What is TWO WORLDS UNITED?

Two Worlds United is an educational organization, we provide educational intercultural travel programs.  Two Worlds United believes that travel is education and the world is a classroom.  Two Worlds United programs allow students to combine classroom work with hands-on experience and total immersion in many of the world’s best destinations.  Two Worlds United has over 15 years of experience in providing international intercultural learning programs for youth, our focus is to provide individualized support to each participant and to provide a quality program through personalized programs. Our staff is comprised of educators who have a background and hands on experience in educational travel, each counselor and administrator of the program was at one time a participant in an international student program.

Each Two Worlds United program provides cross-cultural orientation to prepare students for the experience of living and traveling abroad. During orientation, participants learn about the customs and characteristics of the country in which they will be living in order to help them fully experience and enjoy their stay abroad.

The goal of the Two Worlds United program is to bring unity among cultures, introducing youth into a new world in which they can share their own culture with those encountered abroad.  Since Two Worlds United  programs focus on uniting two cultures, the contribution of the student to the host culture is as important as the contribution of the host culture to the student.  For this reason Two Worlds United  screens and selects participants that are highly motivated to learn about customs and cultures other than their own. Selected participants are chosen for their adaptability, maturity, responsibility, and overall positive attitude and behavior.

A TWO WORLDS UNITED program complements your formal education in important and exciting ways. Imagine living overseas for anything from one to twelve months. You’ll be placed with a host family and attend a local school. You’ll live like a local and become immersed in the culture. You’ll learn the language and gain valuable international experience. You’ll learn a lot about yourself.

Being a Two Worlds United exchange student is a challenging, rewarding and fun experience. You’re not a tourist or a guest.

You’re actually living in your host country as a member of that community.

Two Worlds United student exchange programs promote tolerance, maturity and independence. They also encourage an international perspective. In a very competitive world these are highly sought after qualities.

Benefits:

Two Worlds United student exchange programs are an investment for life. The experience can be beneficial in many different and valuable ways:

• Learn another language and open career doors you didn’t know existed
• Get to know how others live and come to see the world from another perspective
• Test yourself and acquire independence and maturity
• Make new friends and appreciate old ones even more
• Gain experience and judgment
• Learn about the world first hand

Long after you return home your exchange experience will influence and inform your life. It will provide you with a substantial backdrop from which to make future study and career choices. Employers are increasingly alert to the benefits of a Two Worlds United student exchange program. Your experience will set you apart from the crowd and mark you as someone who has proven themselves in challenging circumstances. Experience is everything.

Eligibility

You are 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 15 and 18 years old (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 15 to 18 years of age.

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

    » Good 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 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.

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 Academic Year and Semester program is  June 15th 2009, for the Summer Programs is June 25th 2009.  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 $950 enrollment fee for each student. This enrollment fee is deducted from your program tuition.  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.

Is the $950 enrollment fee refundable?

If you are not accepted into the Study Abroad program, or withdraw before acceptance, your $950 enrollment fee will be refunded minus a $95 application processing fee. Once you are accepted into the Student Exchange program, your $950 enrollment fee becomes non-refundable.

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

Students are able to pay the program fee in several payments, please keep in mind the following guidelines:

    » One half of the program fees is due upon acceptance

    » The second half of the program fees is due upon placement,

    » Full payment is due upon 60 days before departure

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: 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 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 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 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 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.  Host families are screened in a multi-step process to evaluate their background and suitability to provide accommodation to an exchange student.        

-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.  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 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

 Rules for TWO WORLDS UNITED Students

 Host Family Regulations:

Students must respect the privacy of the Host Family and shall not use the personal belongings of the Host Family without their prior consent.

Students must obey Host Family regulations regarding curfew, smoking, drinking, dating, and household chores for which they are responsible. 

Students may not have guests in the Host Family home without their Host Family’s consent and supervision.

Students must discuss appropriate use of the telephone and internet with the Host Family in order to under-stand what billable charges are incurred by use.

School:

When the TWO WORLDS UNITED Program involves classes or courses as a  component of the Program students are responsible for attending school and achieving satisfactory grades of at least a “C” (or equivalent) or higher. 

Students must follow all school attendance requirements.  Students who are expelled from school due to poor behavior, low grades or absenteeism will be dismissed from the Program with no reimbursement of Fees. 

Local, State and National Laws:

Students are subject to the authority and laws of their Host Country and must obey all national, state, and local laws and school regulations.   Exchange students enjoy no special immunities from prosecution.   

Driving: 

Students may not drive motor vehicles during their Program, even if they are of legal driving age or are in possession of a valid driver’s license.

Self-endangerment: 

Self-endangering acts are not allowed including involvement in activities/behavior that could result in personal harm, includ-ing (but not limited to): frequenting dangerous places, association with criminals, intoxication, purchase or possession of weapons, etc…

Conduct:  Student’s shall refrain from using abusive language towards TWO WORLDS UNITED staff, school faculty, Host Family, local representatives or participants; any form of sexual harassment, disorderly, indecent or obscene conduct, gestures or actions; theft or vandalism; committing property damage of any kind, including, without limitation, to any of the TWO WORLDS UNITED facilities, the Host Family’s property or school property.

Alcohol & Drugs:  Students may not drink or purchase alcoholic beverages including beer and wine. Possible dismissal from the TWO WORLDS UNITED Program may result if the Student is found to have purchased or consumed alcoholic beverages.  Students may use only those drugs prescribed by their doctor (or medicines available over-the-counter in the Host Country).  Use or possession of illegal drugs during the TWO WORLDS UNITED Program is grounds for immediate dismissal.  Students may not buy, sell, possess or use drugs that are illegal in their home or Host Country. Exchange Students arrested for drug possession will face the same penalties as citizens of the Host Country, which may include mandatory fines, prison terms or severe penalties.

Travel:  Students are not allowed to travel while school is in session without the written permission of their school and other terms of this Agreement.  For travel outside of church or school-sponsored activities, participants are allowed to travel overnight on trips only if the natural parents sign the Parental Travel Release Form and have written permission from TWO WORLDS UNITED, their Representative, and Host Family. Students are only allowed to travel if they are not missing school.  All students must provide all necessary documentation and permission to their Representative and TWO WORLDS UNITED at least 2 weeks prior to the trip. To travel after the Program, Parents must give written permission and sign a Program Release Form.  Students may not visit their home country during the Program without written authorization from TWO WORLDS UNITED.  Home country travel during the Program may be approved by TWO WORLDS UNITED in specific circumstances as deemed appropriate and permissible by TWO WORLDS UNITED.  Students may not hitchhike or travel independently.  

Life-Changing Decisions: TWO WORLDS UNITED Students may not initiate “life-changing” decisions while on the Program.  This includes changing religion (though a Student may explore the tenets of any faith), pregnancy, and/or marriage.  Students may also be dismissed from the Program if they develop a life threatening medical disorder such as anorexia or bulimia while on the Program.  Participants under-stand that while TWO WORLDS UNITED reviews each Student’s situation on a case-by-case basis, infraction of any of the above rules and/or unacceptable behavior may be grounds for dismissal from the TWO WORLDS UNITED Program.  TWO WORLDS UNITED reserves the sole and final right for decisions on Student dismissals and may return a Student to their home country immediately at any time at their own expense.