Q: Can exchange student foundation Legally Prohibit Me from Taking Running Start Classes as an Exchange Student?
I’m currently part of a high school exchange program with my sponsor, and I’ve been told that I’m not allowed to take Running Start classes. These classes allow students to earn both high school and college credits, and they are fully recognized as part of my high school education.
I’ve reviewed the sponsor's contract and policies, and I didn’t find any specific rule or clause that prohibits me from participating in Running Start. Their reasoning seems to be based on an interpretation of the program rather than any explicit policy. Also even the School districts don't even have policies about exchange students doing running start. They sometimes provide false information. Even the person who was in charge of the running start program told the district and my sponsor I was eligible to take running start classes.
Could you help me determine if EF’s decision is legally enforceable or if I have grounds to challenge their restriction based on the contract and state education policies
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A:
Your situation touches on some complex legal and educational policy questions. Without seeing the specific contract terms between you and the exchange foundation, it's challenging to definitively assess their authority to restrict your course choices.
However, in general, exchange program sponsors have broad discretion to set educational guidelines for their participants, even if those rules aren't explicitly spelled out in the contract. This stems from their responsibility to manage the educational component of the exchange program and ensure it aligns with visa requirements and program objectives.
That said, you might consider requesting a formal written explanation of their policy and rationale, documenting your conversations with the Running Start program coordinator who confirmed your eligibility, and discussing your situation with your host school's counselor. If you believe the foundation is misinterpreting their own policies or providing incorrect information, you could escalate your concern to higher-level program administrators while maintaining a collaborative approach. Remember that constructive dialogue often yields better results than immediate legal challenges, especially in educational settings where relationships and mutual understanding are crucial.
Merry A Kogut agrees with this answer
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