A secondary school principals' reference guide provides information on key issues concerning foreign students in the United States both in organized exchange programs and under sponsorship of relatives and friends. The topics discussed include: elements in promoting successful youth exchange programs; admissions and academic placement (initial information to be obtained, evaluation of credentials, grade placement, and English language proficiency); guidance and counseling (registration, school and community orientation, using foreign students as educational resources, common counseling needs, and relevant U.S. immigration regulations and procedures); and profiles of the educational systems and cultures of Canada, West Germany, France, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Appended materials include United States Information Agency criteria for teenager exchange visitor programs; a list of state consumer protection offices; sample forms to assist in the evaluation of foreign credentials; relevant U.S. immigration regulations, procedures, and forms; and a listing of resource materials and organization. In addition, country/culture profiles (with maps) are provided for Brazil, Egypt, Finland, India, Israel, Mexico, Nigeria, the Philippines, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and Thailand. (MSE)