• About Indiana
• Agriculture & Environment
• Business & Employment
• Education & Training
• Family & Health
• Law & Justice
• Public Safety
• Taxes & Finance
• Tourism & Transportation

International Youth Exchange

International Youth Exchange programs, inbound and outbound, provide our Indiana students and school communities unique and long lasting cross-cultural experiences to help students and communities. The Indiana Department of Education collaborates with the U.S. Department of State and the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel international, national and local officials and partners that support international exchange. Thank you to the hundreds of program staff, volunteers, host parents, students and participants that contribute to the growth of international exchange in Indiana schools, outbound and inbound.

• The Exchange Visitor Program is carried out pursuant to the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, as amended. The Act promotes mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries through educational and cultural exchanges.
• Sponsors and exchange visitors are required to comply with the Exchange Visitor Program regulations. For a successful Program, it is essential to become familiar with the governing regulations. This home page and the pages it links should be viewed as a resource; they are not intended as a replacement or substitution for the Exchange Visitor Program regulations, 22 CFR Part 62.

Indiana's economy is global, as a major exporting state and home to increasing numbers of global firms as well as citizens from around the world. The benefits that students and school communities derive from participation in international exchange are in keeping with the realities of our 'flat world' and the skills needed to succeed in the 21st century.

• Learn first-hand about other cultures and customs
• Create life-long friendships across cultures
• Gain new perspectives on our country and the world
• Begin to understand how tightly connected the peoples and countries of the world are to each other, something our world seriously needs
• Open young minds to the importance of understanding other languages and cultures, particularly with respect to career and personal opportunities

-From Model School Policy on International Student Exchange, Council on Standards for International Educational Travel.

The Indiana Committee for International Exchange meets under the direction of the Director of International Education to promote best practices in international exchange for students, teachers and school-to-school partnerships, build awareness of opportunities and resources and encourage greater participation to benefit Indiana school communities and their partners worldwide. Contact cblitzer@doe.in.gov if interested in participating.

INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE STUDENTS AND PROGRAMS

(Questions and Answers)
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS STUDYING IN THE UNITED STATES

1. What is an Indiana "approved" International student exchange program?

   Indiana Code IC 20-26-11-10(b) states that:

   A foreign student visiting in Indiana under any student exchange program approved by the state board is considered a resident student with legal settlement in the school corporation where the foreign exchange student resides. The student may attend a school in the school corporation in which the family with whom the student is living resides. A school corporation that receives a foreign student may not be paid any transfer tuition. The school corporation shall include the foreign student in computations to determine the amount of state aid that it is entitled to receive.
   As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.10. Amended by P.L.2-2007, SEC.212.

   In order to attend Indiana schools without providing transfer tuition, international exchange students may only participate in student exchange programs designated by the U.S. Department of State, as resolved by the Indiana State Board of Education in 1979. The U.S. Department of State list of designated programs, entitled "Organizations Designated to Administer a High School Exchange Visitor Program" may be accessed here.

2. What is a U.S. Department of State designated high school exchange visitor program?

   U.S. Department of State designated high school visitor exchange programs are programs authorized to issue certificates of eligibility (IAP-66/DS-2019) for use in securing a J-1 visa and admission to the United States. A current listing of the "Organizations Designated to Administer a High School Exchange Visitor Program" may be accessed here.

   The J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa category intended for use by the U.S. government and private, nonprofit organizations to promote educational and cultural exchange. Organizations, such as nonprofit exchange programs or colleges and universities, may be designated by the U.S. Department of State as approved J-1 exchange visitor programs.

   The Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET) provides helpful information.

3. What are the responsibilities of U.S. Department of State designated programs?

   U.S. Department of State regulations controlling designated international exchange programs are outlined in federal rules and regulations, which can be accessed here. Included in these rules are the requirements concerning mandatory health and accident insurance and the regulations on the maintenance of accurate records for each participant. Other major provisions require that sponsors (i.e., high school visitor exchange programs):

   • be tax exempt [§ 62.25(b)(1)];
   • require all participants to pursue a full course of study … of not less than one academic semester nor more than two academic semesters [§ 62.25(c)(1)];
   • assure that participants are secondary students in their home country who have not completed more than eleven years of primary and secondary study, exclusive of kindergarten [§ 62.25(e)(1)(i)];
   • limit their programs to participants of at least 15 years of age but not more than 18½ years at time of initial school enrollment [§ 62.25(e)(1)(ii)];
   • have not previously participated in an academic year or semester secondary school student exchange program in the U.S. [§ 62.25(e)(3)];
   • secure prior written acceptance for the enrollment of any student participant in a U.S. public or private secondary school (We interpret the intent of this regulation to be that schools have the right to limit the number of foreign exchange students they will accept, regardless of whether they are from one or more sponsors.) [§ 62.25(f)(1)];
   • not facilitate the enrollment of more than five students in one school unless the school itself has requested, in writing, the placement of more than five students [§ 62.25(f)(5)]; and
   • ensure adequate orientation to participants and their host families [§ 62.25(g) & § 62.25(k)].

