Social studies educators frequently receive publicity about programs of academic travel abroad. The sponsoring organizations and institutions claim that these programs will improve foreign language ability, create greater international understanding, and help students grow personally. The question is whether or not these claims are supported by…

A description is provided of the International Youth Exchange Initiative, a joint government-private sector project to encourage citizen participation in international and cultural exchange programs. Following an introduction, there are four sections. The first section, "Becoming an Exchange Student," outlines questions to consider in…

Ideas and approaches are suggested for the orientation of high school students involved in the international/intercultural programs sponsored by the American Field Service (AFS). The nine documents presented may be copied or adapted for use by AFS national offices as they develop their own materials for orientation of students, host families, and…

Advice for American families who host a foreign student is offered, with attention to culture shock, the first visit, stages of the student's adjustment, and mealtimes. It is suggested that both the host and foreign student can learn from the other. At first, the host family should speak slowly and clearly and be careful to avoid talking loud,…

Argues that the importance of student exchange programs is often overlooked in the planning of translator training. Applies basic economic principles to show that such programs present excellent possibilities for translator training. (HB)

The rationale behind international homestay exchange programs for high school students is discussed and several existing exchange programs are described. Such programs serve to enhance motivation for language learning, cultural awareness, positive attitudes toward the host country, and parental and public consciousness of other cultures. The…

A principal mission of the American Field Service (AFS) Research Department is to carry out research and evaluation projects that could lead to increased understanding of the nature and impact of AFS exchanges. During the 1982-83 hosting year, three families in the U.S. Middle West agreed to participate in the study of the patterns of adjustment.…

Ideas and approaches are suggested for the orientation of secondary students involved in the international/intercultural programs sponsored by the American Field Service (AFS). There are seven chapters, including chapter I, the introduction. The second chapter contains a framework for AFS orientations. Chapter III contains pre-departure…

Guidelines for out-of-school credit in foreign travel through the Foreign Study Program for high school students are presented. This program is offered to high school students in a format that encompasses areas contiguous to all major curriculum courses of the secondary school. The following topics are addressed: (1) program goals and objectives,…

Designed for persons involved in cross-cultural training sessions for international high school student exchange programs, this handbook features orientation resources developed in North and South America, Europe, and Asia. Following a brief introduction, Section 2 describes volunteer training seminars in Argentina which covered publicity, local…

A guide to help identify strengths and weaknesses of study abroad programs is presented. Questions about the major components of these programs are listed, along with answers illustrating the most positive and negative responses. The components are classified under four headings: basic information, academic aspects, interaction with the host…

Approaches to the effective use of foreign students as educational resources within the elementary or secondary school classroom to increase international understanding among Americans are addressed. Brief descriptions are presented of programs that infuse an international dimension into all aspects of the curriculum. The following long-term,…