Foreign Exchange Student FAQs

1.  I have a relative/family friend from another country who is visiting and I’d like to enroll him/her in school during his/her visit.  How do I go about doing that?

If you have legal custody in the US for the child, you can go to your zoned school and register him/her as you would your own child. If you don’t have legal custody for the student, you may not register him/her.

2. My child is in a magnet program and I’m getting a foreign exchange student.  Can he/she attend the same school as my child?

If the magnet program is the zoned school for your address, then yes.  Otherwise, the exchange student must attend the zoned school for your address. 

3. What foreign exchange companies are eligible to place students in a Pinellas school?

In order to place students in a Pinellas County School, the exchange company or community agency must be listed with the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET). 

4. What are the requirements for an exchange student? 

Please visit the district website’s page on Foreign Exchange Students and read the Foreign Exchange Packet carefully:  View Foreign Exchange Packet

5. How can I find out the district policies on Foreign Exchange Students?

Please visit the district website’s page on School Board Policy.  Open the document and do a search on “foreign exchange”.  You’ll find the pertinent information in section 5114 - Foreign Students.

6. Who at the district can help with a visa issue? 

Pinellas does not issue or assist in the issuance of visas.  Please contact the exchange company or community agency for assistance. 

Frequently Asked Questions (PDF file)