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EIS EXCHANGE PROGRAM
Fear resulting from a lack of understanding of
people different from
ourselves is fundamental to the social and global problems we face today.
Part of Eisenhower's rich educational experiences includes two exchange
programs with Mexico and France. The exchange program allows students
to learn of the differences and similarities among the peoples of the host
country. When children experience the beauty of people different from
themselves they learn to value the interconnectedness of our human race.
This extension of our language program enriches the lives of the exchange
participants with a greater understanding of world citizenship and
dramatically improves their language proficiency. The following is a basic
description of our Spanish and French exchange. For more information
please contact Emily Wood. SPANISH
EXCHANGE Location: San Luis
Potosi, Mexico
School: Instituto Cervantes
Cost: approximately $1,500
Exchange description: Students will be enrolled as a full time student
at the
Instituto Cervantes for 8 weeks. Grades will be given in all subject areas
studied. Students will not be required to make up work upon their return.
Students will live with a Mexican family for the duration of their stay.
They
will spend 4 weeks with their first host family and complete the last 4
weeks
with a second host family.
Qualifications: Prospective exchange students must demonstrate language
proficiency, follow Community Guidelines, procure recommendations from
teachers and show an interest in experiencing other cultures. Parents must
agree to abide by the exchange guidelines as set forth in the exchange
handbook. Some guidelines are as follows: regular correspondence with
host family, send gifts to host family, respect cultural differences, limit
phone calls to exchange student, pay for chaperones airfare and spending
money related to travel, and attend all meetings for preparation.
Application process: Any students in
4th grade may apply in February. A
committee made up of teachers and administrators select the exchange
students. For more information see exchange coordinator, Emily Wood.
FRENCH EXCHANGE
Location: Amiens France
School: Ecole Jean Baptiste de LaSalle
Cost: Approximately $1,200
Description: The French exchange was started in 1999 with Ecole Jean-
Baptiste de LaSalle. The exchange is for 3 weeks in Amiens, France.
Amiens is about one hour northwest of Paris in the Picardy region of France.
Students are enrolled as full time students and receive a grade in their
areas
of study. Students are not required to make up work up their return. This is
a direct exchange in that students stay with the family whom they are
hosting in Tulsa. Qualifications:
Must demonstrate language proficiency, follow Community
Guidelines, procure recommendations from teachers and show an interest in
experiencing other cultures. Parents must agree to abide by the exchange
guidelines as set forth in the exchange handbook. Some guidelines are as
follows: regular correspondence with host family, send gifts to host family,
respect cultural differences, limit phone calls to exchange student, pay for
chaperones airfare and spending money related to travel, and attend all
meetings for preparation. HOSTING:
All EIS families are eligible to apply for hosting a Mexican
student during the Spanish exchange. This is can be a very rewarding
experience for both parties. Host families are responsible for the student
for
the duration of 4 1/2 weeks. Basically the student becomes another member
of the family. They will be enrolled at EIS as a full time student and are
held to the same standards as other EIS students, both in academics and
conduct. The application process begins in the spring. Families sending a
student on the French exchange will be hosting the student from the family,
which their child is staying with. This is considered a "direct" exchange.
The opportunity to host a foreign student is one of the greatest tools
families
have at Eisenhower to bring the international experience home. Many times
families shy away from hosting because of preconceived notions that it will
be a "drain" on their resources. When in fact, most families find hosting to
be a very rewarding experience that enrich their lives in ways they never
imagined. Many families end up traveling to their student's home and stay
with their families for extended vacations. Even those who do not travel for
visits, end up corresponding and continuing the relationship. For more
specific information on hosting opportunities, please see Emily Wood. |
