Exchanges
One the marvellous things about Round Square is the fact that it is a truly
international alliance of schools similar in traditions and ideals to TSS. This
enables us to create opportunities for our students to participate in short-term
exchanges to other schools in a variety of countries around the planet.
TSS boys have the opportunity to participate in short-term exchanges within
Australia (Yr 8 Only) and longer-term exchanges to Round square schools around
the world. This year exchanges are available to Canada, USA, UK, France, Germany
and Switzerland Boys wishing to participate in an exchange should, in the first
instant, email Mr George: christopher.george@tss.qld.edu.au for information and
application forms. Under no circumstances should a boy or parent make direct
contact with the exchange school.
FAQs
1.
Q – Who can take part in international exchanges?
A – Any TSS boy enrolled in Years 10 and 11 whose fees are up to date, who has a
sound academic record and who is recommended by at least two members of the TSS
Faculty. Naturally, boys that have shown a commitment to Round Square activities
at TSS will have a better chance of selection than those who do not.
2.
Q – How much does it cost?
A – The only cost to our boys is the cost of travel and spending money. Fees
continue to be paid to TSS as usual. Most schools require a ‘Security Deposit’
of approximately $500AUD. This is to cover contingency costs such as medical
treatment, excursions or similar. The balance of these funds (usually the entire
amount) is returned to the boy at the end of the exchange.
3.
Q – Do I have any other responsibilities?
A – Yes! As these exchanges are conducted on a one-to-one reciprocal basis, it
is a requirement that the TSS family
host the boy from the partner school during the return segment of the exchange.
In the case of Day Boys, this means hosting the student at your home for the
duration of his time at TSS. In the case of boarders, this means looking after
the boy in your dorm, and making sure that he is actively involved in the life
of the school, weekend leave and any excursions that your parents may be able to
arrange on weekends.
4.
Q – How do I apply?
A – This is easy. Email Mr George (christopher.george@tss.qld.edu.au)
and I will reply with an application form and the Exchange Handbook. You DO NOT
contact another school directly. In your email you should specify the
country/region that you would like to visit, ideally including the names of
three schools that you are interested in. While I am contacting schools to
arrange the exchange, you complete the application, especially the
recommendation pages from your Housemaster and teachers.
5.
Q- Do my grades at the exchange school count
toward my grades at TSS?
A – No, it is not possible for us to verify the academic standards applied at
other schools. Indeed, if the exchange is to a non-English speaking country such
as Germany, it would be grossly unfair to assess you on tests or assignments
conducted in that country’s language. HOWEVER, you are expected to fully apply
yourself to class work and homework while on exchange. We do encourage boys to
try subjects at their exchange school that they may not have a chance to study
at TSS. For example, a student may have a go at European History at a school in
France.
6.
Q – Do I have to buy the uniforms of the other
school?
A – No. You wear the TSS uniform during your exchange.
7.
Q- How long is the exchange?
A – Generally, an exchange is of four (4) weeks’ duration. Year 11 boys are
expected to include Term or Semester holidays as part of the four week period.
That is for example, the last week of term one and the first week of term two,
including the two week holiday period.
8.
Q – Can I go with a friend?
A – Only if two boys from the other school come to TSS.
If you have any further questions, please contact Christopher George by email -
christopher.george@tss.qld.edu.au