The Network is distinguished from a simple association of schools which exchange students in several ways.

• First, we exchange students and faculty for specific educational programs in an effort to capitalize on and share our special strengths and resources.
  
• Secondly, we do not expect these exchanges to occur on a one-for-one basis.
  
• Finally, we have built into the organization an ongoing quality control. Programs are reviewed before schools are invited to join, and established member schools continue to update and improve their programs in consultation with one another and Network staff. There is a great deal of interaction among staff members of Network schools, which is valuable for professional development.

Students and teachers are exchanged directly from school to school. The host institution provides the educational program and the living arrangements, usually in family homestays or in school dormitories, in the case of residential school members. Students generally exchange for two to eleven weeks; teachers for a week or two. Group exchanges are also possible. The Network office links the Network schools, providing information, quality control, development, tally keeping, grants and technical assistance.

The membership includes public and independent schools and districts; a balance between the two sectors is a cornerstone of the Network. Each member school or district pays annual membership dues. In an effort to retain the informal, cooperative atmosphere which has characterized the Network from its inception, the Board of Directors has decided to change the Network's membership slowly with a maximum of two or three new schools being admitted each year. We identify those schools on the basis of the diversity they offer the Network, taking into account our balance of public and non-public schools, our geographic diversity, program range and specialization, and maintenance of educational quality.

If your school or district is interested in pursuing membership:

The first step is to identify a program or potential program which might attract students from other Network schools. We would be glad to advise you on the type of programs which might interest other schools; you probably have ideas of your own as well. Ideally, the program is organized for students to participate full-time or nearly full-time over several weeks. Try to focus on an area special to your school or community, or one in which your school is particularly strong.

The second step is to write or call our central office and tell us your ideas and ask questions.

Printed information about your proposed program area(s) and about your school and community would be very helpful to us, since we share these materials with our Membership Committee, a subcommittee of the Board of Directors.

Final step before becoming a member school, either the Executive Secretary or a Board member will then make arrangements to visit your school.

To start the application process or for more information,
please contact: