GENERAL
What is U.S. History for Expats?
U.S. History for Expats is a program of three U.S. history courses designed specifically for students living outside the United States wanting to learn U.S. History.
What is the format of a typical course?
Middle School: Each course uses the Google Classroom platform with nine required units and an optional tenth unit. Each unit consists of an Intro Activity, a Unit Organizer, a Midpoint Check-in, a Project Planning, and a Final Project. Students are provided feedback on the Unit Organizer. Parents and students are provided feedback at the end of each unit.
Are the courses accredited?
U.S. History for Expats is accredited by the the Middle States Association. We are meeting the MSA’s 12 standards. This is the same body that accredits many international schools and thousands of schools within the United States. Our accreditation is in effect until 2032.
How long does each unit take to complete?
Each unit should take a minimum of 2.5 hours to complete but more likely about 4 hours. The entire course should take about 40 hours over the course a school year.
Are the classes self-paced?
Yes, the program is self-paced. We provide a model schedule for students to complete the course over the course of one school year. We can also customize schedules based on individual needs.
Will my special needs child be able to take the course?
Yes, U.S. History for Expats can accomodate for most special needs students. In general, if your child is able to attend an international school or “school at post”, we will be able to provide similar services as a regular classroom teacher.
Will my Gifted & Talented child be challenged?
Yes, U.S. History for Expats has included material for Gifted & Talented students to be challenged at their ability level. Throughout the course we have included ‘spicy’ assignments for G&T/AAP students. In addition, U.S. History for Expats can provide differentiated assignments and tutoring on an individual basis in addition to the extensions already offered.
Can more than one child take a course?
Yes, we can provide courses for all your middle school children.
What do you provide parents?
Parents will receive a Program of Studies at the beginning of the course which provides details about each unit of the course. Gold and Platinum level parents receive progress reports at the end of each unit and other communication (depending on the level) at different points throughout the course. To learn more, please read the Terms of Service on the Parent page or Registration page.
How long does it take to enroll my child?
The enrollment process takes approximately 30 minutes if you need to create an email account for your child and about 15 minutes if your child already has an email account. Students can access the course immediately after enrollment.
Does my child need his/her own device?
Not necessarily. A student can use any computer, even a family computer, as long as he or she can log into a unique Google account. The computer needs to have a camera, microphone, and speaker.
When can my child enroll?
Right now! We have a rolling enrollment policy. If you are using the Supplementary Instruction Allowance, the courses should be completed before the summer break.
Will my child be working independently or with a group of other students?
Currently, all courses are independent. However, we have designed the units so students can work in groups to complete some of the Unit Organizer activities and Final Projects in groups. This will depend on a variety of factors such as location. Students will have an opportunity to work with others during our “Junto” meetings held each month.
What instructional materials does my child need?
All instructional materials and subscriptions to online services covered in each course are included. You will not incur any additional expenses with the exception of materials and technology needed to complete the final project in each unit. There will always be an option to complete an assignment without additional materials.
What if my child wants to complete more than one course in an academic year?
Please contact us. While one course per year is the norm, we can work individually with you and your child to ensure the best possible experience with our courses.
When can my child start the course?
Immediately upon completing the registration, you will receive a classroom code and instructions to begin the course. Your child will have access to the class resources and the first unit. If the student is taking U.S. History II or Civics and Economics, your child will also get access to the course boot camp. The boot camp includes skills from U.S. History I (for U.S. History II) or both U.S. History classes (for Civics and Economics) that the student will be expected to know. These may be skills and/or geography of the United States.
What if my country does not allow Google?
Unfortunately there are a few countries in the world that do not support Google or the Google Classroom. U.S. History for Expats is looking for ways to serve all overseas middle students in the future using other platforms or formats.
When does my child have to finish the course?
Each course closes on August 1 of the school year in which the course began. For example, for the 2022-2023 school year, all units must be completed by August 1, 2023.
