International Exchange Program Information
Each school year, the Richland School District hosts up to 10 semesters or year-long international exchange students at Richland Center High School, as well as a group of up to 10 short-term (5-week) students from Argentina. Students are rigorously vetted through partner exchange programs, live with local host families, and attend school. They participate in clubs, sports, activities, and volunteer activities alongside local students.
International students host an “International Night” during International Week in November, sharing their cultures and foods with members of the community. International students have come to the Richland School District from all over the world, including Belgium, the Netherlands, Ghana, the Philippines, Germany, France, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Morocco, Thailand, Ukraine, El Salvador, Bulgaria, Argentina, and more.
“Exchange students learn that Americans are not what we are portrayed to be on television or in the news. We are like their own families, and we all want the same things: a safe place to live, a loving family, fun things to do. It makes the world a smaller place. It brings some diversity to our community. My own kids are more open to differences in people because they grew up around our exchange kids who came from different countries, spoke different languages, had different skin colors, practice different religions.” - Kathy Fry, RCHS International Program Director
RCHS students who wish to do an outbound exchange are also supported by the Foreign Exchange Director. Students can learn about different programs, scholarships, and organizations that sponsor exchanges abroad by contacting the Foreign Exchange Director.
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