Transcript A World Transformed:

CSIET Update
The Council on Standards for International
Educational Travel
Christopher B. Page
2015 NAYEN CONFERENCE
Little Rock, Arkansas
February 19-21, 2015
Trending Topics
• J-1/F-1 Statistics;
• CSIET's new process for the accreditation of J-1
Programs;
• Guidance on Interpretation of Criminal
Background Checks;
• Renewed advocacy effort for an increased host
family tax deduction;
• State policy on athletic eligibility of exchange
students.
J-1 and F-1 Visa Comparison
J-1 Visa
F-1 Visa
Type of Exchange
Type of Exchange
Cultural
Academic
Responsible Organization
Responsible Organization
Exchange Organization
DHS Authorized School
Exchange Organization
Exchange Organization
Non-profit
For-profit, non-profit, sometimes NA
Duration of Stay
Duration of Stay
Up to one year
Public school – up to one year
Private School – multiple years
Local Representative Vetting
Local Representative Vetting
A student must be placed within 120 miles of an authorized
program representative
Not required unless CSIET listed.
Maintain regular contact with student, host family, and school.
Host Family Vetting
Host Family Vetting
Required orientation provided by the exchange organization
Thorough vetting through Criminal Background Check and
National Sex Offender Public Registry
Not required unless CSIET listed.
Host School
Host School
Only allowed to place 5 students unless a school formally
requests more
Designated school issues I-20 A-B which is a certificate of eligibility for
the F-1 Visa Student
CSIET Statistics
J-1 Activity in 2014-2015 = 25,460
CSIET Statistics
J-1 vs. F-1 Comparison
2012-2013
2013-2014
2014-2015
CSIET Statistics
F1 Secondary Students
2009-2013
100,000
100.0%
90.7%
90.0%
77,359
80,000
80.0%
69.9%
70.0%
65,452
60,000
60.0%
46,080
50.0%
42.0%
40,000
40.0%
30.0%
24,162
20,000
18.2%
14,220
20.0%
10.0%
-
0.0%
2009
2010
2011
F1 Students
2012
% Growth Rate
2013
F-1 Public v. Private
CSIET Statistics
F-1 High School Activity in 2013-2014 = 77,359
CSIET Statistics
1. California = 13,317
2. Florida = 6161
3. New York = 5724
4. Massachusetts = 5382
5. Pennsylvania = 4616
F-1 High School Activity in 2013-2014 = 77,359
CSIET Statistics
CSIET Statistics
CSIET Statistics
CSIET Statistics
CSIET Statistics
CSIET J-1 Accreditation Requirements
• Programs must be CSIET Members;
• Programs must complete the appropriate Application
for Listing;
• Programs must be bona fide Department of State
designees, but cannot be a school/school district so
designated by the Department of State;
• Programs must inform CSIET if they: o cease
operation; o merge with or become acquired by
another organization; o have/received sanctions by
the US Department of State (including but not limited
to letter of reprimand, probation, suspension, and/or
forms reduction).
CSIET J-1 Accreditation Requirements
• Programs that have received a greater sanction
(suspension of program, loss of designation, a
reduction of more than 15% of forms) by the
Department of State in the year since the previous
listing will be subject to further review by the CSIET
Accreditation Committee;
• Programs that have outstanding/pending/unresolved
complaints with CSIET will be subject to further review
by the CSIET Accreditation Committee;
• Programs must reaffirm their commitment to CSIET
Standards every year and comply with CSIET
Standards and Department of State regulations.
Audit Reports and Evaluation
• Application for listing in Nov-December;
• Staff review;
• Listing letters issued for Full and Conditional listings
in late March;
• Accreditation Committee;
• Due Process.
CBC’s
Evaluation and Interpretation of Criminal Background Checks
• Standard Criteria
• Documented Review Process
• Review by Established Committee
• Patterns of infractions
CBC’s
Warranting automatic disqualification:
• Any conviction of a sexual nature (e.g., rape, molestation, sexual
assault, sexual battery, sexual harassment, victimless sex crimes);
• Any conviction of a violent nature (e.g., murder/homicide,
manslaughter, aggravated assault, kidnapping, aggravated burglary,
domestic violence);
• Any conviction related to the abuse, neglect, mistreatment, or
endangerment of children;
• Any conviction related to willfully providing minors with illegal
substances or materials, such as drugs, alcohol, or pornography;
CBC’s
Warranting automatic disqualification:
• Any conviction related to the production, sale, distribution, or
transportation of illegal drugs and/or controlled substances;
• Any conviction on the part of a host parent or coordinator within five
years related to a DUI/DWI or to possession or use of illegal drugs
and/or controlled substances;
• Any other conviction resulting in jail time served of six months or
more;
• Any charge for the above disqualifying offenses that is currently
pending, or any charge for the above disqualifying offenses for
which the applicant is on probation or parole.
CBC’s
Warranting further review:
The results of an applicant’s criminal background check may
warrant further review to determine participation eligibility.
Further review of such CBC results must be done by an
established committee. When conducting a review, the
committee should seek out and review further information from
as many sources as accessible, including (but not limited to):
•
•
•
•
Court documents/records;
Personal references/reputation in the community;
Personal explanation from the applicant;
Reputation with other sponsors (where applicable).
Advocacy
Host Family Tax Deduction
• 2006, CSIET worked with the Alliance on an effort to increase
this deduction (from $50 per month)
• 2015, Assistant Secretary of State Evan Ryan has shown
strong interest in supporting the host family tax deduction and
new leadership in Congress is interested pushing tax reform;
• Competition posed by the increasing number of F-1 students;
• CSIET Staff and its Board of Directors believe that an
increased host family deduction would help ensure the viability
of the J-1 high school program, while helping to preserve a
strong base of host families who are dedicated to the
principles of public diplomacy and cultural exchange.
State policy on athletic eligibility of
exchange students
Questions?
Contact Information:
Chris Page
CSIET
212 South Henry Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
(703) 739 9050
[email protected]
www.csiet.org