GLOBAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMS: ACADEMIC POLICY

I. Expectationsfor Programs NOT Missing Academic Time:

For these programs, participants will not miss substantial academic classes, if at all, at Westover. These trips occur over the summer or spring break. There may be opportunity to extend the exchange, but if this requires missing Westover classes, the Academic Office must approve this.

Until departure, students must:

  • Be in good standing as a community member, and their disciplinary and health status must remain sound.
  • Neither be on academic probation nor have more than one grade of “D” on their report, and have an average of 70 or above.
  • Demonstrate a high level of flexibility, patience, energy, and enthusiasm as these programs can bedemanding as is any cross-cultural, immersive experience, especially those which keep a student busy during their break from Westover.

Programs included:

-England: Academic Exchange

-Australia: Academic Exchange

-China:Academicand Language Exchange

-Rwanda: Cultural Exchange

II. Expectationsfor Programs Missing Academic Time:

These programs require participants tomiss substantial academic classes at Westover or have communicated a high level of academic rigor. These trips occur during Winter or Spring Term. This experience can affect students’ course selections; thus they must continue to be in conversation with the Academic Office to secure approval.

Until departure, students must:

  • Be in good standing as a community member, and their disciplinary and health status must remain sound.
  • Maintain a GPA of 80 or above.
  • Demonstrate a high level of organization, dedication, and diligence, as well as enthusiasm, as these programs can be demanding as is any cross-cultural, immersive experience, especially those which require a student to do independent Westover work before and afterthe exchange.

Programs included:

-France: Academic and Language Exchange

-Spain: Academic and Language Exchange

-South Africa: Academic Exchange

-Jordan: Academic Exchange

Types of Exchanges:

Academic: Students participate in classes during the program and engage in the school life for the majority of the program; they also have a chance to explore nearby cultural sites and, if applicable, will continue the study of their chosen language.

Language: Students live in a culture in which they must practice their language of study; in the case of China it is to a lesser extent.

Cultural: Students travel, sightsee and may participate in service-learning activities; these programs often do include school visits, but only for a short period of time and emphasize a more targeted approached to experiential learning.