International Students and International Exchange Program |
Santa Fe and the Southwest
The Waldorf education system is an international system with over 1,000 schools worldwide. In recent years, Santa Fe Waldorf High School has had students from Germany, Austria, Peru, Cambodia, and France. We anticipate that students from Eastern Europe and Asian countries will find our school an excellent choice as well. Students must be proficient in English to participate fully in classes and must provide the English Proficiency Form along with the rest of their application. We do not provide ESL support – students may need to seek outside tutoring in English. Santa Fe Waldorf High School can provide an I-20 for students to take to their country’s embassy to acquire their student visa and the application for the I-20 is included in the admissions forms. Student Exchange and International / Domestic Study Programs1. Student Exchange We use this term when a student from SFWHS is paired with a student who attends a Waldorf or non Waldorf school. Tuition is paid at each student’s home school. Additional fees may be required for students while they are studying at the exchange school. The SFWHS student’s family hosts the student from the exchange school, and the family of the student from the exchange school hosts the SFWHS student. 2. International and Domestic Study Programs Students at the SFWHS may arrange for a period of international or domestic study. It is not required to host a student from the school where the SFWHS student attends. Fees are paid to the other school’s program. Procedures for Arranging an Exchange or International / Domestic Study 1. What are the qualifications and personal qualities of a student interested in a Student Exchange or International/ Domestic Study program? a) A strong academic record. It is challenging to study academic subjects in a language that is different from your native language and/or an unfamiliar educational setting away from home. b) Knowledge of the language of instruction at the school where you will be an exchange or an international student. c) Maturity, adaptability, interest in other peoples and cultures. 2. How long does it take to arrange these alternate programs? Arranging for study at another school begins at least one semester before the exchange takes place. It is advisable to allow one year for the process. 3. When is the best time? The best time to study at another school is during the 10th grade or, at the very latest, the first semester of 11th grade. Summers after 10th and 11th grades also offer opportunities for study in the southern hemisphere or in intensive modern language courses. Study away during the second semester of the junior year or in the senior year may delay a student’s graduation from SFWHS, because of the need to meet all SFWHS requirements. 4. How is the process begun? 1. Contact the program coordinator. 2. Fill out an application. 3. Faculty reviews the student’s application and responds based on the student’s qualifications and path toward graduation from SFWHS. 4. If the application is approved, the program coordinator will work with the student on finding an exchange or an international/domestic study program, the specifics of the study program, their absence from SFWHS and graduation requirements. 5. How will an Exchange or International or Domestic Study Program affect the course of study at SFWHS? A student must meet SFWHS graduation requirements as well as have the experience of study in another country or culture. For example, the mathematics curriculum for grades 9 through 11 must be completed by the end of the junior year (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and Trigonometry). The College Guidance Counselor will help a student to determine which subjects need to be studied before and after their alternate study program. The strategy to complete required course work is developed individually for each student. Subject teachers and the College Guidance Counselor approve the plan for each subject area. 6. The International Student Program Coordinator and the student’s Academic Advisor make the final approval of a Student Exchange or an International /Domestic Study Program for a specific student. When the details of the exchange or alternate study program are worked out and the plans for additional subject preparation are complete, the proposal is reviewed by the College Guidance Counselor and the student’s Class Sponsor and Student Advisor. The approval of the exchange and the conditions for meeting graduation requirements are sent to the student and his or her parents. A copy is placed in the student’s academic file. High School International / Domestic Study Tuition Policy When there is no student exchange, Santa Fe Waldorf High School students will pay partial tuition according to their individual International/Domestic Study Program. Please consult with the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you are considering these options. Additional Notes Regarding International Visiting or Exchange Students to Santa Fe 1. The Santa Fe Waldorf High School has I-17 status with the Immigration Naturalization Service. I-17 status authorizes the school to issue student visas (I-20). 2. Tuition and Fees schedule for International Students may be obtained from the High School Business Office by request. 3. Exchange students are expected to be enrolled in our school when they host. For More InformationPlease contact Christine Chen, International Program Coordinator at 505-992-0566 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Santa Fe Waldorf High School Telephone: 505-992-0566 To view the International/Exchange student tuition fees for 2012-13, please click here. Student FormsTo download the Teacher Reference Form To download our Student Questionnaire Form To download the Request Transcript Form To download the Parent Form To download the English Proficiency Form To download the I-20 Request Form To download the International Student Form (to help with Host Family placement) Host Family FormTo download the Application for Host Family |
International students find the Santa Fe Waldorf School, Santa Fe and the Southwest, a fascinating and enchanting place to visit, live and study. Santa Fe is the capital of New Mexico with an elevation of 7,000 ft (2,300 meters) and the oldest city in the USA, celebrating its 400th anniversary in 2009. Santa Fe is a multi-cultural small city with many features of a large city—a central plaza; an internationally renowned opera; international folk art festivals; Native American Indian Market; international film festivals, galleries, restaurants, parks, cafes, and more. In addition, the outdoors is rich with mountains and hiking; rivers and rafting; canyons and trekking; deserts and exploring. International students appreciate the intimate size of our high school, the inclusive culture, and excellent teachers and curriculum.
Over the years, students have enrolled either as an International Student (not an exchange) or an International Exchange Student. Families in our community may provide room and board if a student does not already have a relative or friend with whom to stay in the Santa Fe area. Of course, through the International Exchange Program, room and board is provided with the host family.