Transcript Having the Time of Your Life

Having the Time
of Your Life
in AMERICA !
Orientation Agenda
Let’s Get Comfortable! What to Expect this year
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Program Info
Student Safety
Student Support & Disciplinary Policies
Expectations & Adjustment
Roles & Responsibilities
Alumni Network & Multiplier Effect
Calendar of Activities & Wrap up
Program Information
• AYA Program Goals
• YES/FLEX Program Goals
Student Safety
Awareness & Prevention
 Student Safety Video
 Appropriate vs. Inappropriate behaviors & interactions
 Who to contact should you or a friend be in an unsafe
situation
 Local Coordinator
 AYA office or AYA Emergency Service
• 1-800-322-4678 or
• 1-800-926-2506
 Any trusted adult (guidance counselor, law
enforcement, parent of a friend)
 Department of State
 1-866-283-9090
 Insurance
 Covers required treatment by a physician,
confinement in an infirmary or hospital, services of
a nurse
 Does not cover dental work, eye exams, routine
physicals, sports exams, psychological treatment
 In-network physician; www.caremed-assistance.com
Rules & Expectations
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Zero Tolerance Rules:
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Must abide by all U.S. laws
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No drinking/drug use
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No driving
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Expulsion from school
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Travel Policy
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Family Rules
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Abide by all family rules including household
chores and curfews
Behavioral expectations
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Positive attitude towards school, family and
community
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Ask if you are unsure about a rule
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Think before you act
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Refrain from posting negative or inappropriate
comments on social media sites
Social Media
Circumstances that will result in disciplinary action:
• Inappropriate or passive aggressive comments
about the host family, the home or the placement in
general
• Culturally inappropriate posts, including derogatory
political cartoons, lewd posts or images containing
sexually explicit content and/or expletives
• Photographs of students in compromising
situations, where they appear to be drinking,
smoking or engaged in behavior unbecoming of an
exchange students
• Provocative photographs of students wearing
revealing clothing or engaged in displays of
affection
• Discovery of messages or posts revealing breach of
program rules
Disciplinary Policies
Disciplinary process
– Mediation
– Warning
– Probation
– Disqualification
Rules and Expectations
Host Family Changes
 Considered a last resort
 Expected to make a concerted effort
to adjust to your host family
 Not moved based on simple dislike
of your location, style of housing or
host family
 Unless there is a safety concern
you are expected to stay with your
assigned family
 You may not change families at will
or without permission from AYA
National office
 30 day rule
Effective Problem Solving
• Identify the problem
– Talk to HF or LC
• Choose a good time to talk
• Use “I” statements
• Listen to other point-ofview
• Explore a creative solution
Chain of Communication
Student
Local Coordinator
AYA Office
American Councils
Overseas Office
Natural Parents
Support Issues & Fears
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Feeling Homesick
Food
Making Friends
Dogs/Pets in the home
Religious Practices
Activity
• Expectations Worksheet
– Student Handbook
– What expectations do you
have about how your program
experience will be?
– How could these expectations
not be met?
Adaptation Process
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Honeymoon High
Culture Shock
Cultural Adjustment
Adaptation
Culture Shock
Symptoms of Culture Shock:
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No energy/exhausted
Anxious
Feel sick
Extreme homesickness
Crying for no reason
Extreme anger
Psychological disorientation
What can you do?
