Student Resources

Some recent announcements/opportunities include:

• Join one/some of Junior World Affairs Council (JWAC) events, lectures, or service opportunities. Here are a few:
  • Oct28 | 12:30-2:30 PM JWAC Service Project: Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls 5405 Shoe Drive, Mesquite, TX 75149 RSVP to Dr. Roemer by Oct 13
  • Nov 15 |6:30-8:00 PM (Zoom) JWAC Discussion: TBA  Registration HERE  There will be a pizza party for the school that has the most attendees over 10.
  • Nov 18 | 10:00 – 11:30 AM (Zoom) JWAC Leadership: Human Trafficking in DFW Registration HERE
• Looking for volunteer opportunities with a multicultural theme? Contact Dr. Roemer about volunteering after school at the International Newcomer Academy (for newly arrived immigrants and refugees to Fort Worth).
• TVS Upper School Clubs/Committees you might be interested in joining this year: (email Dr. Roemer for more details)
  • Student Equity, Inclusion, & Community Committee (Help plan Multicultural Moments in Assemblies, discuss ways to improve the TVS experience towards the goal of creating a place of belonging for all students)
  • Environmental Club (get active in the FW community and learn more about how you can make positive differences for our environment)
  • Unity Club (discuss a wide variety of social issues--domestic and abroad)
  • GSA (Gender Sexuality Alliance--discuss topics pertaining to the LGBTQ+ community)
  • JWAC (Jr. World Affairs Council--discuss international topics, present/learn about student interests, attend expert talks, compete in the Academic WorldQuest competition...). Here are some upcoming JWAC events!

TVS families are invited to host 1-2 students/adults at a time from one or more of these countries. Guests need a place to sleep, a hospitable home, rides to/from school with your children, and some meals with your family. See below for details and contact Dr. Roemer to host!

In 2022-23, we home-hosted 28 guests from Bolivia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Scotland, Sweden, and Switzerland!

Student Host Testimonials:

“This is the best program ever!”

"I had only highlights. I was so happy to host even if it was only for a short while."

"Greatest experiences of my life so far. I made a lifelong friendship."

F a l l   2 0 2 3 

1. HOST FOUND! Italian student (female, 16) from our German partner school seeks a TVS Host Family for the Fall semester (Aug 19 - Jan 4). As a full-time student for a semester, she will need her own room with adequate space to study, sleep, and store her things. Her family will pay $1,000 per month to help offset living expenses. This is an incredible way to connect your family with a remarkable young woman who can teach you about more than 1 culture!

2. Congratulations Nori Hamilton and Lucy Johnston, this year's  1:1 Canadian Exchange Partners. Host & travel with our partner school – Havergal College – in Toronto, Canada! HOST from Oct 27 - Nov 13, and STAY with your exchange partner’s family and go to school with her in Toronto Feb 16 - Mar 3, 2024. This is a wonderful way to share your culture, experience hers, and make global friendships that can last for years. Contact Dr. Roemer to learn more or APPLY HERE by Sept 8 (deadline passed).

3. Hosts Found! Six German Upper School Students and their teacher from our partner school – Auguste Viktoria Gymnasium – in Fort Worth's Sister City of Trier will be here from Oct 29 - Nov 11. We need 7 TVS hosts to welcome them into your homes, take them to/from TVS, introduce them to our school and local cultures, and learn about them. Don't speak German? No problem! They speak great English! Hosts do not have the to be same age as our guests. Contact Dr. Roemer to learn more or to sign up!

S p r i n g  2 0 2 4:

4. Host a Danish Assistant Teacher! Mr. Bundgaard will be working in the LS and MS for 6 weeks and needs 1 or 2 host families during his stay (Jan 4 - Feb 18; host for all or part of his stay). Hosting our International Assistant Teachers (IATs) is a perfect way for LS and MS families, especially, to host a 'big brother or sister' and to learn about another culture while sharing yours. IATs need their own rooms (but can share a bathroom), meals with the family, and rides to/from TVS with your family. They pay their hosts $100/week to offset some living expenses. Contact Dr. Roemer to learn more or to sign up!

