the home of the host family has been inspected and the privacy of the student in bathroom and bedroom ensured.
c) ensure that their children are aware of what constitutes sexual harassment given that most rapes are preceded by touching the thigh, commenting on the sexual attractiveness of the student, “accidentally” touching breasts etc., which if ignored leads the perpetrator to think that it is acceptable to proceed further.
d) ask if the agency informs the student of telephone numbers to call if abusive behavior occurs (police, rape crisis centers, etc) ? If not, do not use that agency.
e) make certain your child can access the passport and return ticket if an unacceptable situation is encountered.
f) ensure your child knows how to phone home from overseas.
g) ensure they know how to contact their consulate in case they encounter problems that the agency ignores.