TECHNOLOGY
What platform will my child use?
Students will use the Google platform including the Google Classroom, Google Drive and the suite of Google apps used in the course (docs, slides, sheets, etc.)
What if I don’t have a Google account, can my child still sign up?
Yes, if your child does not have a Google account, he or she can request an email from us using name@ushistoryforexpats.com. Google Classroom is designed to work best with a Google email.
What if my child is under the age of consent for the country I am living in?
Google and other providers have family plans that allow a parent to sign their child up for a protected email address. These will work for the class. To see more about emails, please go to the Registration page or download the Family Link app from Google and get started
SUPPLEMENTARY
INSTRUCTION
ALLOWANCE
Who decides if I get reimbursed?
The reimbursement is up to the discretion of the authorizing official (FMO) at each individual post. If you are unsure, it might be a good idea check with him/her before signing up. We can help. Please feel free to print out/copy our Letter for FMOs.
What is the supplementary Instruction Allowance?
The Supplementary Instruction Allowance, SIA, is an allowance provided by the U.S. Department of State to provide access to courses that would normally be taught to a student in the United States but are not possible due to being at a post outside the United States. Other agencies besides the Department of State that follow the Department of State Standardized Regulations for officers living outside the United States may be eligible for the SEA. Please check with your agency or send an email to find out more.
Where can I find more information on the SIA?
More information can be found on the FAQ page of the Office of Allowances.
Who is able to take advantage of the Supplementary Instruction Allowance?
“The Supplementary Instruction allowance provides an amount up to $4100 each school year in supplementary education [if] the child’s “school at post” does not provide academic instruction in areas such as… U.S. history and civics. “-US DSSR 274.12 & 276.9
How long will it take to get reimbursed?
You can expect to be reimbursed in approximately the same amount of time you would normally be reimbursed for other allowable expenses. You can turn the SEA in with your child’s “at post” school tuition using the SF-1190 form.
What happens if I don’t get reimbursed?
If you do not get reimbursed, U.S. History for Expats will provide a 100% reimbursement of the entire tuition cost. If you would still like your child to continue the course, we will be happy to discuss other options. You will need to provide written proof of the denial from your Foreign Management Officer, FMO, or authorizing officer in charge of reimbursing the education allowances.
Will this work for a DOD student at post?
You must get pre-approval. According to communication with an Education Specialist from DODEA, generally a child can take one U.S. History course during elementary school. Please refer to DODEA’s Payment Reimbursement page for more details. We are happy to communicate with an Education Specialist on your behalf.
COURSE PAYMENT
TERMS OF SERVICE
Where can I find the Terms of Service?
The Terms of Service can be found on the Parent page and the Registration page. When you complete the registration, U.S. History for Expats will send a signed copy for your records and reimbursement via an email invoice.
How much does each course cost?
Middle School: Each course is $1499. This includes access to all materials, unlimited teacher support, monthly “Junto” meetings, course completion certificate, final report and recommendation letter. After November 2022, all middle school courses are expected to be accredited with an official transcript.
High School: Each 0.5 semester course is $749. These courses are accredited, confer credit and official transcript. U.S. History for Expats will offer the courses for $199 for the Fall 2022 term. We expect to be accredited at the November meeting of the Middle States Association. We have been recommended for accreditation. The November meeting is the first opportunity to be officially accredited. We have a different option for parents wanting to 100% ensure accreditation in the Fall 2022 semsester.
Are there other options besides paying by credit card?
Yes, if you would like to pay via wire transfer (to a U.S. based Bank of America account) or by check, please complete the first two parts of the registration and contact us for bank information.
Will I get an invoice?
Yes, when you complete the registration, you will receive an email with an invoice.
What do I need to turn into my FMO?
If you are eligible for reimbursement, you will need to turn in a Supplementary Instruction Allowance information on your SF-1190 Form and a copy of U.S. History for Expats invoice. We can help! Just ask.