Program Options
Program Options
Program Options
Frequently Asked Questions
The minimum age requirement is 14 on or before October 1st. The program is open to students from grades 9 through 12. Please note: students on F1 Visas may not return to the same public school on the same Visa, but rather must return to their home country and reapply to a new high school to attend a second year.
Students must first have grades of Cs (or the equivalent) or higher in their English coursework in their home schools. During the interview and through the writing sample, a final determination will be made regarding proficiency. Our minimum proficiency is that which would reflect the potential to pass with minimum proficiency on the Oregon Essential Skills exams or work samples. This determination will be made by the Director of the Oregon International School.
There is no minimum TOEFL score or any other standardized measure necessary for admission. We consider the following when admitting students: current transcript of grades, English conversational skills, and a reading and writing sample. Oregon International School staff will assess these skills through a scheduled Skype interview.
Students will be placed with host families by the Oregon International School staff. Families are carefully screened, and parents will receive a resume description and pictures of the home prior to placement. The Oregon International School will facilitate a videointerview between the families as soon as a placement is found.
The $200 dollar application fee is non-refundable. If a student’s visa is denied, 100% of the tuition, room and board will be refunded. Students who change their mind or are removed from the program for disciplinary reasons will have their money refunded on a prorated basis. Email info@oregonis.org for more information.
The price includes all meals provided by home family, specifically breakfast and dinner during the school week and all three meals on the weekends. Students are responsible for the daily lunches at school. School lunch is available. Student recreation and spending money is not included in the price.
All students must provide proof of major medical insurance. The OIS can assist parents with a policy designed for international students provided by licensed insurance agent at an additional cost. Email info@oregonis.org for more details.
Yes, students who demonstrate high proficiency may take advanced placement (AP) English, Chemistry, and History. We also offer college-dual credit in College Writing, Statistics and Calculus for eligible students. Proficiency for advanced courses will be determined at the time of admission interview and transcript review if possible, but may also require a proficiency exam once on campus. Additional college coursework is available for qualified students through our Baker Early College online platform at no additional cost. Please email for more information.
OIS students may enjoy athletics such as soccer, American football, track and field, cross-country, wrestling, basketball, baseball, volleyball, softball, cross-country and cheerleading. Clubs include Drama Club, Art Club, Future Farmers of America, Mock-trial Club, and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). We also have started the first eSports club in Oregon at the high school level for video game enthusiasts. If you play an instrument you can bring your own or rent one in town.
We also have many amazing outdoor activities available if a student wishes to take advantage of the outdoors. Some of the most popular include downhill skiing, hiking, camping and kayaking, just to name a few.
Senior students will have a full transcript review completed upon admission. Those seeking to earn a U.S. diploma will receive a list of all courses required to graduate with an Oregon diploma. Typically, senior students will need to complete U.S. History, U.S. Government, economics, a senior level English course, a science course and a math course. Gap Year students can still earn a US diploma, even if they have already graduated from their home school.
Yes, OIS students have full access to our guidance department staff to help with college admissions. We help students investigate potential colleges, prepare for the SAT and ACT admissions exams, and to apply for scholarships. We are definitely here to help you be successful and pursue your “next steps” in life.