5. Help us strengthen our relationship with China by hosting one of our Upper School visitors or their teacher from our partner school – Beijing High School No. 4 – in Beijing! We need 8 TVS hosts from approx. Jan 21 - Feb 2 to welcome them into your homes, take them to/from TVS, introduce them to our school and local cultures, and learn about them. Regardless of whether you are studying Chinese (their English is great!), this will be an incredible experience for the whole family! Hosts do not have the to be same age as our guests. Contact Dr. Roemer to learn more or to sign up!

6. Host a Swedish Assistant Teacher! Mr. Asman will be working in Upper School English classes for 4 weeks and needs 1 or 2 host families during his stay (Jan 19 - Feb 17; host for all or part of his stay). Hosting our International Assistant Teachers (IATs) is a perfect way for LS and MS families, especially, to host a 'big brother or sister' and to learn about another culture while sharing yours. IATs need their own rooms (but can share a bathroom), meals with the family, and rides to/from TVS with your family. They pay their hosts $100/week to offset some living expenses. Contact Dr. Roemer to learn more or to sign up!

7. Host family needed for just 1 week! Host a Swedish Research Student--Ms. Suomela--from Feb 18-25, 2024. Hosting our older guests is a perfect way for LS and MS families, especially, to host a 'big sister' and to learn about another culture while sharing yours. She will need her own room (but can share a bathroom), meals with the family, and rides to/from TVS with your family.

8. Application has closed for 9-11th grade students to join our 1:1 Australian Exchange Program (host & travel) with our partner school – Whitsunday Anglican School – in Mackay, Australia! HOST for 3 weeks in April, and STAY with your exchange partner’s family and go to school with them in Mackay for 3 weeks in July. This is a wonderful way to share your culture, experience theirs, and make global friendships that can last for years. 

9. 1:1 Scottish Exchange Program--Exchange Partners Found! (host & travel) St. George's School for Girls – in Edinburgh, Scotland! HOST for 3 weeks in Mar/April, and STAY with your exchange partner’s family and go to school with them in Edinburgh for 3 weeks from late May - mid-June. This is a wonderful way to share your culture, experience theirs, and make global friendships that can last for years. 

 

CLICK HERE for more details about Hosting, including tips and answers to FAQs.

Host Parent Testimonial:

"Hosting was a great experience for all in our family, we had no bad experiences. The best was the interactions with the kids, it was non-stop fun, chatter, laughing, playing. Hosting Thanksgiving was fun to share the holiday and traditions with the boys. Celebrating Christmas and sharing in the decorating and viewing of the lights around town. Showing them the spirit of sports. All was great!"

In support of TVS’ Missions of “the development of wide constructive interests” and “intelligent citizenship” and TVS' Global Education goals of global competency for all our students in Self-awareness, Empathy, Cross-cultural Communication, and Cross-cultural Understanding, each year we offer Trojans Abroad Programs to get our students out of their comfort zones, gain independence, practice cross-communication skills, and to see the world through different lenses. Scroll down to see what TVS offers and other programs run by reputable third parties.

To LEARN ABOUT PAST TROJANS ABROAD PROGRAMS, CLICK HERE.

Student Testimonial

"Global connections are wonderful to have. I have a new family that I communicate with every day. My language skills improved immeasurably." (TVS Spain Program)

2024 

1:1 Ambassador Exchanges in Australia, Canada, & Scotland 

• Australia: Current 9-11th graders; 2-4 students; HOST a student from our partner school (Whitsunday Anglican School, Mackay, Queensland) for 3 weeks in April and STAY with the same student's family and experience school in Mackay for 3 weeks in July; approx. travel costs: $2,300;
• Canada: Current 10th grade girls; 2 students; HOST a student from our partner school Oct 27 - Nov 13 and STAY with the same student's family and experience school in Toronto from Feb 16 - Mar 3 (school absences are excused); approx. travel costs: $1,000
• Scotland: Current 8th grade girls; 2-4 students max; HOST a student from our partner school for 3 weeks in April and STAY with the same student's family and experience school in Edinburgh from about May 25 - June 15; approx. travel costs: $2,100; APPLY HERE by Oct 10

