While Washington State is known for its lattes, software companies, airplane manufacturing and music scene, it’s home to so much more.

From the world-class vineyards perched above the Columbia River in high-desert eastern Washington to the only temperate rainforest in the lower 48 states on the Olympic Peninsula, Washington has it all.

No other state offers a richness of experience like Washington. In the morning you could be shopping for artwork while dodging flying salmon thrown by fish mongers in the Pike Place Market, then in the afternoon walking along meadows of wildflowers in aptly named Paradise in the shadows of Mt. Rainier. You can kayak near pods of orcas off the coast of the San Juan Islands one day, and sample wine on the banks of Lake Chelan the next.

Name of the school: Peninsula High School
Location: Gig Harbor, WA
Total enrollment in all grades:

• 1,400 students 
• 8-10 international students each year

What makes Peninsula High School unique?
​Peninsula High School is a public high school on a hill overlooking the Puget Sound and Burley Lagoon in Gig Harbor, Washington.

In addition to the numerous competitive sports teams PHS offers and over 20 clubs to join, the Seahawks school spirit is what truly makes it unique. Hundreds of students support their school teams throughout the school year and fill the stands no matter the sport!

Marcos, from Spain had this to say about his time at Peninsula High School: 

Maryville High School is located in Maryville, Missouri (northwest area of the state). Each year, the total number of students enrolled in grades 9-12 averages around 450. 

Maryville is the home of Northwest Missouri State University which offers unique opportunities to the MHS students. Maryville is a small community with a population of 11,000. The people are friendly and there is a small-town feel. Everyone is welcoming and it’s common to run into people you know when you go to the local Walmart. 

Roosmari, from Estonia, has been involved in tennis, band, the school musical, "Elf", International Club and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) while attending Maryville High School.

​"I love Maryville High School! the people are really nice; teachers are great and very supporting. It’s not too big or too small. It’s just perfect!” 

Macia, a Local Coordinator in Missouri says, “Maryville offers international students the perfect American experience. The city is safe and friendly. The school offers a variety of activities for the students to get involved in. The students and staff welcome exchange students and love learning about new cultures.”

This month, learn about North Carolina!

Hickory Ridge High School is located in Harrisburg, NC. Each year, the total number of students enrolled at the school averages between 1,800-2,100 students. It became the sixth high school in the Cabarrus County Schools system when it opened on August 27, 2007. It has been designated by the North Carolina Board of Education an Honor School of Excellence (North Carolina's highest distinction) for 2008-2009, 2009-2010, and 2010-2011. It is one of only four traditional high schools in the state to receive this honor, Hickory Ridge High School offers students all types of sports ( soccer, football, vllleybal, basketcblla ) activities, clubs etc.

Local Coordinator Renata S. said, "​Hickory Ridge is a very welcoming school. It is always looking for ways to incorporate cultural diversity. Exchange students are always welcomed with arms wide open. The school believes that having exchange students contribute a lot to the growth of knowledge, multi cultural perspectives and inclusion."

The U.S. offers a wide variety of lifestyles, cultures, cuisines, cities, historic sites, and more. To help you and your students learn more about the different areas of the U.S., each month we will be featuring a different U.S. state where students are placed, and tell you what life in each state is like! 
 
This month's feature is Michigan - the "Great Lakes" state! 

Clarkston High School has a large variety of activities - something for everyone! Throughout the year, there are 28 sports teams that play, a 10,000 seat football stadium, full-featured television broadcast studio, 700 computers, 1,000 seat auditorium for plays and more. 

Christina, a world languages teacher at the school, says, "Clarkston High School embraces the culture that international students bring to the academic environment. International student experiences are highlighted throughout the school year with special events and celebrations of the diversity that they bring. Additionally, students in Clarkston High go above and beyond to include these international students in their day to day activities, helping them to feel like a regular part of our community. As an ESL teacher, I love learning from the exchange students and hearing about their different perspectives on the world, especially education. Plus, seeing excited international students watch snow fall from the sky for the first time NEVER gets old!"

CIEE students feel the same way! 

 January and February might seem far away, but they are right around the corner! If any of your students are interested in these schools, be sure to  take note of the priority deadlines below.

