Eligibility

You may be eligible to participate on an exchange program with Two Worlds United if you meet the following requirements:

• still at school when you apply
• in good physical and mental health
• have maintained the equivalent or better than a C grade average since Year 9
• are mature and open-minded
• are flexible, adaptable, responsible and ready to learn
• are between the age of 15 and 18 years old (in certain destination countries exceptions can be made for 14 and 19 year olds)

TWO WORLDS UNITED FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the Two Worlds United Student Exchange requirements?
Successful applicants will be:

    » High School students or equivalent.

    » Age between the age of 15 to 18 years of age.

    » Two years of high school level or equivalent of Foreign language.

    » Good high school Academic
 level (overall GPA of at least a C)

    » Maturity to adapt to new environments.

    » Successful score in a personal interview.

How long are the programs?

For the high school Academic
 Year Program, the program length is 9 to 11 months depending upon the destination country.

For the Semester Program, the program is between 4 to 6 months depending upon the destination country and depending upon the Semester that is attended, i.e. Fall or Winter Semester.

The Summer Homestay Programs range from two to eight weeks during the summer months.  Students may choose the length of Summer Homestay that best fits their schedule and needs.

Two Worlds United Short-Term Language Programs range from 2 weeks to 3 months.  

- I don’t have much foreign language experience. How can I go to school in another country?

You are not required to know the language of your host country, although it is certainly helpful. Many Two Worlds United students are like you, starting off with little or no host country language experience. But soon they are able to communicate at a basic level, and a lot of Two Worlds United students are fluent after a year. There is no better way to learn a language than by speaking it 24/7!

How do I apply?

If you meet the requirements for the program in which you would like to participate, you need to complete the Online Pre-application Form.  Once your completed Enrollment Form is received, you will be sent a full application and more information about the program of your choice.  The completed application must be received in the Admissions Department by the deadline date.  Once your application is reviewed by the Two Worlds United Organization and you are found to meet all program requirements, arrangements will be made for an interview with an Area Representative in your area.

Application Deadlines 3

Keep in mind each program has a different application deadline.  The deadline applies to the receipt of the full application and not the Enrollment Form.  The Enrollment Form needs to be completed and received by the Main Office at least two weeks prior to the application deadline. The application deadline for the high school Academic
 Year and Semester program is  April 15th 2010, for the Summer Programs is April 1st, 2010.  After these dates applicants who wish to participate in the program should include a late fee of $450 (the late fee will be fully reimbursed if the student is unable to be placed in the time remaining.)

IF YOU HAVE MISSED THE DEADLINE please contact the Two Worlds United Admissions Office.  The program you are interested in may still have availability even though the deadline has passed.

How much does it cost?

There is a fee for participation in a student exchange program.  Please refer to the Tuition Fee List to determine the full price of the program you are attending.  The full price of the program varies depending on your destination country and length of program you choose. 

The Tuition Fee List lists the full price of the program. Partial scholarships are offered each year to a limited number of qualifying students, however these partial scholarships cover a portion of the program fee not the entire cost of participation in the program.

When is my final payment due? Can I pay in installments?

Students are able to pay the program fee in several payments.  Final payment is due 2 months prior to departure, no exceptions.

What is included in the program cost?

Besides support during the application process and throughout your study abroad experience, you can also look forward to the following:

    » Placement in a carefully selected host family.

    » Enrollment in a High School in the destination country.

    » In-country transportation to host community.

    » Local Coordinator in the area of your placement.

    » 24-hour worldwide emergency assistance throughout the program.

    » Student Handbook and other information.

    » Orientations.

-Does Two Worlds United  offer scholarships or other financial assistance?

Yes, Two Worlds United offers partial scholarships from $250 up to $1800. Qualified students may apply based on criteria which may include: high school Academic grade point average, financial need, number and level of courses attempted in high school, rank in class, and information included on the International Awareness Scholarship application. Each scholarship is based upon meeting the individual scholarship requirements and the application competition.  Please consult with our Admissions office to find out more about the Two Worlds United scholarship programs available to you.

What happens after I get accepted?

Two Worlds United works with its overseas staff in order to organize the placement within a screened and qualified host family and in programs containing an high school Academic component Two Worlds United works with partner schools who will then conduct meetings as necessary in order to determine acceptance of the student.  Two Worlds United assists you with the international travel arrangements to your host country destination; we will provide you with a pre-departure orientation; and familiarize you and your parents with the program the goals of the program, its regulations, the administrative procedures, and the adjustment issues that may arise overseas. For the high school Academic year and semester programs, Two Worlds United also assists the student in creating realistic expectations and preparing for culture shock.

