High School

Local Representation

Since its inception, FLAG has maintained its commitment to a "personal touch" philosophy and to quality over quantity. This commitment is evident in our strictly controlled approach to growth over the past decades, as well as in the development of existing and future programs.

According to FLAG's Schedule of Contacts Policy, all Field Coordinators initiate contact with students and host families on a monthly basis and with the schools on a semestral basis. Additionally, all FLAG Field Reps are available to students, host families, and schools at their residential numbers while FLAG's Central Office is available to all of them at a national toll-free line (1-800-942-3524). Finally, in case of emergency situations, the Toll Free number gives the caller access to an emergency mailbox which automatically and immediately pages one of the Program Managers during all non-business hours.

Enrollment Process/School Policies

As a conscientious sponsoring agency with vast experience in the national regulatory field, FLAG's own enrollment policy prescribes compliance with all official school policies pertaining to acceptance of enrollment of international exchange students within their systems.

FLAG always seeks to obtain school clearance prior to recruiting potential host families in any district. Accordingly, when we are contacted by potential host families from districts where prior clearance has not been obtained, we advise the interested family that we must obtain school clearance before proceeding with the placement process. Further, in the event that school is out for summer vacation and no officials are available, the placement in question is placed on pending status until such time as when a school official can be contacted for approval of enrollment.

Exchange Student Expectations

After undergoing thorough pre-departure orientation procedures in their home country, all FLAG students participate in a three-day arrival orientation conducted by FLAG directors and staff as the entire group arrives in the U.S. on the same date.

One of the issues reiterated to the students during these orientation procedures is school performance and our related program rules. In summary, all FLAG students are expected to meet academic (maintain a minimum overall average of "C") and behavioral standards. Students who fail to meet such standards are placed on warning, probation or are ultimately terminated from the program and returned home depending on the severity of their infractions.

As far as schedule of classes is concerned, FLAG students are advised that their schedule will be set up by their counselor upon their arrival at the high school based on school policies and class availability as well as on the list of desired classes from their Application Form.

Finally, all FLAG's 12th grade exchange students are instructed not to expect to obtain a diploma upon successful completion of their senior year as the majority of U.S. schools do not grant them. It should be noted, however, that FLAG does not oppose the idea of our students obtaining diplomas when schools are willing to grant them.

"What's in it" for the schools?

While it is true that international exchange students are given the opportunity of a lifetime when selected by a host family and accepted for enrollment by a high school, we often overlook the fact that this intercultural experience also presents host families and schools alike with wonderful opportunities. There is a reason why the U.S. gives these kids a special entry visa and allows them to attend public and private schools. As stated in the Federal Register, Student Exchange is one of the "Cornerstones of American Diplomacy".

Accordingly, exchange students can and should be viewed as an invaluable intercultural resource for the schools who accept them; as a matter of fact, we urge schools to utilize them in that role whenever possible (in classes such as Geography, Social Studies, Language, Elementary Level, etc...). Please note FLAG welcomes the opportunity to customize presentations and workshops for educators, staff, and/or students on cultural diversity, preparing tomorrow's global leaders and more. Programs are available for "traveling classrooms" to visit many of the countries within our network. We encourage administrators and teachers to contact us for additional information, suggestions, or specialized requests at 1-800-942-3524 or email: mmoralez@flag-intl.org.

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