Germany/Poland   The Holocaust, Human Rights, & Reconciliation

• Join a group of German Upper School students from our partner school (AVG) in Poland for an experience of a lifetime
• Together, witness the tragedies of the Holocaust, walk through ruins of anti-semitism that date back to the 1400s, discuss and reflect on pathways to reconciliation and healing
• We will also enjoy German and Polish cuisine, while hanging out with our new German friends
• Main destinations include Frankfurt, Auschwitz, & Krakow
• To prepare, the group will visit the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum in the fall
• Jan 26 - Feb 3 (absences are excused); 15 students max.; current 9-12th graders
• Approx. cost: $3,100 (includes airfare, insurance, hotels, all excursions, most meals, etc).

Japan  Religion and Culture

• Experience Japan with our very own Japanese expert, Dr. Roemer (he lived in Japan for 3 years and has published numerous academic articles and taught courses on contemporary Japanese religiousness)
• Visit historic sites centuries' old, experience Japanese karaoke, relax in a coffee shop with cats, witness the majesty of Mt. Fuji, eat AMAZING food, and get out of your comfort zone in Japan!
• Main cities we'll visit include Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
• May 27 - June 7; 20 students max; current 9-11th graders (12th graders who were signed up for the 2020 Japan trip may also apply)
• Approx. cost: $4,000 (includes airfare, hotels, insurance, all excursions, most meals, etc)

Apply for funding

ELIGIBILITY:

Application for financial assistance is open to current 8th-12th grade TVS students in good academic and disciplinary standing and is for all TVS Trojans Abroad & TOE Beyond International Programs. TVS families who are currently receiving Financial Aid for tuition are especially invited to apply; however, the Committee will consider all applications.

Students are eligible to apply for funding for only one TVS Travel Program per year. 

AWARD AMOUNTS:

As with tuition, TVS believes that the family should bear primary responsibility for the cost of any TVS Travel Program. However, this endowment allows us to provide limited funds to a small number of students.

The amount of financial support that applicants may receive depends on:

1. the total annual budget for the Endowment, which will vary from year to year;
2. the number of students applying for assistance;
3. the age of applicants (older students may have priority);
4. the cost of the trip for which the applicant is applying; and
5. the applicant's personal statement and financial need based on the family's most recent 1040, TVS financial aid award, or other relevant information provided (all due at time of application).

In general, the maximum amount of support per applicant will range from $500-$1,500, depending on the above factors.

APPLICATION DETAILS:

Applications are due to Kiley Brannon (TVS Main Office) by the Trip Application Deadline (CLICK HERE for details), regardless of when trip program sign ups or applications are due. LATE OR INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MIGHT NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR AN AWARD.

All information submitted will be kept confidential and will only be used to assess your need for a TVS Travel Program. Decisions for aid will be made by a committee, including the Director of Admissions and Financial Aid, the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Global Education, Director of TOE, Division Heads and/or the Assistant Head of School.

Before accessing the online application, please know or prepare the following information:

1. the approximate cost of the Travel Program (see Trojans Abroad Programs);
2. the maximum amount you and your family can contribute towards the Program; and
3. the amount of funding you expect from other sources (e.g., family gifts, money from babysitting or part-time work, etc.)

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1: If you are currently receiving financial assistance at TVS, you only need to complete the online application by Trip Application Deadline.

If you are NOT currently receiving financial assistance at TVS, by November 2, 2022, submit a copy of the front page of your family's most recent 1040 Federal Tax Return and any other documentation you wish to explain your situation (including a letter from a parent/legal guardian) and your need. Submit all documents in a sealed envelope to Kiley Brannon in the front office. If parents/guardians are separated or divorced, submit forms for all parents/legal guardians with custody of the applicant (including step-parents who bear financial responsibility for the applicant).

STEP 2: Complete the online application by Trip Application Deadline.

ONLINE APPLICATION: CLICK HERE

IF YOU HAVE BEEN AWARDED FUNDS, YOU MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING STEPS:

STEP 1: Communicate clearly with the Global Education Dir. by the deadline given whether you will accept the award and commit to the program.

