Can a Foreign Exchange Student Return After Being Sent Home by Their Host Family?

When a foreign exchange student is sent home by their host family, numerous factors determine whether they can return. This article explores the possibilities and complexities that arise in such situations.

Program Policies and Rules

The decision on whether a foreign exchange student can come back after being sent home largely depends on the policies of the exchange program. Each program has its own set of rules regarding student placement and repatriation. For instance, if a student leaves the program early due to behavior issues or lack of adaptation, their return might be restricted.

Visa Status and Legal Considerations

The visa status of the exchange student is a critical factor. If they leave the program prematurely, they might need to reapply for a new visa, which involves fulfilling additional requirements. Federal laws, like the two-year reentry ban for non-immigrant exchange visitors (J-1 visa holders), must also be considered. This ban restricts the student from returning to the United States under a different program for two years after being sent home for certain violations.

Host Family Issues and New Placements

In cases where a student is sent home due to conflicts with the host family, the possibility of returning depends on finding a new host family. If the program allows for such reassignments, a different family might be found, and the process would need to be repeated to ensure a suitable environment.

Examples and Scenarios

Consider an example from 2007. A German exchange student, who was part of the AFS program, faced being sent home because her host family's mother was recalled to active duty in the military. The family needed to relocate to a new duty station. With no fault of the student, AFS needed to find a new host family, and the school volunteered to take on the responsibility. This illustrates that while there can be valid reasons for a student to be sent home, the programs often provide support to ensure a smooth transition for the student.

Behavioral and Legal Violations

Typically, students are sent home for behavioral or legal violations. Situations like robbing a liquor store or shoplifting, while rare, do occur. Exchange programs like AFS have strict policies to protect both students and host communities. In AFS, strict rules about no driving and no drug use were in place. Violations would result in immediate repatriation with a one-way plane ticket home. In such cases, the student is not only barred from returning to the same program but also restricted from entering the United States under a different program for a specified period.

Conclusion

In summary, while it is possible for a foreign exchange student to return after being sent home, the decision depends on the specific circumstances and the policies of the exchange program. Factors such as program rules, visa status, host family issues, and legal violations all play a significant role in determining the student's ability to return to the program.

Key Takeaways:

Program policies and rules significantly impact a student's ability to return. Visa status is crucial; reapplication might be necessary. Host family conflicts can lead to new placements but depend on program policies. Behavioral and legal violations may result in long-term restrictions on reentry.

Keywords: Foreign Exchange Student, Host Family Conflict, Visa Status, Exchange Program Policies