Welcome to the World Languages and Foreign Exchange page!
Our programs have the mission of supporting foreign language teachers, and interact with the community, to provide a successful, language-rich environment for every student. Teachers of World Languages collaborate to use best instructional practices and standard-based lessons to facilitate student success in the global community, increase student proficiency levels in every language domain (listening, speaking, reading, and writing), and promote cultural awareness. We encourage every student in Pasco County to learn another language and be aware of and value diversity amongst all cultures.
Foreign Exchange Visitor Program
The District School Board of Pasco County (DSBPC) conducts the application and approval process for the Foreign Exchange Visitor Program annually from February through June. Organizations are required to complete the approval process between February and March, and student applications are accepted annually from March through June 15.
The placement of approved students will comply with recommendations, restrictions, and guidelines of the following agencies, not limited to, the U.S. Government, Department of State, Department of Health, US Embassies and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If one of these agencies places travel restrictions, adds immunization requirements, and/or makes decisions resulting in closing borders for certain countries, the placement of the affected students will not take place and the DSBPC will not be liable and/or responsible for costs and expenses incurred from the foreign exchange families, foreign exchange organizations and/or the host families. Considerations of international travels pose additional risks and travelers are at increased risk for getting and possibly spreading new COVID-19 variants. To maintain the safety of every stakeholder, every foreign exchange participant must follow the recommendations and health guidance from the US Government and its agencies.
Note: Agencies interested in placing students within the district are required to attend a mandatory meeting held annually in February. Sponsoring organizations that do not attend the mandatory meeting will not be able to place students in Pasco County for the following school year. The due date for submitting student applications from approved organizations is June 15. Submissions received after this date or incomplete submissions will not be accepted for that school year.
Pasco County Schools' Foreign Exchange Annual Orientation Invitation
Pasco County Schools welcomes foreign exchange students affiliated with an exchange company or service organization that is listed with the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET) and is also part of the approved list in Pasco County School Board.
* Final decisions regarding the Foreign Exchange Visitor Program will be made and shared with foreign exchange organizations. Applications will be accepted through June 15 in an effort to welcome exchange students. However, if state, federal, or district policies or procedures related to global events require the cancellation of the program for the school year, Pasco County Schools will not be held responsible or liable for any expenses or costs incurred by foreign exchange organizations, student families, or host families.*
Foreign Exchange Visitor Program Requirements and Procedures
Step-By-Step Application Process for Foreign Exchange Visitor Program
Foreign Exchange Acknowledgement of Grade Placement Form
United States Requirements for Secondary School Student Program / J1 Visa
CSIET Standards for International Educational Travel Programs
List of Approved Foreign Exchange Organizations
Detailed information about the J-1 High School Visa
Foreign Exchange Application Timeline
Organizations interested in placing foreign exchange students in Pasco County must complete the approval process every year. To express your interest in placing foreign exchange students in Pasco County, please complete this form.
Timeline:
- Complete interest form – before February of each year
- Mandatory orientation meeting – February, third Thursday of the month
- Sponsoring organizations Board’s approval - March
- FX student applications window – March 15 – June 15
- Acceptance notifications – on/after July 1st
- School registrations – July - August
Sponsoring organizations that do not complete the approval process within the due dates will not be able to place students in Pasco County for the current school year.
Please, do not contact the high schools unless you have an acceptance letter from the District Office, Department of Leading and Learning.
K-12 World Languages
FOREIGN LANGUAGES K-12 PROGRAMS
World Languages Course Progression
Guidelines and Requirements to Award Biliteracy Seal 2019
Biliteracy Seal Assessments with Languages scores
Pasco County is committed to preparing students in becoming responsible global citizens, by implementing a curriculum that deepens student’s cultural awareness and increases all levels of language proficiency in every domain (reading, writing, speaking and listening).
We currently offer the following languages:
- American Sign Language
- Elementary Spanish – Kirkland Ranch K8, PVES, RES, and Starkey K8
- French
- Latin
- Spanish
Please, contact your school for information about the specific courses offered at their campuses.
Florida Seal of Biliteracy
Seal of Biliteracy
The Florida Seal of Biliteracy is an honor awarded to Florida students who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one other language. Established by state law in 2016, this recognition includes a special seal on the diploma, a designation on the transcript, to recognize a high school graduate who has attained a high level of competency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in one or more foreign languages in addition to English.
GOLD Seal of Biliteracy
To earn the Gold Seal, students must:
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SILVER Seal of Biliteracy
To earn the Silver Seal, students must:
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