International Cultural Exchange Program

The International Cultural Exchange Program is designed to provide international exchange students holding a J-1 exchange visitor visa with up to one school year of educational experience for the express purpose of cultural enrichment. Spokane Public Schools will only accept students from organizations that are registered with the Secretary of State’s office in Washington and approved by the Council on Standards for International Travel (CSIET). To host a visiting student with a J-1 visa, please contact the CSIET program.

Because SPS values the placement of international exchange students, we may, at our discretion, choose to accomodate student exchange programs with special enrollment circumstances that do not meet all of the district expectations of International Exchange Organizations or Programs. As an example, six week or one semester only student exchange programs would require the special approval of the director of Secondary Curriculum in consultation with the Chief Academic Officer.

SPS does not accept students with F-1 visas, commonly used when visiting a relative, or B-2 visitor visas. Further questions about district policy and procedure 3142 should be directed to Heather Richardson at 354.6261.