STEP 2: Complete and turn in all program forms on time, including:

1. original (not photocopy) TVS Waiver/Indemnification form,
2. original (not photocopy) Student Agreement Form,
3. passport photocopy (if required),
4. deposit/funds due (less your award); and
5. any online registration required by third party trip programs (e.g., Grand Classroom, Prometour, etc.)

To protect the identity of each applicant and recipient, names will not be announced to the community.

Apply Here!

CLICK ON THE LINKS FOR UPDATED INFORMATION

Camp CommUNITY
Multicultural Alliance. Students from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and options come together for a 5-day sleep away camp focusing on leadership and social change. For 10-12th grades (at time of application); advanced registration around May 1. Camp dates: late June; Cost: approx. $325 (financial aid available)

International Leadership Academy
Fort Worth Sister Cities International 2-week residential program focusing on making international friends and gaining leadership skills. Upper School (For current 9-12th grades; applications due in Feb (includes Teacher Recommendations); program dates July; Cost: approx. $1050

Middle School (6th-8th grades at time of registration; registration due in April; program dates July (one week); Cost approx. $325

Fort Worth Youth International
Join the Youth Board for Fort Worth Sister Cities International and get involved in their activities while meeting people from around the world. Excellent community service opportunities! To get involved on the Youth Board, check the FW Sister Cities calendar for open events for students.

This award recognizes one or more seniors who have demonstrated exceptional leadership through cross-cultural understandings of people and countries from around the world. Past recipients have proven to be conscientious global citizens through self-awareness, empathy, and actions during their Upper School years, such as programmatic travel to foreign countries, advanced cross-cultural communication skills, hosting or being hosted by people from other countries, and leadership in TVS clubs and other domestic international programs. Contact Dr. Roemer to nominate a student, yourself, or a friend.

Past Recipients:

• 2014: Zach Harris, Anne Jacobs, & Mandy Miller
• 2015: Stephanie Bell
• 2016: Margaret Murray, Siva Paladugu, & Aniqa Premjee
• 2017: Grace Beasley
• 2018: Allison Byrd, Kamryn Dow, & Sarah Shamai
• 2019: Ananya Vennam
• 2020: Piper Duncan, David Fauber, Saleem Razack, Anna Stupfel, & Hayden Ullmann
• 2021: Deborah Carreno, Ellie Davis, Rowen Kliethermes, & Jacob Levy
• 2022: Ariana George, Mark Hart, Grace McCurdy, & Gianna Razack
• 2023: Tatum Duncan

This certificate recognizes Upper School students who have shown a commitment to improving our community’s understanding of, and who have had repeated interactions with, people from different cultures. Contact Dr. Roemer to nominate yourself or a friend. New and repeat award recipients must have participated in at least three new programs/activities each year (since May of the previous year):

• Successfully completed (or nearly completed) the highest level of world language study offered at TVS or approved online course;
• Able to converse with fluency or near fluency in more than one language;
• Traveled/Studied for at least 8 days in a foreign country on a formal program;
• Hosted or was hosted by one or more individuals from abroad;
• Participated in a local or domestic international program;
• Participated in a multi-day Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) training program on or off-campus (e.g., SDLC or Tearing Down Walls);
• Participated in at least 2 one-day Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) training programs on or off-campus (e.g., Radical Hope, MLK Day training);
• Led a DEI training for the TVS community (e.g., Trojan Day);
• Active member of an international club (e.g., Jr. World Affairs Council, International Food Club, etc.),
• Active member of a DEI-related club (e.g., Unity Club, GSA, Student DEI Committee) Completed volunteer work in another country;
• Made a formal presentation in the MS or LS (assembly or class) or at an Upper School assembly to improve awareness on campus about an international or multicultural topic;
• Led at least 2 Multicultural Moments in assemblies;
• Successfully completed (or nearly completed) coursework on advanced international/multicultural topics (e.g., AP European History; AP Human Geography, AP World History, Ways of Knowing, Religion in Culture, Social Justice, Modern Asia, Global Leadership, etc.);
• Volunteered at an International/Multicultural Fair (TVS or elsewhere);
• and Other (contact Dr. Roemer for other suggestions).