PINNEBERG TO ROCKVILLE

The purpose of admitting exchange students in Montgomery County Public Schools is to enhance the cultural and academic background of these students by offering them the opportunity of attending a regular school program for one or two semesters of the same academic year. The experience of the exchange student is enriched by living with a host family residing in the country and by attending the cultural amenities of the community.

A high school diploma IS NOT to be expected at the completion of the program.

The maximum length of the program is one full year. The regular school attendance will be from September to June.

No exchange students will be admitted for less than one full semester of school.

Application process (RSCC will assist the exchange student and host families, as necessary, in obtaining the necessary documentation).

1. The student should apply to the President of the German American Society (DAGRP) in Pinneberg indicating interest in participating in the Rockville Sister City Corporation (RSCC) student exchange program and time period desired. The student will provide the President of the DAGRP with an original transcript for their last two school years (and the first semester of the current school year) and a statement of English proficiency signed by the student’s English teacher or school principal. Ideally, this should be done at least six months before planned visit.

• Applicants must have appropriate academic credentials and sufficient command of the English language to function adequately in the regular school program without ESL support.

• Applicants must be enrolled in a secondary school (9^th to 12^th) program in their country of residency during the period of attendance in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), and must be 17 years old or younger at the time of school admission. Students who have completed a high school program are not eligible for admission in MCPS.

• Exchange students are expected to comply with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), RSCC and host family rules and regulations.

• Student will require a J-1 visitors’ visa to enter the United States. Entry is subject to approval of the RSCC, the Sister Cities International (SCI), The American Consul and the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) at the port of entry into the United States. There is no guarantee of entry into the United States until approved by the INS at the port of entry. Although fairly routine, everyone must be certain that the student is a bone fide student, intends to remain in the United States only for one academic year, has sufficient support while in the United States, will not become a public charge and intends to return to Germany upon completion of studies.

2. The DAGRP will notify the RSCC President recommending the exchange student candidate. Along with the recommendation, the DAGRP will forward the student’s original school transcript and statement of English proficiency. The RSCC President will find a host family in Rockville and notify the DAGRP of the name, address, phone number AND E-MAIL ADDRESS of the candidate host family.

3. The exchange student and their family will establish contact with the host family and negotiate the details of the visit including:

• Dates and length of stay (these can be flexible to accommodate any unforeseen issues that arise);
• Special diet;
• Other special needs
• Finances and spending money
• Disciplinary control;
• Procedures to follow in the event of an emergency
• Medical and dental needs;
• Telephone use;
• Driving of a vehicle while in the U. S. (driving is not authorized in the U. S. under this exchange program); and
• The means for mitigating any other concerns.

4. Immediately upon agreement of the student’s family and the host family, the RSCC will make application to the International Student Admissions Office (ISAO) of the MCPS and will request of the students family the supporting documentation for application (MCPS Form 335-66). These comprise the following:

• If not already provided, original of Student’s official transcripts for the previous two years and first semester of the current year. Student will be expected to have high grades in all subjects. School records of the current year should also be presented at the time of admission Application for Admission of Exchange Students in MCPS (Form 335-66). Copies of grades from exchange program forms do not fulfill this requirement. (This form is completed by the RSCC).
• Student’s biographic-data and a statement of English proficiency from the student’s teacher.
• A letter, written by the student in English, stating their background, hobbies, activities, sports, and why he/she would like to come to the United States for a year of school. The letter may be addressed to the candidate host family or to the RSCC.
• School recommendation regarding behavior and ability to adapt to a different school environment.
• At least two letters of reference for the student from non-family members
• A medical history/physicians report on the student

5. If requirements are met, ISAO recommends approval of the candidate to the school principal of the receiving school by completing Section II of the Application for Admission of Exchange Student form. This form is returned to the RSCC and copies are mailed to the school principal of the receiving school and the host parents. ISAO opens a file for the incoming student.

6. A host parent or the local representative asks the principal of the receiving school for his/her written authorization for admission by completing Section Ill of the Application for Admission of Exchange Students in MCPS.

7. The RSCC will send the student’s family a Waiver of Responsibility Form and an Emergency Information Form for their signature and notarization. This should be returned to the RSCC President.

8. The RSCC exchange program representative submits the following to the International Student Admissions Office (ISAO) from April 15 to June 30. (for September enrollment) or from October 1 to December 31 (for second semester enrollment):

• Original copy of student’s transcript;
• Copy of letter certifying student’s proficiency in English; and
• Letter from student in English stating their interest in the exchange program.

9. Host family will obtain a letter from the school Principal of Richard Montgomery High School or other designated school, indicating their willingness to accept the exchange student into the school program;

10. RSCC will prepare and submit an application for an IAP-66 document. To prepare and process this application, the RSCC will require the student to provide:

• proof of medical (health) insurance. At a minimum, insurance shall cover:

- $50,000 per student, per accident or illness

- $7,500 for repatriation

- $10,000 for expenses associated with medical evacuation

- In addition, the policy should have a deductible that exceeds $500 per accident or illness. Students must maintain the required insurance throughout the program duration.

• a brief biography of the student including birth date;
• Certification of English proficiency signed by the students teacher and
• Application fee of $200 for Sister Cities International (SCI).

11. RSCC will then submit, at least 60 days prior to the students scheduled arrival, the complete application package required by the SCI including:

• IAP-66 Application Form for Secondary School (prepared by RSCC);;
• Outline of Orientation Program (prepared by RSCC);
• Proof of medical insurance coverage (provided by the exchange student);
• $200 application fee (provided by the students family);
• Letter of confirmed placement signed by school Principal (obtained by host family);
• Letter from the host family assuring their willingness and ability to host the exchange student; and
• Cover letter from the RSCC President.

11. The SCI will send the approved IAP-66 directly to the student in Germany who will take the IAP-66 and other required documentation to the nearest U.S. Embassy/Consulate to obtain a J-1 visa;

12. Student should arrive in Rockville at least one week before school starts;

13. Before the arrival of the student in Rockville. the host family will call the Montgomery County International Student Admissions Office (1SAO) for an appointment. Telephone (301)230-0686;

.14. A host parent and the exchange student will then take the following to the ISAO for admission into the Montgomery County school system (MCPS):

• Application for Admission of Exchange Student in MCPS (MCPS Form 335-66);
• Principals written admission approval;
• Students passport and visa;
• Immunization records (provided by the student’s family);
• Student’s official school records/transcripts (i.e., courses and grades) for the previous two years plus the most recent semester:
• Student’s biography;
• Host families proof of Montgomery County residency ( e.g., current property tax bill, lease, current utility bills); and
• Statement of English proficiency signed by the student’s teacher or school principal.

15. Host parent will make an appointment and meet, along with the student, with the school guidance counselor to establish a course curriculum for the exchange student. Documents to be provided to the guidance counselor include:

• The acceptance letter from the school principal
• The fully executed form 335-66
• the Maryland Immunization Certificate
• the Intake and Referral Form prepared by the ISAO; and
• The student’s transcripts for the previous three years.

• Host families proof of Montgomery County residency ( e.g., current property tax bill, lease, current utility bills).

Process admission application, provide guidance and conduct arrival orientation.

Process IAP-66 for a J-1 visa and send approval to nearest American Consular Officer

a. Issue letter of acceptance of student in the school

b. Conduct student orientation and counseling