Global Scholars

The Global Scholars program allows high school-aged students from around the world to experience education in Queensbury Union Free School District while living with local host families. The program is open to international students with an F1 Visa who are between the ages of 15-18, proficient in the English language and successful in completing the application process.

What can I expect as a Global Scholar?

During a five or ten month exchange, Global Scholars live with local host families and attend a customizable schedule of classes at Queensbury High School. They can participate in rigorous academic programs and enjoy access to vibrant fine and performing arts events, vigorous athletics courses and sports teams, and exciting extracurricular clubs and activities. Host families embrace their guest scholars into regular family life such as mealtimes, outings and vacations, allowing students to experience American culture first hand.

Contact Information

Jen Roca
Host Family Coordinator
Phone: (518) 824-5699
Email Jen Roca

Denise Troelstra
Assistant Superintendent for Instruction 
Phone: (518) 824-5699
Email Denise Troelstra

Lois Melleon
Secretary to the Superintendent
Phone: (518) 824-5699
Email Lois Melleon

Why should I apply to attend school in Queensbury?

Queensbury Union Free School District consistently ranks among the top school districts in the region based on academics. At the high school level, it provides students with access to:

  • Rigorous, career-focused programs such as International Baccalaureate, Early College Career Academy, Project Lead the Way, Advanced Placement, University in the High School and Career Exploration Internships.

  • A Chromebook for in-school and at-home use during the school year.

  • Innovation spaces, robotics clubs and competitions, 21st-century technology classrooms and numerous other instructional technology tools.

  • Nearly 50 varsity, junior varsity and freshman sports teams, including sectional, regional and state champions.

  • Numerous fine and performing arts programs.

  • A variety of extracurricular clubs.

  • A 200-acre campus with an indoor pool, competition-level playing fields and wooded cross country trails.

Queensbury High School enrolls around 1,000 students. Among the most recent graduates, 94 percent earned a Regents diploma or better and 52 percent earned an Advanced Regents diploma or better. More than 80 percent planned to attend a two- or four-year college or other post-secondary training after graduation.

View the Queensbury High School profile.

How do I apply?

Candidates for the Global Scholars program may apply through approved international exchange agencies. Program candidates must complete an application, submit an essay written in English, provide two letters of recommendation, participate in an interview via Skype, and provide proof of English language proficiency. An admissions committee will review the application materials as part of a competitive selection process.

Host a Global Scholar

Explore world cultures with your family from the comfort of home.

Queensbury High School is accepting applications from international students for the Global Scholars program. The program allows high school-aged students from around the world to experience education in Queensbury while living with local host families.

During their 10-month exchange, each host family will enjoy a unique, memory-making relationship with one well-vetted scholar. Host families provide housing and embrace their guest scholars into regular family life such as mealtimes, outings and vacations. In exchange, they get to build new friendships, explore a different culture and receive a stipend for expenses.

Those who are interested in becoming a host family must complete the following steps to participate in the Global Scholars program:

  • Complete a host family application with international exchange agency.

  • Sign a criminal background check authorization release.

  • Complete a host family orientation.

  • Provide proper supervision to the international student, in accordance with Queensbury guidelines.