4. May schools deny enrollment to an exchange student?

   IC 20-33-2

   Chapter 2. Compulsory School Attendance

   Indiana code referenced requires attendance of students from age 7 to age 18 whether or not they are legally domiciled in Indiana. Children of illegal immigrants cannot be denied enrollment. Questions in general concerning attendance: Office of Student Services FAQ page.

   • What happens when a student is placed in a district that is different from the approved district in which the student is enrolled?

   When a student arrives in Indiana, state law requires attendance in school. How the student arrived here is irrelevant under the law. That is why the process leading up to arrival is so important.

   The point of contact at the state on questions concerning attendance in schools is the State Attendance Officer: Office of Student Services FAQ page.

   No international exchange student should "appear on the door step" of a school without the knowledge and permission of the school administration. "Sponsors (high school visitor exchange programs) shall secure prior written acceptance for the enrollment of any student participant in a United States public or private secondary school. Such prior acceptance shall: (i) be secured from the school principal or other authorized school administrator of the school or school system that the student participant will attend; and (ii) include written arrangements concerning the payment of tuition or waiver thereof if applicable. Under no circumstance shall a sponsor facilitate the entry into the United States of a student for whom a school placement has not been secured." [§ 62.25(f)]

   If a change of home stay becomes necessary, the sponsor should make every effort to place the student with another family in the same school district or same school. If this is not possible, a different district should be identified and contacted first before a host family is contacted in that district. This will ensure consent from the school district before a family has made the commitment to host an exchange student.

5. Do international exchange students have to be assessed for English proficiency level?

   International exchange students should arrive with documentation of their English proficiency level. If the documentation indicates that the student is fluent, then no testing is necessary. If documentation of fluency is lacking, the student should be assessed and provided with English development services if needed. Title III of the No Child Left Behind Act does not exclude international exchange students identified as limited English proficient (LEP) from assessment and English language development instruction requirements. Furthermore, international exchange students are reported on the annual DOE-LM data collection and those that are LEP contribute towards funding allocations. Office of English Language Learning & Migration Education

6. Are there other types of visas for international students beside the J-1 visa?

   Yes. The J-1 visa is specifically for students participating in U.S. Department of State designated exchange visitor programs. International students may also study in the U.S. under an F-1 visa, as outlined in section 214.3 of the Federal Register. This is a student visa under the administration of the US Citizenship and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

7. How is an F-l visa obtained?

   In order to be issued an F-l visa, an I-20 [Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (F-1) Student Status] must be obtained and be presented to the American Embassy or an American Consulate in the international student's home country. Please visit the US Citizenship and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website for more information.

   U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was established in March 2003 as the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security. ICE is comprised of five integrated divisions that form a 21st century law enforcement agency with broad responsibilities for a number of key homeland security priorities.

   • The Student and Exchange Visitor Program and the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVP and SEVIS) SEVIS was established as part of I.C.E's objective to restore integrity to the immigration system. By more effectively managing status information on international students and exchange visitors in the United States, SEVIS plays a key role in I.C.E's homeland security mission while ensuring that all eligible international students and exchange visitors can experience the benefits of America's exceptional schools, educational programs, and cultural opportunities.
   • SEVIS's ongoing improvements begin with your comments and suggestions. Please contact the SEVP office with your concerns and feedback.
   • By email: SEVIS.Source@dhs.gov
   • By phone: 1.800.892.4829 for the SEVIS Help Desk
   • By mail:
     ICE/SEVP
     800 K. Street, NW
     Suite 1000
     Washington, D.C. 20536

   What is SEVIS and SEVP? What should you know about it?

   • The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is designed to help the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State better monitor school and exchange programs and F, M and J category visitors. Exchange visitor and student information is maintained in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). SEVIS is an Internet-based system that maintains accurate and current information on non-immigrant students (F and M visa), exchange visitors (J visa), and their dependents (F-2, M-2, and J-2). SEVIS enables schools and program sponsors to transmit mandatory information and event notifications via the Internet, to the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State (DOS) throughout a student or exchange visitor's stay in the United States. Select SEVIS to go to the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Internet site and learn more.
   • All student applicants must have a SEVIS generated I-20 issued by an educational institution approved by DHS, which they submit when they are applying for their student visa. The consular officer will need to verify your I-20 record electronically through the SEVIS system in order to process your student visa application. Unless otherwise exempt, participants whose SEVIS I-20 was issued on or after September 1, 2004 must pay a SEVIS I-901 Fee to the Department of Homeland Security for each individual program. The fee may be paid either through a special website, via Western Union, or by mail. See SEVIS-901 Fee or SEVIS for further information on how to pay the fee.

8. Who is authorized to issue the I-20?

   Any educational institution, including public and nonpublic high schools, that has received approval for attendance of non-immigrant alien students from Department of Homeland Security may issue the I-20. For complete information, visit the ICE webpage "What's Involved in F & M Certification?"