JANUARY 15 - PRIORITY DEADLINES

• Northfield Mount Hermon - Massachusetts
• Worcester Academy - Massachusetts

 
FEBRUARY 1 - PRIORITY DEADLINES

• Fryeburg Academy - Maine
• George Stevens Academy - Maine
• Georgiana Bruce Kirby School - California
• St. Andrews School - Florida
• Tampa Preparatory School - Florida
• The Masters School - New York
• Waynflete School - Maine
• Wilbraham & Monson Academy -    Massachusetts

 
FEBRUARY 15 - PRIORITY DEADLINES

• Seton Catholic College Preparatory School - Washington

THIS SCHOOL HAS A PRIORITY DEADLINE OF FEBRUARY 1, 2019!

Georgiana Bruce Kirby School is a small, academically rigorous private day  school located  in the beautiful coastal town of Santa Cruz, CA. 

Key Selling Points:

• Small class sizes mean students receive individualized instruction
• Unique sports and activities including ultimate Frisbee, surfing, mountain biking, and sailing
• Each grade participates in a retreat at the beginning of school; helping students make friends and build community within the first few weeks.
• Extensive arts program  

Scholarships:

• Scholarships not available at this school

Availability:

• 9th, 10th, 11th graders interested in multiyear enrollment preferred
• Very limited number of spots available for the 2019/2020 year!

THIS SCHOOL HAS A PRIORITY DEADLINE OF FEBRUARY 1, 2019!

Fryebury Academy is a    fantastic boarding school offering unique sports, great arts, inquiry-based academic programs, and industry-leading student support.

Key Selling Points:

• Over 150 course offerings; extensive AP and college level classes
• Nationally recognized Center for International Students that provides outstanding student support and college guidance
• Unique sports and activities, including skiing, mountain biking, and field trips!
• Individualized Tutorial Program; Outdoor Learning and Research Center; Entrepreneurship Program 

Scholarships:

• Great scholarships available, especially to early applicants! Please talk to your ISC for details.

Availability:

• Accepts all grade levels (including PG) and countries

​KEY SELLING POINTS

• Fast​ application and enrollment process
• Very strong host family placement network in the area
• Strong athletic offerings
• Large population of students translates to wide range of course offerings
• Great option for students looking for the quintessential American high school experience
• Close proximity to LA means access to countless cultural attractions such as film festivals, music festivals (Coachella), concerts, and museums.

SCHOLARSHIPS

• None available, although this district is one of our most affordable options in California

AVAILABILITY

• Accepts all grades from all countries (please note, no diplomas offered)

​KEY SELLING POINTS

• Rigorous arts program, great option for students considering careers in music or film
• Multimillion dollar renovation project completed within the past year, including state of the art technology for the newly implemented  STEM program
• Located in the heart of Santa Monica, within walking distance of the beach and the famous Santa Monica pier
• 10 sports offerings, including beach volleyball in the spring
• School is quite comprehensive, offering opportunities in student govt, spiritual life, community service, and over 18 clubs led and organized by students. Examples include a surf club, and video game design club, a feminist club, and an environmental protection club

SCHOLARSHIPS

• Small discounts off tuition available; case by case basis

AVAILABILITY

• Applicants from all countries considered
• Currently enrolling 10th and 11th graders

​Arriving to a country that is foreign to you is an overwhelming experience. We understand that for all of our students arriving over these next few weeks, as excited as they are to experience American life, they most likely also have some anxiety and apprehensions. In this newsletter, we hope to share advice with you to pass along to your students. Our hope is that we can help relieve their stress and make their transition more enjoyable.

Placement Exams and Registration:
Most schools require students to take placement exams in core subjects like English and Math. Some will do this during orientation, while others may do this on their first day of school. Placement exams, although they sound scary, are nothing for students to worry about. They are used by high schools in the U.S. to determine the level of classes students can succeed in. Or, if they’re able to test out of any required classes.

This is important for many reasons: it allows students to take classes that they’re more likely to pass, it surrounds them by peers with similar academic abilities, it boosts their confidence in other areas (socially and emotionally), and it encourages them to keep speaking and practicing their English.

We are often asked, “can students register prior to arriving?” The answer is, few schools will permit this. Schools have the students best interest in mind, so if a school ever pushes back and denies a student a specific course request or demand, there is usually good reason.  If your students do need specific courses to fulfill graduation requirements back home, let your International Sales Consultant know as soon as possible. CIEE is happy to check if specific classes are being offered and if any additional testing requirements are required.

Vaccination Requirements and Physicals:
Schools that are diligent will review the Statement of Health Form and any vaccination records that you submitted to CIEE. When schools review your student’s records, there may be additional shots that are required before students can start taking classes. Each state in the U.S. has different requirements, so don’t be alarmed if different students are asked to receive different types of exams or shots.

