Questions and Answers
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1. Where is the Terra Lingua USA National Office?
2. Who are Terra Lingua USA students? 3. Who represents Terra Lingua USA in this area? 4. Will Terra Lingua USA ahere to our school policies governing enrollment of international exchange students? 5. How are host families selected? 6. Does Terra Lingua USA have guidelines and how are participants advised of them? 7. What are the academic expectations of Terra Lingua USA students? 8. What grade level should the Terra Lingua USA student be enrolled in? 9. Will the student expect to graduate? 10. What about sports and clubs? 11. Who do we contact with a question or problem? Where is the Terra Lingua USA National Office? We are headquartered in Terryville, CT. Experienced staff manage the program by providing leadership, direction, and 24-hour emergency support to students, families and staff in towns across the U.S. Who are Terra Lingua USA students? We carefully screen all students for academic performance, English proficiency, medical history, motivation and maturity. Terra Lingua USA partners only with reputable organizations abroad to ensure qualified applicants. Students are personally interviewed, must have 3 or more years of English and have a SLEP score of 50 or above to be considered. Who represents Terra Lingua USA in this area? Senior staff in the national office chooses responsible community members to represent the organization at the local level. A Terra Lingua USA Representative must have good judgment, solid interpersonal and communication skills and adhere to U.S. State Department regulations and Terra Lingua USA policies. This Representative also supplies on-going support for all parties involved to ensure a positive experience for host families, students, and schools. Will Terra Lingua USA adhere to our school policies governing enrollment of international exchange students? Your high school is an important partner in this cross-cultural learning program. Our representative begins by learning about school policies and continues to work closely with school officials. Placements are presented to the high school for approval and confirmed by the signing of a School Acceptance Form. How are host families selected? Representatives will visit the home of the potential host family and conduct an interview and orientation with all family members. The family must complete an application which includes supplying at least two references and criminal background check. TLUSA follows all CSIET and US Department of State guidelines. Does Terra Lingua USA have guidelines and how are participants advised of them? Terra Lingua USA is an educational program with strict guidelines for its host families and students. Program rules are provided to the student during their pre-departure orientation and also upon arrival during a formal orientation with the host family at the beginning of the program year. What are the academic expectations of Terra Lingua USA students? Students must carry a full course load, including a minimum of 4 core subjects. Of these, one must be English and the other US History. The student must maintain a grade of C or better in each class. What grade level should the Terra Lingua USA student be enrolled in? Grade placement is at the discretion of the high school although often the student’s home country school will advise. The decision should be made based on school policies, the student’s age, and academic history. Will the student expect to graduate? Many students qualify for placement as seniors and many would like to be part of graduation ceremonies. However, Terra Lingua USA does not promise a diploma and always recognizes school policies regarding graduation. What about sports and clubs? Terra Lingua USA hopes that students will be able to join sports teams and participate in clubs and activities. Who do we contact with a question or problem? The school official should first contact the Local Representative. School officials are also welcome to call the Terra Lingua USA Academic Program Director at (843) 283-5922. |
