Expectation Worksheet

ETC Student Expectations Worksheet

How to be a Part of Our Family

This form serves as a guide for things expected by both the host family and student. Please take time to fill in all the details prior to your student’s arrival. Once your student is here, review and discuss the information with them. ETC encourages you to keep this document out and visible (possibly on the refrigerator), especially during the first few weeks. It should be reviewed and revised at least once a semester. Our goal is to prevent misunderstandings that are typically the result of a simple lack of communication or lack of information. The more details you include, the better!

**Please provide a signed copy to your Local Coordinator and keep your LC updated any time there are revisions so they can continue to support you. Thank you!

FOOD/MEALS

MEAL TIME EAT TOGETHER? Y/N Food Options Available/Who Prepares

Breakfast

*Lunch

Dinner

Snacks

NOTES:

*School Lunch: If the student chooses to purchase lunch at school, the student is responsible for paying for it. The approximate cost of purchasing lunch at school daily is________________________________________.

What is the school’s policy for paying for lunch (cash, online account, etc.)? ____________________________

Additional Information:

Where are we allowed to eat & drink, other than the kitchen or dining room?

Is the student allowed to cook in the kitchen? _

If yes, what are the guidelines for cooking (hours, cleanup, asking to use specific ingredients, etc.)? _________

Groceries:

Grocery shopping is typically done (please circle): daily - weekly - monthly - on a specific day ____________

Should student let family know when they are running low on certain items? If so, how? __________________

When student purchases specific items just for their own use (ex, protein shakes, candy, etc) where should these be kept? _____________________________________________________________________________

Medications:

It is not unusual for students to bring medications with them from their home country. Some may be prescription medicines and others are simple over-the-counter medicines. In the interest of everyone’s safety, it’s important that the family know about all these medications. Finding a safe place to store them, away from small children and pets is important, too. Please list those medications brought to the US below:

Name of Medication Used for:

If necessary, please continue to list any additional medicines on the back of this page.

Where should all these medications be kept? _

What is the school’s policy regarding taking medications to school? ______________________

TIMES & LIMITS

EVENT

When to wake up

When to go to bed

Time bedroom lights should be off

Time to be home (Curfew)

WEEKDAYS WEEKEND

Host Families – do you prefer to arrive early, late or on time for events?

School attendance is mandatory, and students must arrive on time for all classes.

PERSONAL CHORES & DAILY ROUTINES

List things here that the student is responsible for him/herself. (ie. Making their bed, cleaning their bathroom, cleaning up after a snack, putting their dishes in the dishwasher, etc.)

Students should also have at least one assigned chore, so that they can contribute and help in maintaining their home. (i.e. vacuuming, dusting, common area cleaning, taking out the trash, emptying the dishwasher, etc.)

Daily Responsibilities/Assigned Chores Weekly Responsibilities As needed

PERSONAL HYGIENE AND LAUNDRY

It’s important that students know what is expected in terms of showering and using deodorant as these may be cultural differences. Please show students how to use the appliances and how to wash clothes. You may need to show them more than once, as they may be learning this for the first time.

EXPECTATIONS:

How often should the student shower?

What are the time limits for showers & bathroom use? Any specific time of day for showers?

How often should the student use deodorant? Please help student purchase it, if it was not brought with him/her.

Who is responsible for washing student’s clothing?

What days/times are available for student to do laundry?

How often should bed sheets & towels be washed? And by whom?

Any further instructions about doing laundry in your home, such as how often dirty clothes should be washed:

CHURCH

We attend church (CIRCLE ONE): Yes No Sometimes

Reminder – Host Families cannot force students to attend church, but they can certainly invite them to go with them or allow them to go with friends.

TECHNOLOGY: Cell phones, laptops & social media

Communication with Natural Parents and friends from home is limited to one time a week for no more 60 minutes total. This includes all forms of communication (texting, social media messages,etc) *Terms of Participation #28

Rules around cell phones & social media

Appropriate times to use your phone (texting, internet, phone calls, & social media) Phone use should not interfere with family time.

Where are phones kept at night? ETC suggest all electronics be left outside the bedroom at night to ensure a good night’s sleep without interruptions Social Media posts limitations (ie: no location, no tagging, no photos with house #, etc).

Reminders:

EXPECTATIONS:

• Students should not visit websites that contain pornography, gambling or illegally download movies.

• For safety reasons, students should not communicate with strangers on Social Media or texts. Only become friends & communiciate on the internet with people you have actually met in person.

• Posts on Social Media should never speak negatively of the U.S., ETC, exchange program, friends or host family.

