ASSIST (student exchange organization)

ASSIST (American Secondary Schools for International Students and Teachers) is a non-profit organization with tax-exempt status incorporated in the state of Vermont. ASSIST provides one-year scholarships to outstanding international students to attend American independent secondary schools on scholarships, and helps students and teachers from these schools to engage in educational experiences abroad. ASSIST is recognized by the United States Department of State as an authorized Exchange Visitor Program and is listed with the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel. This arrangement allows ASSIST to use the services of American facilities and staff overseas and has made possible the endorsement and support of international government officials. ASSIST is also able to facilitate the issuance of the J-1 visa under which students study in the United States for one academic year on Exchange Visitor status.

Each year, about 10-15% of applicants are admitted to the program and receive a scholarship. The scholarships are merit-based and given to students regardless of financial need and their parent's income. There are both full and partial scholarships. While students who attend day schools often receive a full scholarship, most students at boarding schools receive a partial scholarship.

History

ASSIST was founded in 1969 by Paul G. Sanderson Jr., an American educator. Mr. Sanderson began with a class of thirteen students from Germany. The program has expanded to numerous other regionsm including central and eastern Europe and southeast Asia, and has brought to member schools scholars from countries underrepresented in their student bodies. After Sanderson's death in 1986, Kenneth and Betsy Lindfors were appointed to lead ASSIST. During their 13-year tenure ASSIST expanded substantially. Following their retirement in 2000, the ASSIST Board of Directors named Robert and Anne Stanley as the leadership team.

More than 3,400 students from 35 countries have become ASSIST scholars.

Current Programs

Student programs

One year scholarship program: International students spent one year at a private high school in the United States of America
Olomouc Summer Institute For Young Leaders: American students spent a month of study in the Czech Republic

Teacher programs

Arts, Politics And Culture: American teachers attend a weeklong workshop in Prague, Czech Republic
European Unity: American teachers attend a weeklong workshop in Brussels, Belgium
Modern Germany – East Meets West: American teachers attend a weeklong educational seminar in Berlin, Germany

Member schools

All ASSIST member schools are independent high schools and are members of the National Association of Independent Schools. Every school agrees to accept at least one international student on a full or a partial scholarship. The scholarship includes tuition and room and board. Scholarships are offered for one year only, after which the scholar must return home to complete his or her secondary education.

ASSIST reviews member schools twice annually. Each school is visited by ASSIST staff and volunteers to ensure that the programs available meet the needs of the students who apply to the ASSIST program.

Current member schools

ASSIST countries

Since its inception, ASSIST has drawn students from the following nations. In a typical year, the organization operates in 12-15 countries. At present, ASSIST is working with schools in countries noted in bold.

References

External links

ASSIST USA