In the host country, prior to your arrival, the Two Worlds United overseas program will locate, screen, select and prepare the host family to receive you. For our high school Academic programs, Two Worlds United also ensures that each student is properly enrolled in a local high school. After your arrival, Two Worlds United provides local supervision, care and assistance to the student and his/her host family throughout the term of the exchange program.

Will I be able to receive credits for the classes that I take overseas?

Each high school has their own policies and requirements on transfer credits. Your transfer credits will be based upon your high school's specific policies and, therefore, Two Worlds United cannot guarantee that you will receive credit for coursework completed abroad. We recommend that you plan ahead and take any specific courses that you need to meet graduation requirements, before or after you go abroad. You should discuss these matters with a guidance counselor as soon as you decide to study abroad and get written documentation of what is required by your school. Your counselor can also consult Two Worlds United's high school page on our website for more information on coursework abroad and transferring credits.

What kind of support will I receive while I am abroad?

Each exchange student has an assigned local representative to supervise, monitor and provide support throughout the entire exchange program.  The local representative provides assistance to the student, host family, and school.  This representative is available if the student has any questions or problems that require extra assistance.  In addition, 24-hour Emergency Assistance is available in each of Two Worlds United's destination countries to ensure that students can reach Two Worlds United Staff abroad 24 hours a day in the event of an emergency.

Who are the local representatives?

The Local Representatives work as a part of the Two Worlds United Exchange Program.  Many have been involved with exchange students for more than 15 years.   They are motivated by the opportunity to work with young people from other nations, and they have a true cultural and educational interest. Local Representatives participate in on-going training and attend training conferences periodically throughout the year.           

How are host families selected?

Host families are screened in a multi-step process to evaluate their background and suitability to provide accommodation to an exchange student.    Host families are carefully chosen by Two Worlds United Representation Abroad based upon their desire to host a visiting student and their ability to provide a safe, comfortable home and a positive cultural experience for their new family member.    

-I know a family in my program country that would like to host me. Is this possible?

In some instances, it is possible to arrange a direct placement. However, even if the family is familiar to the student, they must undergo the same application and screening process as other potential host families. Therefore, there is no guarantee that the placement can be arranged by the organization. Students cannot be placed with family members in their host country.

-What if I don't get along with my host family?

An exchange student must be adaptable and make a serious effort to adjust to living with the host family. Please keep in mind that it is the student's responsibility to adapt to the family's lifestyle and rules, even if they are different from what they are accustomed to in their own home. Your local representative will assist you with this adjustment process. Two Worlds United and its partner organizations try first to resolve all problems through discussion and mediation. However, if it is absolutely necessary, we will make the necessary arrangements to move the student to a more suitable host family.

-Can I choose where I am placed?

Some TWU Programs allow students to select a destination city.  Most TWU Summer Programs allow students to choose from a variety of destination cities even metropolis cities.  These programs are the best choice for students who have a specific destination city in mind.  high school Academic
 Trimester, Semester and Year programs in Australia with TWU offer choices of Sydney, Melbourne and other popular destination cities for students to choose from.  Trimester, Semester and Year Programs in other destinations are widespread and students must be prepared to accept any placement that is selected for them. In these long-term programs, our primary goal is to find a good host family match for each student. Therefore, it is not possible to guarantee any specific location for students enrolling in these Trimester, Semester and high school Academic
 Year Programs.

-Where are students generally placed in different countries?

Students are placed in large and medium size communities or capital cities, however, this varies depending on the country. Please check the specific country for more details.

Is the teaching method different that in my country?

The  teaching method in our destination countries may be very different from those in your home country.  This is a part of the experience of being an exchange student.  In each country the educational system has its own characteristics.  Often students meet together in small groups to study together, getting in on one of these study groups is quite easy and will be very helpful in making the transition into a new school system.

Do I have more help in the event that I am having problems understanding?

In addition to the help provided by the teachers in the school, the student will have a lot of support from the local representatives who are available to provide assistance to students.  Local representatives can help students to find tutors or to find local language programs that are helpful in speeding up the process of learning and speaking the language.

Do I have someone to help me if I have  questions that are not school related?

Two Worlds United provides each student with a Local Representative within the community where she/he lives.  The Local Representatives are responsible for screening and selecting the right family and high school for each student. Local Representatives keep direct contact with the student, the family and the High School for the complete period of the program.  They are at the disposition of the student in the event of any difficulty or questions that may arise.  They are  the center of support for the student throughout the study abroad program