Any additional guidelines/rules regarding technology use:

ACTIVITIES, FRIENDS, & DATING

Activities should be communicated with the host family ahead of time. It is common in the US for families to require information about where you are, who you are with and what activities you are doing. Students and families need to determine in advance how transportation for sporting events, school activities, shopping, etc. will be managed.

Guidelines for going out with friends:

How far in advance should the student ask the family to go out? Is a same day notice okay?

What are the Host Family rules about riding with teen drivers? NOTE: There could be state laws regarding teen drivers & passengers. Is taking public transportation/using Ride Share Apps alone allowed?

NOTE: If so, student is responsible for the cost.

EXPECTATIONS:

It is normal in America for Host Families to want to know where the student is at all times for safety reasons. Often plans change and the student should notify a host parent immediately if that happens.

I understand _________ (Student’s Initials)

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Extracurricular Activities are a fun part of the exchange experience and a great way to make friends! Students should discuss their plans to join a sport or club with the host family before signing up to make sure the family can fit this into their schedule. A carpool with other parents or teens in enoucraged to make it easier on everyone. I understand (Student’s Initials)

ETC suggests discussing, coordinating and prioritizing everyone’s schedules and how transportation for events will be handled.

DATING: ETC’s top priority is maintaining student safety and security throughout the duration of the program. ETC highly discourages dating and encourages students to refrain from putting themselves in intimate situations.

Please confirm you read and understood. _____ _ _______ (Student’s Initials)

DRESS & PRIVACY

Americans may dress more modestly than other nationalities. As a culture, we value hygiene and practice privacy. Please clearly explain what is culturally appropriate in America and in your home.

CLOTHING TO BE WORN…

Around the house & after shower

What is appropriate swim attire, shorts length, skirt length and shirt length (crop tops)?

Clothing for School

Who controls the thermostat (temperature) of the home?

When should the student’s bedroom door be closed?

When should I knock?

WHO PAYS?

APPROPRIATE CLOTHING

*Review the school’s dress code policy to avoid any violations at school*

ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS

*Most families expect student to knock when a door is closed and should do the same regarding the student’s bedroom door*

Students are responsible for all personal items, school fees, school events, sports, clothing, entertainment, school lunches, personal public transportation (ie: bus & airfare), etc. Families are responsible for meals eaten in the home. Sometimes there are “gray areas” such as snacks, special request groceries and

eating out It is very important to make this clear as soon as your student arrives. If you choose “discuss each time” make sure this will not create an awkward situation. Don’t wait until you’re at the restaurant to discuss it.

Student’s US cell phone plan

Medical Copays & Sports Physicals

When we go out to eat

When we go to the movies

Admission fees

Special events/trips

Toiletries/Hygiene products (i.e. Shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste)

Special or additional groceries

Activities with friends or host siblings

Not Allowed X

Not Allowed X

**Vacation/travel expenses should be listed and approved on the Travel Form** If a travel form is not required, please discuss the cost to the student in advance, which usually includes meals, admission to events, souvenirs, etc.

FREE TIME

Free time is necessary for EVERYONE to relax and recharge, but it also looks different to everyone. Understanding what everyone does to relax, unwind and enjoy their free time can be helpful. The student and each family member should list their free time activities These may be things like reading, watching TV, playing video games, going for walks, etc. and can be done alone or with others. To add additional family members, please continue on to another page.

Student/Host Family Member’s Name:

Activity (may list more than one)

Prefer to be alone or with others around? Is this Allowed?

STUDENT’S HOPES/GOALS/EXPECTATIONS

Students, this is your chance to express your hopes, dreams, goals, and expectations for your exchange experience and to discuss with your host family freely. List what is realistic and attainable, (i.e. going to high school football games, going to prom, joining drama club, seeing local sites, etc.)

HOPES/GOALS/EXPECTATIONS YES! WE CAN WE WILL TRY NOT POSSIBLE

HOPES/GOALS/EXPECTATIONS (if hosting two) YES! WE CAN WE WILL TRY NOT POSSIBLE

FAMILY’S HOPES/GOALS/EXPECTATIONS

Just like above, describe what your family hopes to get out of this experience. (ie: learn more about the student’s culture, share your American culture, learn new recipes, play sports together, lifelong friend, etc.)

HOPES/GOALS/EXPECATIONS of the FAMILY STUDENT RESPONSE

Any additional family or cultural expectations that will help your student:

We agree to the expectations set forth in this Student Expectations Worksheet.

Student Name (Printed) Student Signature Date

Student Name (Printed) (If hosting two) Student Signature Date

Host Parent Name (Printed) Host Parent Signature Date

FUTURE REVIEWS/REVISIONS

Please review this often (at least once a semester) and use it as a working document as your family grows and navigates what works best. Always provide an updated copy to your LC for continued support.

REVISIONS