Administrative/Logistics | Academics/Extra-curricular | Medical/Insurance | Financial
Administrative/Logistics
How are host families chosen and screened?
The International Scholars Program solicits host families within the community through a direct appeal in high school classrooms, direct partnerships with community organizations, and through announcements made in school publications. Any potential host family will meet with the program coordinators in the host family’s home for an on-site interview. At that time, the coordinators will review the rules and expectations of the program with the host family. All members of the host family 18 years of age and older must undergo criminal background checks before they can be approved for hosting. Host families provide information about their family situation and expectations for the program as part of the application process.
Am I allowed to visit my child during the school year?
Although we encourage consistent and frequent contact between students and their natural families, we usually do not encourage parental visits to the U.S. during the first half of the school year. This period of independence is important for students to adjust to their new school and community. Parents are allowed to visit later in the school year as long as such a visit does not impinge on school activities and does not unduly inconvenience the host family. Host families are not required to host the parents of a visiting student.
When will I receive notification about my child’s acceptance to the program?
The International Scholars Program maintains an application committee that reviews applicant credentials on a rolling basis. For a forthcoming academic year, the application deadline for candidates is typically May 1.
How long before the start of the school year should my child plan to arrive in the Niskayuna community?
International Scholars Program students should plan to arrive one week before the beginning of the school year.
Will someone meet my child at the airport and accompany him/her to the home of the host family?
International Scholars Program students should arrange their flights to arrive at Albany International Airport and communicate their flight information to the International Scholars Program coordinators. The coordinators or the student’s host family will meet all students at the airport and transport them to the home of their host family.
How long after the end of the school year can my child stay in the United States?
International Scholars Program students may stay an additional two weeks in the U.S. after completing the International Scholars Program.
Whom should my child contact if he/she has a problem with school or the host family? Can the host family be changed at the student’s request?
The International Scholars Program coordinators are available for students at all times to help with any issues, concerns, or challenges during their stay. Students may also ask their academic counselor or a trusted member of the Niskayuna High School faculty for assistance during their stay. Staff members regularly check on visiting students to assess their progress, needs, or questions. In circumstances where there does not appear to be a good match between the international student and the host family, a new host family may be assigned.
Are students allowed to travel in the U.S. during school vacations?
Yes, if they are part of a school-sponsored trip, in the company of their parents, or with their host family.
Are students allowed to drive a car while in the U.S.?
No.
What is the procedure and process for students that do not respect or adhere to the International Scholars Program or Niskayuna High School’s policies, rules, and conduct?
International Scholars Program students that challenge or violate the ISP or NHS rules and policies will initially receive a warning. Their parents and host parents will be notified of this warning. If the warning does not encourage a lasting impact or effect, students may be sent home at their own expense. In such a situation, all tuition and fees are non-refundable.
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Academics/Extracurricular
What is the procedure for providing orientation to International Scholars Program students?
The week before the beginning of the school year, International Scholars Program students typically receive a personalized, small-group orientation and school overview with the International Scholars Program coordinators. Students should plan to spend at least two days at school prior to the beginning of the school year to plan academic schedules, tour the school, learn about school rules and expectations, and receive general information about studying at Niskayuna High School.
What is the procedure for planning each student’s academic schedule?
The International Scholars Program coordinators and host family will set up an appointment with each visiting student’s academic counselor to meet and plan their academic schedule. At that time, all visiting students should present copies of their home school transcripts translated into English. This type of information is critical to the scheduling process and will help the academic counselors to make appropriate course selections for international students.
What courses are required for International Scholars Program students? How many elective courses may they take?
All Niskayuna High School students must take courses in English, Social Studies, Math, Science and Physical Education at the appropriate level. Other elective courses can be chosen based on a student’s individual academic goals. If students wish to receive a Niskayuna High School diploma, they must meet the prerequisite, course, and examination requirements for the high school graduation option.
Are student visitors allowed to take part in school sports?
Yes, International Scholars Program students may take part in school sports at Niskayuna.
Are International Scholars Program students allowed to take part in all extracurricular activities?