9. How does a school apply for authorization to issue an I-20?

   To apply for authorization to issue I-20s, a school must submit an I-17 (Petition for Approval of School for Attendance of Non-immigrant Alien Students) and an I-17A (Designated School Official) to USCIS. Details on this process can be found at the USCIS webpage: "What's Involved in F & M Certification?"

10. Are there schools in Indiana which currently have authorization to issue I-20s?

    Yes. In some cases schools are not aware that they have this authorization because of a change in administrative personnel over the years. Schools that are not sure whether they can issue I-20s should contact the USCIS. In some cases a school may need to resubmit an I-17. If a school has had authorization, it may just have to submit an I-17A for new designation of signatories. In any case, if an I-17 is submitted, an I-17A must always accompany it to indicate authorized signatories.

11. What are the Legal Requirements for F-l International Students in Public Schools

    Congress enacted limitations on certain international students planning to study in U.S. public schools. Section 625 of Public Law 104-208, which took effect on November 30, 1996, places the following restrictions on international students in F-1 immigrations status:

    • prohibits their attendance in public elementary schools
    • (Grades K through 8) or publicly-funded adult education programs;
    • limits their attendance in public secondary schools
    • (Grades 9 through 12) to a maximum of 12 months; and
    • requires them to reimburse public secondary schools for the full, unsubsidized per capita cost of education for the intended period of study.

12. Where to go for help with questions about visas and official documents related to immigration:

    For questions dealing with the J-1 visa, contact the Indiana Department of Education (see below) or the U.S. Department of State. The phone number at the U.S. Department of State is 202/203- 5096. The U.S. Department of State J Exchange Visitor Program website can be accessed here.

    • If you have a question about the F-1 visa, call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833).

      Indianapolis USCIS Local Office Address:

      USCIS
      Gateway Plaza
      950 N. Meridian Street, Rm. 460
      Indianapolis, IN 46204-3915

    ** To schedule an appointment at the local Indianapolis office, or for general questions, please visit: Infopass or call 1-800-375-5283.

13. Who determines what credit is granted for transferred course work?

    The granting of credit when a student transfers from out-of-state to Indiana or from another country to an Indiana high school is determined by the principal or designee at the receiving school. An effort should be made to equate the transferred credit to the definition of credit as stated below and the appropriate course titles and course descriptions.

    Credit is defined by 511 IAC 6-1-1 (e) as a minimum of 250 minutes of instruction per week for one semester, except in the case of basic physical education where one school year of instruction is required for one credit.

14. Who determines how to evaluate the transcript from an international exchange student?

    The local school system is responsible for the final determination of what credits to grant and how to interpret the transcript of any transferring student. If information about the length of the course, the amount of time spent in class during a week or semester, and a course description can be acquired, these may be compared to the credit definition given above and the course titles and course descriptions approved by the Indiana State Board of Education. Some schools have a subject area team of teachers review the specific subject area information to determine the number of credits and the placement of the student.

15. How are exchange students reported to the IDOE?

    STN Center and codes applicable to international exchange students

    • Certain categories count against a school's graduation rate
    • International exchange students should be reported as mobility, code 27 on DOE-DM, not code 6 or code 7 on DOE-GR.
16. Who determines when a high school may issue a diploma to a student?

    Graduation

    • Exchange programs are prohibited from advertising a HS diploma will be obtained by participant
    • To qualify for a diploma, international exchange students must meet all course requirements and meet the standard tested on the GQE
    • Schools may award am international exchange student attending school as a senior, a certificate of some kind, but it should not be reported on the DOE-GR.

INDIANA STUDENTS STUDYING ABROAD

1. Who determines what credit a student from Indiana receives for completing study as a international exchange student?

   When a student studies abroad and returns to an Indiana high school, it is the local school system that determines how to grant credit for the course work completed during that exchange program. Students may be requested to furnish proper course titles and descriptions, a list of textbooks used, and a statement concerning the amount of time per week during the exchange period spent in class instruction. This information is not required, but may assist the school in granting credit. Credit for the course work abroad is granted by determining a relationship to the definition of credit from 511 IAC 6-1-1 (e) and the State approved course titles and course descriptions.

2. What procedure should be followed before a student leaves the country?

   Any international exchange program in which an Indiana student participates should be assessed by the local school corporation prior to the student's departure to the foreign country. It is important that this be done before the student leaves for the foreign country, so that it is clear in advance to all parties involved what credit will be granted.

   • The local school determines credit accorded to an outbound exchange student
   • It is important for students to know before they go what classes are required to be taken senior year and plan ahead

3. What programs are available for students to study abroad?

   The list of U.S. Department of State designated international exchange programs may be accessed on their website, by clicking on the "Designated Sponsor List" link. A booklet describing programs that have been accredited by the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel may be obtained from the Council by contacting them at mailbox@csiet.org or calling at 703/739-9050, FAX: 703/739-9035. Their website is available here.

   Questions about International Student Exchange Programs should be addressed to:

   Caterina Cregor Blitzer
   Indiana Department of Education
   151 W. Ohio Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204
   (317) 234-2375
   cblitzer@doe.in.gov
   www.doe.in.gov/internationaleducation