• Leave
• Deny or fight it
• Accept and talk about it
Expectations of your Host Family
• Majority of your HF’s are middle class
Americans who do not live in mansions
• Most AYA host families live in small
towns and rural areas
• Most families need to drive long
distances to get to
town/movies/shopping
• Share interests, customs and
information with HF
• Expect disagreements
• Don’t expect HF to entertain or
schedule trips for you
American Host Families
• Host families come in all shapes and
sizes
– Older parents with no children
– Single parents with children
– Larger families with young children
• All of your host families have one thing
in common:
– Chose to host you for free
– Volunteering to make you part of
their family
– Want to get to know you and about
your country
American Teenagers
Social Life
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Revolves around school activities and events
Weekend activities include hanging out with friends at the movies,
mall or a friend’s house with adult supervision
Aside from friends and school, American teenagers typically spend
their free time with their family
Household Responsibilities
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Chores
– American teenagers participate in household chores such as
doing the dishes, taking out the trash, sweeping, and in most
cases teens are expected to clean their own rooms and do
their own laundry
Curfew
– It is customary for American teens to have a set time that they
are expected to be home after an event or activity
– Examples include having a curfew of 9pm on the weekdays
and 10pm on the weekends
Reminder
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Although you are expected to abide by the same household rules
as other members of your host family, you are also responsible for
following ALL AYA Program Rules
Expectations for Communication
• Avoid frequent or excessive
communication with fellow
exchange students
• Limit time talking to friends
and family from home
Expectations for High School
• Peer pressure
• English & U.S. History
courses
• New hobbies and activities
• Homework & participation
• Grade assignment, diploma,
participation in sports or
graduation ceremonies is not
guaranteed
• Lunch time
• Ask for help
American Culture
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General attitude
– Independent
– Outspoken
– patriotic
Customs and Courtesies
– Greetings
– Personal space & eye contact
– Timeliness
Personal appearance/Hygiene
– Generally free to wear whatever
– Short pants and recreational clothing worn in
public
– Cleanliness
– Shower regularly
– Deodorant/Antiperspirant
Religion
– 95% American profess religious belief
– Various Christian churches across country
– Personal matter
– Understanding of different religious backgrounds
Cultural Iceberg
Adaptation Tips
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Say “please” and “thank you”
Homework
Ask for help
Language
Be aware
Suspend judgment
Relax
Become involved
Activity
• Rights V. Privileges
– Student Handbook
– What is a right?
– What is a privilege?
Responsibilities of Host Families
• Welcome student as a family member
• Provide students with own bed &
place to study
• Provide all meals
• Provide transportation to & from
school and religious services
• Help student adjust: school, language,
homesickness, culture shock
Your Responsibilities:
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Follow ALL AYA program rules
Maintain C+ average or better in all classes
Treat your Host Family with respect
– Respect rules for computer, curfew, homework,
dating, phone, meals, chores
Help with chores
– Clean up after yourself
Be involved with Host Family activities
– What about church?
Show appreciation
Community service
Attend enhancement activities
Manage monthly stipend
Fulfill YES/FLEX program goals and act in a positive
manner
Character, good judgment, ambition
Local Coordinator’s Role
 Select safe and suitable Host Families
 Enroll students in High School
 Supervise & support students
 Monthly contact with Students and
Host Families
 Submit monthly reports
 Provide emergency assistance
AYA Staff
• Grant Regional Director
– Mark Cavanagh ext. 5081
– [email protected]
• Grant Manager
– Lisa DeBeradinis ext. 5070
– [email protected]
Key Program Components
• Volunteerism/Community
Service
– 50 hours required
• Enhancement Activities
– Exposed to American society,
volunteerism, leadership and
diversity
– Reflection Form
Student Finances
• Monthly stipend
– $125 each month
– Social activities and personal
items
– Not allowed: Travel, clothing,
school lunch, sent home
• Incidentals allowance
– Assist with program related
expenses
– Must have receipts for
reimbursement
Student Opportunities
• International Education Week
(IEW)
• Better Understanding for a
Better World (BUBW)
• Civic Education Workshop
(CEW)
• Social Media and English
Teaching Workshops
• Global Youth Service Day
Multiplier Effect & Alumni Network
• Promote program
• Create mutual understand
and long last connections
• Media outreach, visits to
government offices, IEW
presentations
• Alumni Network
Stay Connected
• Participate in AYA contests
& Activities
• Stay connected with AYA
– Quarterly Surveys
– Connections
– LC of the Month
• Erin Sesil: [email protected]
• Current email addresses
Conclusion
• Calendar of Events
• Q&A
Make memories that last a
lifetime!