Livonia Middle/High School only accepts foreign exchange students from the following approved exchange organizations (as of February 2025):

• Rotary International
• EF Exchange
• AFS Intercultural Programs

These agencies have undergone a rigorous vetting process and are allowed to recommend sponsored students to Livonia MHS

• Only students affiliated with the above recognized and approved exchange programs may submit applications for acceptance.
• Applications must be submitted by March 11 of the school year preceding the requested attendence.
• All communications and approvals regarding foreign exchange students must go through the building principal.
• The District reserves the right to determine the number of exchange students accepted annually based on enrollment, scheduling, and capacity.
• The program must agree to and adhere to Livonia CSD Foreign Exchange procedures and guidelines which are in alignment with the US Code of Federal Regulation 62.25

The sponsoring exchange organization is responsible for ensuring compliance with all US Department of State regulations and the Council for Standards on International Educational Travel (CSIET). The organization must:

• Adhere to all State Department regulations governing youth exchange programs.
• Ensure proper selection and vetting of host families
• Provide orientation, counseling, and support services to both exchange students and host families
• Maintain regular communication with the student and the school.
• Not place exchange students with relatives or provide monetary incentives to host families.

Foreign exchange students must meet the following criteria

• Be between 15 and 18 years old upon arrival.
• Have strong academic standing in their home country.
• Demonstrate proficiency in English to participate effectively in coursework.
• Provide health and accident insurance that meets the US State Department guidelines.
• Submit proof of required immunization or receive immunizations upon arrival.
• Enroll in a full course of study and maintain passing grades.
• Adhere to the Livonia Middle/High School Code of Conduct and attendance policies.
• Understand that participation in extracurricular activities, including athletics, is subject to eligibility regulations and try-out requirements.
• Be aware that upon program completion, the student will receive a certificate of attendence, but not a high school diploma.

Failure to comply with school policies, maintain academic performance, or follow behavioral expectations may result in dismissal from the program and the Livonia CSD.

Host families must:

• Reside within the Livonia Central School District.
• Provide a safe and supportive home environment, including a separate bed and adequate study space.
• Maintain open communication with school representatives and program coordinators.
• Confirm that the student has adequate health insurance coverage.
• Treat infractions of school rules equally for both exchange students and local students.

Livonia Middle/High School will:

• Review exchange student applications and notify sponsoring organizations of acceptance or denial by March 31.
• Ensure exchange students are placed in appropriate academic courses based on their English proficiency and educational background.
• Provide exchange students with the same academic and extracurricular opportunities as local students, except where restricted by State Department regulations.
• Assign students ot the appropriate grade level based on age and educational history.
• Issue school transcripts and forward records to the student’s home school upon program completion.

Foreign exchange students may participate in interscholastic athletics under the following conditions:

• Eligibility must comply with New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYPHSAA) regulations.
• Exchange students cannot be placed with a host family based on athletic ability.
• The Athletic Director must report foreign exchange student participation to the NYSPHSAA.
• Exchange students must complete the required medical clearance and provide a sports participation form before tryouts.

For fall sports, students arriving after tryouts will be granted a three-day tryout period. If their skill level meets team standards, they may be placed on the team, but must still meet NYSPHSAA minimum practice requirements.

A Foreign Exchange student wishing to participate in winter or spring interscholastic sports must follow the same procedures as Livonia CSD students.

The School Liaison is the person within Livonia MHS who is responsible for Foreign Exchange students. The School Liaison will:

• Be appointed by the MHS Principal, or the Liaison will be the Building Principal
• Act in accordance with the responsibilities and guidelines established by the US Department of State.
• Help students orient to the Livonia Community, including linking the student with our school's Social Worker and Counselors.  This will help ensure that courses are appropriate for the Foreign Exchange Student.
• Act as a general support person for the student as they navigate the MHS (Code of Conduct, Student Handbook, scheduling, etc.).
• Conduct pre- and post-evaluations with each student involved in the District.

Foreign exchange students are exempt from tuition, but they are responsible for:

• Standard school-related fees (e.g., field trips, AP exams, extracurricular fees).
• Personal expenses, including school supplies and optional activities.
• Livonia CSD does not provide additional tutoring, English as a New Languare (ENL) services, or Driver’s Education.