Yes, International Scholars Program students are encouraged to take part in extracurricular activities. There is an activities fair during the first week of school to introduce students to a host of student clubs and organizations.
Can my child graduate with a diploma from Niskayuna High School?
Yes, F-1 students have the option to graduate from Niskayuna High School. There are certain conditions that must be met as part of the graduation option. First, students must provide proof that they have completed 22 credits of equivalent coursework prior to enrolling at Niskayuna High School. Second, students must maintain a full academic schedule at Niskayuna High School with a B average in their coursework. Finally, students must take and pass five required NYS Regents exams: World History, U.S. History, Integrated Algebra, Comprehensive English, and Science.
Would my child be able to earn college credits while at Niskayuna High School?
Yes, there are 25 college credit courses available at Niskayuna, in addition to several AP courses and Honors level courses that are offered. College credit is offered through a number of institutions depending on the course content.
How many years can my child attend Niskayuna High School through the International Scholars Program?
U.S. State Department regulations state that visiting F-1 international students may attend the International Scholars Program for one year. Through the International Scholars Program’s F-1 concurrent study program with SUNY Schenectady, students may attend Niskayuna for up to three years. Please inquire directly with the International Scholars Program coordinators should your student be interested in participating in this unique opportunity of long-term study.
How does Niskayuna determine a student’s level of proficiency in English?
A test of English language proficiency is an encouraged part of the application process. Students that apply should provide their scores on an acceptable test of English language proficiency such as the TOEFL or the SLEP. In addition, students are required to present several different items of English language writing as part of the application process. In addition, applicants will also be interviewed in English to ascertain their level of fluency in English.
Is there extra help for English language learners in this program?
International Scholars Program students are expected to possess adequate fluency in speaking and writing English prior to their enrollment at Niskayuna High School. If needed, faculty members may offer individual assistance for learners challenged by the nuances of the English language study.
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Medical/Insurance
What medical services are available to my child while he/she is in the United States?
Niskayuna High School has two nurses on staff every day for minor health concerns. We also have a school physician who is part of a full-service medical practice. International Scholars Program students are welcome to become patients of that medical practice in order to receive any necessary medical assistance during their stay at Niskayuna. As indicated on the district website, each visiting student is responsible to purchase his/her own medical insurance and pay co-pays if needed. Emergency and Urgent Care medical services are available through Ellis Hospital (10 minutes from Niskayuna High School), as well as several urgent care facilities located in or within a few miles of Niskayuna.
How can I purchase medical insurance for my child to cover them during their stay in the U.S.?
There are a number of insurance providers that specialize in arranging medical insurance coverage for international students. While the district cannot offer specific recommendations for medical insurance, it is able to provide a listing of corporate partners of the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET) through which medical insurance can be obtained.
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Financial
If my student holds an F-1 visa, to whom do I pay school fees? How should fees be paid? What are the payment deadlines?
F-1 student school fees are due to be paid in full prior to the student’s arrival in the United States. School fees should be paid directly to the Niskayuna Central School District Treasurer.
How much spending money should my child have per month?
Every student’s financial needs differ, but the suggested amount per month is $200-$300 US. This money is used to pay for incidental expenses and school supplies, outings, and other tertiary expenses.
What is the best way to make spending money available to my child?
The easiest method for making spending money available to an International Scholars Program student is through the use of a debit or credit card tied to an American bank. Students then have access to an account in the U.S. which can be replenished by parents as needed.
Is there any financial assistance or scholarship available to F-1 program participants?
Yes. A scholarship in the amount of $2,000 US is available to well-qualified students that demonstrate financial need and represent a country that is new to the International Scholars Program.
Can the F-1 housing fee be waived if a child resides with a family member or family friend in the community?
Yes, a waiver can be obtained. This waiver may be granted after consultation with the International Scholars Program coordinators, who will contact the host family for screening and approval.
What is the total cost of the F-1 program?
The total cost is $28,100 US. Tuition is $18,100 US. Housing is $8,000 US. The administrative fee is $2,000 US. Students must also pay for medical insurance and travel as well as incidental monthly expenses. The cost of those aspects of the program will vary according to each student’s individual circumstances.
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