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Student Exchanges FAQ |
NOTE: the best way to get all your questions answered is to join us for our Information Meetings at local libraries. You can meet the Coordinators and the current students! Click here for schedule.
Q: How does it work?
A: This exchange program is a "twin" program. That means that Australian and American kids apply and get paired up. The Aussies come over to live with you for 1st semester, then you both go back to Australia to live with their family for 2nd semester. So, a full year program, 6 months in each country. Though "twin" programs are pretty rare, we feel it is extremely beneficial and one of the best programs in Colorado.
Q: Who is eligible?
A: The program is open to all Jefferson County High School students who also reside within Jefferson County. Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors with a 2.75 GPA or better are welcome to apply. You apply this school year, and will participate in the program next school year.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: The good news for you is that LSCP is a non-profit organization and everyone involved is a volunteer. That means we don't charge big program fees to make money or to pay for staff. We also offer fund raising opportunities that can pay for almost 100% of the trip costs. So, this isn't just for rich people. The actual program fee is just $350. There are additional program expenses such as for a uniform, passport, the camping trip, ski weekend (about $760). The single biggest expense will be your airline ticket at about $2700, plus extra trips while in Australia (camping trip, outback country school, Great Barrier Reef) at about $1900. Again, we offer fund raising that can pay for almost the whole amount!
Q: How do you select applicants?
A: The Selection Process is pretty rigorous, consisting of an application and several interviews. Since you will not only be going abroad, but having someone else live with you, we try to find out as much about you and your family as we can. We not only try to find students that are capable of handling an exchange, but families that are just as committed. If we had to sum up what we look for, it would be tolerance and flexibility!
Q: When would I go?
A: Students that apply in January of this year will travel to Australia 2nd semester of next year:
Q: How does this affect my grades? How does is look on college applications?
A: You will receive all credit for classes you take in Australia, and it looks excellent on college applications! When you leave for Australia, your GPA gets put on "hold". You then take your classes in Australia on a Pass / Fail basis. Assuming you pass all your classes you will receive graduation credit for everything. When you return, your GPA picks back up where it left off, and you have the additional credits! Colleges look very favorably upon student exchanges. It shows leadership, curiosity, maturity and a passion for learning.
Though not affiliated with Jefferson County Schools, we work closely with them and have their full support. To view the "Approved Agencies" list, of which we are a part, please visit the Jeffco International Exchange Student Agency web site.
Q: Is this just a vacation?
A: No. Although there will be excursions to some fantastic parts of Australia, the primary focus of the program is on academics. The experience is meant to augment your education, not be a time-out from it. You are required to take a full class load and to pass all of your classes.
Q: Will I get a boy or a girl as a partner in the program?
A: We never know how many boys or girls will apply in Australia. Though we can't guarantee which you will be paired with, we certainly work to honor your request.
If we weren't able to answer your questions here, please join us for our Information Meetings, or contact us.
How to Contact Us
Phone:
303-231-9177
Email: |
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