ASD | Parents & Students | Student Exchange Program

Student exchange programs

Interested in an exchange program?

Speak with your local high school's counselor for more information.

Interested in hosting an exchange student?

Speak with your local high school's curriculum principal.

The district believes that many benefits accompany participation in student exchange programs, both for individuals participating and for the schools they attend. In any year, we host young men and women from many lands and have some of our own students experiencing life abroad. While the district does not directly sponsor these exchanges, we cooperate with recognized organizations which arrange such exchanges.

If you are contemplating an outbound exchange, consult with your school counselor and administration early. Our graduation requirements are determined by State and School Board policies and must be met before a returning student can obtain a diploma. Specific arrangements must be made for how coursework completed abroad will satisfy graduation requirements if the student is to stay on track to graduate with their class. Graduates in 2004 and after must also successfully complete all three parts of the Alaska High School Graduation Qualifying Examination before being eligible for a high school diploma. All of these plans should be in writing and signed off by the student, parent and school officials.

Families planning to host exchange students sometimes hope that an ASD diploma can be earned during the student's stay. Given our graduation requirements, this is very unlikely. No waivers for requirements are allowed. Enrollments at some of our high schools are currently over the building capacity so exchange students may not be accepted to certain schools due to overcrowding.

Community coordinators

For specific information on student exchange programs, you may wish to contact the following community coordinators:

AFS: Intercultural Programs

A nonprofit volunteer based educational organization offering exchanges for students, young adults and teachers in over 50 countries around the world.

Gail Braten
Presentation Coordinator
Study abroad and hosting
907- 278-4841

Joanne Williams
President
907-274-2724

Penny Brunsvold
Study Abroad Coordinator
907-345-6521

ASSE: American Swedish Student Exchange

One of the oldest and largest international student exchange organizations.

Holly Gorsuch
State Coordinator
907-766-3633

Ruth Brooks
Anchorage Coordinator
907-344-5841

AYUSA: Academic Year in the USA

A nonprofit high school exchange organization with programs worldwide.

Dwight Hunter
Regional Director
907-440-4461 or 907-274-4721

CIEE: Council on International Educational Exchange

CIEE has been working with both inbound and outbound student exchange for over 60 years. We have scholarships available, and follow all regulations.

Miranda Nielsen
Regional Director
207-553-4259

Carolyn Townsend
Local Coordinator
907-622-0113

NW Services PEACE program

A nonprofit educational organization offering both inbound and outbound homestay programs for students 15 - 18 years of age.

Teresa Knapp
Manager
866-846-3977

Jayme Ellerbe
Coordinator
907-336-3611

Pacific Intercultural Exchange

A nonprofit educational high school exchange program offering inbound and outbound homestay opportunities worldwide for students ages 15-18.

1-800-PIE-USA1
Based in San Diego

PAX - Program of Academic Exchange

Offers both inbound and outbound high school/homestay programs.

Jodi Spry
Coordinator
800-555-6211

RURE: Rose Urban Rural Exchange

An in-state, two week cross-cultural exchange for high school students in the 9th, 10th & 11th grade.

Panu Lucier
Program Director
907-272-5302

Myroslava Ponomarchuk
Outreach and Logistics Coordinator
907-272-5321

Rotary Youth Exchange

Open to young men and women, generally between the ages of 15-17, the sons and daughters of Rotarians and non-Rotarians alike.

J. M. "Meg" Girard
Rotary District 5010 Youth Exchange Anchorage Area Coordinator

P.O. Box 770787
Eagle River, AK 99577
Home: 907-694-9602
Cell 907-441-3602

World Heritage

A public benefit organization dedicated to fostering cultural enrichment and intercultural understanding through youth exchange programs. World Heritage is officially designated as an "exchange visitors" program by the United States Department of State and adheres to all its regulations.

Candace Easley
Local Representative
907-315-4596 or 949-342-1777

Dawn Davis
Regional Coordinator
800-888-9040

YFU: Youth for Understanding

A nonprofit educational organization which offers opportunities for young people around the world to spend a summer, semester or year with a host family in another culture. Scholarships are available for American students to study abroad.

Call 1-800-TEENAGE
www.yfu-usa.org