Costly Barrier For Hinsdale D86 Exchange Students

HINSDALE, IL – The board for Hinsdale High School District 86 heard complaints Thursday about its policy of charging tuition to foreign exchange students.

Most comparable schools do not.

At least two board members said they wanted to look into the issue.

During public comments, Hinsdale resident Neal Weisenberger said he attended high school in a small Ohio town with three or four exchange students. He said he enjoyed getting to know them and their cultures.

He said the cross-cultural interactions led him to get a degree in international studies and pursue a career in international banking.

"My experiences and relationships with students from other countries changed my life, and I think it could change some of the lives of the students here in the Hinsdale school system as well," Weisenberger said.

A couple of years ago, Weisenberger said an exchange organization approved him and his wife for a student. But then he found the student would have to pay $28,000 in tuition. The student's family couldn't afford it, and the student was unable to find another host family.

Patch found that at most comparable high schools, foreign exchange students aren't required to pay. They include Glenbrook, Elmhurst, Highland Park, Deerfield, Downers Grove, New Trier and Naperville. At Lyons Township, however, they are mandated to pay.

Board members Asma Akhras and Baron Leacock asked the board to review the issue later.

Akhras said her family hosted exchange students years ago.

"That's a bit disturbing that we're creating extra burdens for families," she said.