How It Works

Thank you for your interest in working with All-Grace. Below is an outline of the application process and how we help students to succeed both in the enrollment process and once they have been accepted.

Prospective Students
Generally we are looking for the following prospective students:

• Ages of 12-18 years old (Middle school – High school)
• Mature, responsible, and self-discipline according to their age levels
• Good grades and study habits while attending their previous school in the U.S. or home country will give more school options
  
• Committed to studying hard to achieve and maintain good grades in school
• Basic English comprehension is required to function in class (Certain schools have ESL programs that can help students further)
• Desire to learn about American culture and share your culture
• Willing to be involved as an American host family member, willing to participate in host family activities

Pre-arrival Preparation
If you are interested in, we encourage you to fill out our Contact Us page to set up a time to talk to us and get more information. You can expect the followings:

• We will respond to:
  • Get to know you and your student
  • Understand your expectations on how we can help your student
  • Help you choose an appropriate school and educational path
  • Answer any further questions you might have
• Once we have all the information we need, we will help your student complete the enrollment process.
  • We will follow up on your application until the school issues an Acceptance Letter and I-20 Form which will be sent to you directly or through us, unless the school rejects your application
  • After obtaining this I-20 Form, your student will need to set up an interview with the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in your country to obtain an F-1 Visa (Student Visa)
• After your F-1 Visa is issued, we will sign an Agent-Parent agreement with you that will serve as a framework for our business relationship and authorize us to become the Agent/Guardian of your student to take care of your student while studying at the school stated on the I-20
• You will make all necessary payments to complete the school enrollment process.
• We will match your student with a host family. We will screen the host family to ensure the safety of your student. Once we have matched your student with the host family, we encourage your student to begin communicating with the host family your student will stay with to start building a relationship
  

Get started with the application process- set up a Skype interview today!

Once Student is Here
Once students arrive, we will provide the following services in order to make sure they are successful in their time studying in the United States:

• We will welcome students upon arrival at Portland Airport and introduce students to their host families.
• We will help students buying health insurance, if required.
• We will go with students or ask Host Family to help students opening bank account, obtaining cellphone connection, and shopping for students’ personal items and groceries within the first week of arrival.
• We will ensure students feel comfortable to stay with Host Family who will provide students with a proper room accommodation, daily meals, and transportation to and from school during school days.
• We will make a great effort to help student adapt to environment. Initially, most students feel homesick or culture-shocked. We work together with student, school, and host family with mutual understanding and respect in order to create and maintain an enjoyable and rewarding experience for student.
• We will communicate with students regularly and meet at least once per month to support them, give them guidance, and to discuss their academic performance and well-being throughout the year. Part of this process is to make sure that students understand that they are not alone. We act as advocates who can help students communicate and resolve any problems or issues they may have with their host families, teachers, friends, and classmates.
• We will meet with International Student Coordinator at the student’s school on a regular basis to discuss how students are doing. We help them understand their school’s rules and viewpoints. If they face any disciplinary or academic problems, we will provide guidance and help resolves those issues.
• We will help students find after-school tutoring to improve their academics or English proficiency, if needed.
• In the case of an emergency relating to an accident or a need for medical attention, we will ensure that students are able to get the medical attention they need first, then contact parents to inform them of the situation. We are able to sign on behalf of our students’ parents and we will communicate closely with parents to make the right decisions for students’ well-being.
• If a student plans to travel during a holiday from school, they will need to give us their itinerary details and get the necessary approval from their parent, local coordinator, host family, and school.
• We will encourage students to maintain or achieve good grades and to pursue their education at the university level and help them find the guidance and opportunities to do so.
• If any conflict with a student’s host family arises, we will help to mediate and resolve the conflict. If no resolution can be found, we will match the student with another host family.
• We will Communicate with and provide monthly report to Parent concerning Student’s well-being and academic progress.
• Upon completion of study, we will say goodbye and send students to Portland airport, if Host Family is unable to send.