Foreign Exchange Student Information (J-1 Visa)
(Aligned with CCS Board Policy 4140)

Cabarrus County Schools (CCS) accepts a limited number of J-1 foreign exchange students each year through approved foreign exchange organizations. All placements must comply with CCS Board Policy 4140, CCS Board Policy 4120.

Approval of Foreign Exchange Student Organizations (application window April 1st- June 1st)
*Applications will not be accepted after this date

All foreign exchange organizations must receive a formal approval from the CCS Student Enrollment Office before submitting a Cabarrus County Schools before contacting the high school directly. Enrollment office will contact the school principal and get in required signatures

Approval requires documentation that the organization:

• Appears on the current CSIET J-1 Advisory List with a Full Listing Status (Conditional Listing Status is not accepted).
• Has a representative domiciled in Cabarrus County.
• Has well-defined and executed administrative practices
• Has stated educational goals compatible with Cabarrus County Schools.
• Is a nonprofit organization.
• Makes complete financial reports available to the public.

CCS reserves the right to deny applications from any organization or local representative that does not fully comply with Board Policy 4140 or enrollment procedures.

Responsibilities of Foreign Exchange Student Organizations

Approved foreign exchange organizations are responsible for:

• Filing a current copy of program guidelines with the CCS Student Enrollment Office
• Working with the appropriate governmental agencies to ensure that the prospective foreign exchange student has fulfilled all requirements for entry into the United States on a J-1 visa. CCS does not accept foreign students with an F-1 visa.
• Assuming all financial and legal responsibility for the student
• Providing CCS Enrollment Office with the organizations complete student application packet
• Assuming responsibility of selecting, screening, and supporting the host family (Host families may not be recruited through CCS staff)
• Working with the appropriate governmental agencies to ensure that the prospective foreign exchange student has fulfilled all requirements for entry into the United States on a J-1 visa. CCS does not accept foreign students with an F-1 visa.
• Once approval has been received from the Student Services Enrollment Office, the organization is responsible for the following:

1. Communicating with the student’s principal or designee, including providing the principal or designee with written notification of:
   1. any changes related to the host family or the foreign exchange student program’s local representative and
   2. any need to transfer academic credit back to the student’s school of origin and the process for doing so. The organization is also responsible for serving as a liaison for the organization, the host family, and the school.

Admission of Foreign Exchange Students

Applications must be submitted to the CCS Student Services Enrollment Office between April 1 and June 1, preceding the school year for enrollment.

Placement conditions:

• Students are accepted for a yearlong or first-semester placement only (No second semester placements are allowed)
• CCS does not accept foreign exchange students transferring from another district or school
• Available space in the school. *Schools may be closed to foreign exchange students due to space limitations. Space availability could change at any time.
• Students must:
  • Eligible for grade enrollment in 9th grade
  • Be 15–18½ years old on or before August 1 of the enrollment year
  • Not having graduated from high school in their home country
  • Demonstrate adequate English proficiency, documented by a nationally normed English assessment.
  • Submit all required documentation
  • Foreign exchange students are not eligible for Multilingual Learner (ML/ESL) services

Required Documentation

The sponsoring organization must provide CCS with:

• Official academic transcript (translated to English)
• Immunization record and recent physical examination (translated to English)
• Proof of medical and accident insurance
• A copy of any special rules and requirements contained in the organization’s foreign exchange agreement
• Any additional documents required by CCS

Capacity & School Assignment

The Student Services Enrollment Office must confirm available space at the assigned high school.

• Students will be assigned to the high school serving the host family’s address
• Schools at or over capacity will be closed to foreign exchange placements
• Students cannot transfer schools after enrollment

Tuition is waived for foreign exchange students admitted under this policy.

Selection of Courses & Extracurricular Activities

Each CCS high school will designate a Foreign Exchange Student Advisor to support the student and serve as the liaison.

Course selection and extracurricular activities will be determined in consultation with:

• The Foreign Exchange Student Advisor
• Host family
• Local program representative
• School staff

Students may participate in interscholastic athletics and extracurricular activities if they meet all eligibility requirements (see CCS Policy 3620).

Graduation & Diplomas

• Foreign exchange students are not eligible to receive a CCS diploma
• Students enrolled as 12th graders may participate in graduation ceremonies and will receive a Certificate of Attendance instead of a diploma

Please email exchange student documents to  maria.escorza@cabarrus.k12.nc.us
Phone: 704-260-5600