Comment on DOS_FRDOC_0001-DRAFT-0065

I totally object to the rules for student exchange that you are proposing. It will greatly encumber the quality exchange programs that you oversee. I have placed students with and have been a single host parent after my husband was deceased. Becoming suddenly single did not change my character or the quality of community interest that I have. I am chair of our school committee,a Rotarian, longtime volunteer for Youth for Understanding and a host parent to 52 students, most of whom I am still in touch with. Fingerprinting and excessive training are up & beyond anything nessessary to foster student exchange. If your over site of the exchange programs and the guidelines you have set for them is in place, there is no need for further restrictions. Also people pick a student by the interests that fit in their family - the photo is just nice to have. My biggest problem with you rules happened on the past change you made requiring full tuition to a school district for a private student for a year. I have done that in the past with a relative of a past student that lived with me. It is wonderful to share and take a family member and having to pay a full tuition is unthinkable. Please do away with that rule. It does not encourage illegal immigration at all. Your time could be spent on the monitoring of the student exchange agencies which I know that you do. The only programs that I have seen that make improper placements are those where reps & families are paid to place students. Then some just put them anywhere to get money and families the same. I have had go help some of those students in the past. So why don't you reject programs that pay for placement? I have been a volunteer with international exchange since 1978. I would hate to see more regulation of student programs. The economy is giving placement enough trouble. Why will you cause more? Student exchange is an honorable program to foster better relationships in the world - 0ne person at a time.