We know that certain states tend to be stricter, including California, Massachusetts, and Michigan. In most cases, your Enrollment Specialist will hear from the school prior to arrival and let you know about anything that is missing that would interfere with their ability to start school.

​In the event your student does need something additional, they should work closely with their host family or contact the CIEE Support Team to book doctor’s visits as soon as they arrive. Try to have your students arrive earlier if several shots are needed in the U.S.  As a rule of thumb, it’s always better if students fulfill health requirements before they travel to the U.S. as CIEE insurance is not designed to cover vaccinations. Any shots or exams in the U.S. will be the student's responsibility to cover.

Culture Shock:
As if taking exams, getting shots, and flying thousands of miles from home weren’t enough, the language, pace of life, and food are all different! All students experience culture shock to some degree, especially those that are younger or less exposed to traveling abroad.  Here are some helpful tips to manage those first few months abroad:

• Encourage students to go out with their host families instead of staying in their rooms and going online
• Encourage students to be communicate with their host families if they’re not feeling well, have concerns about food, their room, or anything that affects their comfort level
• Encourage students to limit time speaking with their parents. We know this is tough, especially in the beginning. Limiting their exposure to things that remind them of home will help them acclimate more quickly into their new lifestyle in the US
• Encourage students to sign-up for an activity. Whether it’s a sport, club, or social event, this will increase their odds of making friends and feeling like they “fit in”
• Encourage students to be brave and try new foods, experience different traditions, and learn as much as possible after their new country
• As always, make sure students know they’re supported. They can also call CIEE Support at 1-800-448-9944

Some great articles on culture shock are linked below to pass along as well:
How To Deal With Culture Shock While Studying Abroad
10 Tips For Dealing With Culture Shock and Homesickness

We hope all your students  have a great kick-off to their academic year in the U.S.!

Each summer, the high school team holds several weeks of orientation in New York City. Orientation serves as a soft landing for international students who will soon embark on semester- or year-long cultural exchanges in the U.S. Students are met by CIEE staff at the airport and escorted back to the orientation hotel, where 150-250 international students meet, socialize, and get some well-deserved rest.
 
The next morning, students enjoy breakfast with CIEE staff before participating in orientation meetings and small group activities. The small group activities help students connect with each other while also providing the opportunity to ask questions, practice English, and discuss program expectations. Then students hit the road for a tour of NYC. This tour includes Central Park, the 9/11 Memorial, Times Square, and more. After students take their photos and get a feeling for the city, they enjoy dancing and a buffet dinner as they cruise down the Hudson River, around the Statue of Liberty, up the East River, and back again. There’s no view more stunning than New York City’s skyline at sunset!

AP Capstone is a new diploma program that encourages students to push themselves in multiple areas and tie together concepts from each of these classes through research. In this program, students consider and evaluate multiple points of view to develop their own perspectives on complex issues and topics through inquiry and investigation. Where AP courses were lacking the inquiry and investigation aspects of learning, this program forces students to ask questions that spark their own curiosity. This leads to an investigation that challenges and expands the boundaries of one's current knowledge. According to College Board, the AP Capstone program is supported by top universities such as Harvard, NYU, MIT, Yale, Princeton, and many others.

​The diploma has six parts: AP Seminar, AP Research, as well as four other AP courses of the student’s choice. Students typically take AP Seminar in grades 10 or 11 followed by AP Research. Students who earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research and on four additional AP Exams of their choosing receive the AP Capstone Diploma. Students who earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research but not on four additional AP Exams receive the AP Seminar and Research Certificate.

Students enrolled in AP Seminar explore two to four relevant issues chosen by the student and/or teacher. For example, students might explore the question of whether national security is more important than a citizen’s right to privacy, or whether genetic engineering is a benefit to society. The grading for this class is based on three things: a team project, a presentation, and one end-of-course exam.
 
Once a student completes their AP Seminar coursework, they may enroll in AP Research. AP Research allows students to design, plan, and conduct a yearlong research-based investigation on a topic of individual interest, documenting their process with a portfolio. This class is graded in two ways: an academic paper of 4,000 to 5,000 words and a presentation with an oral defense. Schools still enrolling that have the AP Capstone Program:

• Lake Mary Preparatory School    (Lake Mary, Florida)
• Miami-Dade Public Schools (Miami, Florida)
• Desert Sands Unified School District (La Quinta, California)
• Chaffey Joint Union High School District (San Bernardino County, California)