Eligibility and Selection Process
This is a small local program whose students and host families are carefully selected by the two coordinators on both ends. (One coordinator in Chile and one in Eugene.) Working closely together, typically with only 4-5 students and families at a time, ensures that the program runs smoothly.
- The student needs to be at least 15 years old, but not yet 19 by departure.
- The student should be in the upper half of the class academically, 2.8 GPA, and the B or above grade in most recent Spanish class.
- You may be asked to submit transcript and two references (one from your most recent Spanish class teacher and your academic counselor).
- The student must have a strong desire to become an exchange student and to learn about other cultures, with strong parental support for the exchange program.
- It is paramount that students are mature and responsible. The student should be outgoing and warm, and have a friendly and kind nature to become a good ambassador for the State of Oregon and for the United States. Students must also understand that this is an academic exchange program and attendance is mandatory and students are expected to apply themselves in class.
- Complete the application packet and make a family album (or powerpoint) to introduce your family to your host family in Chile.
- The parents as well must meet certain requirements: financial commitment, strong support of their son/daughter to become an exchange student, and be cooperative and willing to meet the goals of the program.
- Your parents and the rest of your family is willing to open their home for four months to an inbound exchange student from Chile.
- Coordinator will visit your home, meet with students, and the rest of the family members to make sure that we are a good match. We will ask you various questions regarding your personality, daily life, hobbies, extracurricular activities, academic and leadership achievement, etc.