EIS EXCHANGE PROGRAM
Understanding how people are similar and different from ourselves is fundamental to the social and global world 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 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 specific information on the exchange, please contact Lezlie Segovia (e-mail).
SPANISH EXCHANGE
Location: San Luis Potosi, Mexico
School: Instituto Cervantes Apostolica
Cost: approximately $1,600
Exchange description: This exchange was started in 1991 as the first long term elementary academic exchange program in the United States and as such as served as a national model. Students are enrolled as full time students at 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, spending 4 weeks with their first host family and completing 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 chaperons airfare and spending money related to travel, and attend all meetings for preparation. Eisenhower parents are also expected to host students from San Luis who study at Eisenhower.
Application process: Any students in 4th grade may apply in the spring. A committee made up of teachers and administrators select the exchange students rating each student numerically on a rubric. Sample rubric (PDF).
FRENCH EXCHANGE
Location: Amiens France
School: Ecole Jean Baptiste de LaSalle
Cost: Approximately $1,500
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. 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 chaperons airfare and spending money related to travel, and attend all meetings for preparation. A selection committee made of teachers and administrators selects the students using a rubric and marking them numerically. Sample
rubric (PDF).
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 contact Lezlie Segovia (e-mail).