Policy & Procedures
- Submit the Preliminary Application with a non-refundable processing fee of $80. S.C.C.E. will send an Application Kit.
- Return the Application Kit to the Nation Office:
- Application - A profile of the applicant, used for selection, as well as for placement with a family overseas.
- Personal Essay - This will be shared with a host family, if selected.
- Photographs - Of student and family.
- Certificate of Health - This must be completed, signed, dated by a doctor.
- Contracts - Between student's family and S.C.C.E.
- S.C.C.E. arranges for a:
- School Evaluation - Form sent directly to the school, which returns it to the S.C.C.E. National Office.
- Personal Interview - S.C.C.E will interview each applicant to determine suitability and readiness.
- Information Session:
These are held throughout the school year in each capital city of Australia. Applicants and their parents should attend in order to understand S.C.C.E. policies and procedures, preferably before selection itnerviews. The schedule of the meetings is on our website.
S.C.C.E Programs offer a unique experience
Each student will have unique experience due to the new combination of their values and host family's values. Within each culture there are immense varieties. S.C.C.E. and its overseas affiliate organisations will provide a high standard of preparation and support towards the success of the experience.
Components of Each Program
- Professional selection process
- No language prerequisites (except Japan semester/year programs)
- Placement with carefully screened host family
- One student to one host family
- Placement in local school (except some short programs)
- Departure orientation and preparation in Australia
- Arrival orientation in host countries
- Expert advice on cultural differences and cultural adjustments
- Worldwide support around the clock
- International return transportation from Sydney or Melbourne. A surcharge is possible from other Australian cpital cities.
- Travel as a group to the host country
- Transportation overseas by air or train to host community and return
- Overnight accommodation during travel or as a result of flight delays
- Dedicated insurance, including cover for medical and additional expenses; loss of deposits; baggage, electronic equipment, deprivation of baggage and money/travel documents, and perosonal liability.
- Australian and overseas airport taxes
- G.S.T.
Components not included in the Fee
- Language preparatory courses
- Passport and visa fees
- Personal expenses
- Optional tours
- Travel to and from the designated Australian departure points
- Most substitutions for student travel arrangements require a $450 adminstrative fee (as well as any extra airline charges and transfer costs, eg. "meet and greet")
Financial Disbursement Chart
S.C.C.E's income is derived solely from Program Fees. In 2007 funds were dispersed as follows:
- International Transportation & Taxes: 35%
- Overseas Domestic Transportation: 7%
- Student Insurance: 3%
- Admin. & Support in Australia: 18%
- Regional Representation: 3%
- Overseas Administration & Support: 34%
Payments
Preliminary Applications must include a non-refundable processing charge of $80. This charge covers initial administrative costs.
The Application Kit must include a deposit of $500. This deposit is refundable if the student is not accepted. if the student is accepted this $500 goes towards the Program Fee.
Program Fees are payable in installments. Upon notification of successful selection, an installment of $1000 is to be paid to confirm acceptance of the selection. Final payment dates vary according to departure dates, but are usually two months before departure.
Insurance - Terms and Conditions Apply
Access to insurance cover is included in the S.C.C.E Program Fee. The benefits include:
- Medical and Additional Expenses: Unlimited ($50 excess)
Cancellation and Curtailment Expenses: $25000 ($50 excess)
- ACE Assistance
- Loss of deposits (due to Unforeseen Circumstances): $6000 ($250 excess)
- Baggage: $2500 (limit $750 on any 1 item)
Electrical Equipment: $2500 ($50 excess)
Money, travel documents: $1000
- Personal Liability: $2500000
Students are provided with claim forms and the contact details of the insurer as well as a copy of the relevant Product disclosure statement and Policy Wording.
Southern Cross Cultural Exchange (SCCE) Group Personal Accident Insurance is underwritten by Ace Insurance Limited (ABN23 001 642 020, AFSL No 239687) (ACE) and is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions contained in the SCCE Group Personal Accident Master Policy. Under the Master Policy, covered persons (SCCE exchange students) have automatic access to cover. For full details of the insurance cover, including terms, conditions and exclusions, please refer to the Policy Wording and Product Disclosure Statement.
Cancellation Forefeitures
Upon S.C.C.E.'s receipt of written notice of withdrawal from the program:
- After selection - prior to application closing date: $500
- Program-closing date to final payment date: $1500
- Final-payment date to departure: $2000
- After departure: No refunds possible
Important Note:
S.C.C.E. reserves the right to make adjustments to Program Fees should circumstances beyond S.C.C.E's control warrant such a charge. S.C.C.E. also reserves the right to change or alter travel plans, program dates, program components or other arrangements including cancellations of programs or groups. | 
