Student Handbook

Preparing for Your Journey

Dear ETC Exchange Student,

You have completed your application, your English language test and received your acceptance letter; now it’s time to get excited about your upcoming adventure! You will probably have a lot of questions, worries and excitement about your journey. Therefore, we encourage you to be open and honest in your communications with the agency in your home country. They will help you prepare for your stay in the USA and give you a Pre-Departure Orientation. You will review our program and sign a Pre-Departure Orientation form. Once you receive your placement letter from ETC and get your host family information, please contact your host family and determine with them the best arrival date (ETC prefers you to arrive about one week before the first day of school). Under no circumstances may you enter more than 30 days before your first day of school. Your host family will help prepare you for your arrival in many ways!

What to Bring with You;

It is important that you take the time to learn something about the area in which you will be staying. The United States is a vast country with many climates. As you already know, you will need to bring clothing and equipment suited to your new lifestyle. While packing for your journey, keep in mind that what you bring must also go back with you, so don’t bring more than you need. Shipping or checking luggage can be expensive, and in some cases, it might be less expensive to buy something once you’ve arrived.

Make sure that both host parents and your local coordinator are on the list of those authorized to pick you up if you are travelling as an “unaccompanied minor”.

Your agency should go over a list of what to BRING or PLAN TO BUY while here in the U.S. Please keep in mind items may vary depending on the weather in the region you are placed.

You should bring the following items in your hand-carried luggage:

•This Handbook with the name, address and phone number of the ETC main o ce and U.S. Department of State: Call 1-877-222-9803 if you miss your flight!

•The names, phone numbers, and address for your host family and your LC’s phone numbers.

•Your cell phone with the ability to call international

•Your passport with J-1 visa

•Your DS-2019 form, which must be folded inside your passport as you will have to present the original (not a copy) when going through immigration upon arrival in the US. If you forget your DS 2019, you will be issued a temporary thirty-day visa and will need to send a special form called the I-515 upon arrival to the State Department. (If you are missing an immigration document, please contact the ETC Portland o ce immediately.)

•Your airline ticket and travel itinerary

•Vaccination documentation, including any changes to your record since you applied. (You will need to pay for shots here if school records are not complete)

•An o cial translated copy of your most recent grades

•Spare eye glasses or contacts

•A copy of any prescription (medical or optical) that you need

•Letter of Explanation from your doctor in English for any prescriptions or over-the-counter medications.

•Visa/debit card & American dollars for emergencies

•Photos and information about your country; pictures of your family, home and friends

•A gift for your host family (optional, but a nice gesture)

•Note: Athletic eligibility or participation is not guaranteed. However, if you want to try out for a team, be sure to bring your medical exam report with you. If the school requires an additional examination, you must pay for it yourself; student insurance does not normally cover a physical exam for the purpose of sports participation.

Look at the climate where you will be living and pack appropriately, or plan to have your parents send you clothing you may need for the next season. Some schools have winter and spring formals (such as prom), so if you own a fancy dress or tuxedo, it might be less expensive to bring it or ship it to the US rather than buy one just for the dance.

International Education Week

Each November, there is a nationwide contest to share your culture with others in your school and community. A trip to a great American city is the first-place prize! If you can bring a traditional costume, music, dance instructions, maps, currency, recipes, photos, and other props from your home country, you will have a better chance of winning the contest. We encourage you to bring items from your home country for the contest, and to share your culture with others throughout the year!

Arrival Information/ Contacts

If you are issued an “I-515” upon entry, phone the ETC Portland office immediately. You have only 30 days before your visa expires. This happens if you forgot your DS 2019 form.

If you miss a connecting flight, talk to the closest airline attendant in the airport terminal to get on the next available flight and phone ETC at 1 (877) 222-9803 to tell us your new schedule. Be sure to leave a phone number where ETC or your LC can call you back if necessary. Phone your host family and coordinator to let them know you missed your flight.

Make sure to drink lots of water on the plane, as dehydration can make you feel sick and tired. Try to get some sleep so you are rested and prepared to meet your new family!

Your host family or local coordinator will greet you at the airport upon arrival. Your greeter will likely have a sign with your name on it to help you find them. You will be tired when you arrive, but in order to adjust to USA time immediately, try to stay awake until bedtime the first night. It will be much easier for you to adjust to the new time change if you can stay awake until bedtime the first day.

After you have arrived, your will receive an updated DS 2019 and visa cover letter with your actual program dates. These dates are based on your school end date and (the dates stamped on the visa in your passport are not usually correct) after your arrival. Keep your DS 2019 with your passport If you travel anywhere outside the U.S. you must email your original DS 2019 to the program manager to sign the travel validation section before you leave the country. If you do not, you will not be allowed to re-enter the U.S.! If you extend your stay at the end of your program you may remain ONLY up to 30 days after your last day of school. This extension must be approved by ETC and an extension form will be provided to a few months prior to the end of your program. After the program end date and before departure, students cannot leave and re-enter the United States (such as travel to Mexico or Canada).

Emergency Contact Information

ETC Portland Head Office:

Responsible Officer (RO): Alix Nathan, Director

Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO): Jocelyn Oswald, Program Manager

Address: 1029 SW Washington Street Portland, OR 97205

Telephone: (503) 222-9803

24-hour Toll Free: 1 (877) 222-9803

Email: info@edutrav.org

Website: www.edutrav.org

U.S. Department of State Contact Information:

Office of Private Sector Exchange (ECA/EC)

Address: SA-4E, 2430 E Street, NW Washington, DC 20037

Exchange Visitor Emergency Hotline: 1-866-283-9090

Exchange Visitor Program Email Address: jvisas@state.gov

National Human Trafficking Resource Center: 1-888-373-7888

Exchange Visitor Program Website: www.J1Visa.state.gov http://exchanges.state.gov/non-us/exchange-experience

Your First Days in the USA

It can be difficult immersing yourself in a new language, new family, and new home. Don’t be worried if you feel overwhelmed. You will probably miss your home and your family and friends. After your first call home to tell your mom and dad you’ve arrived safely, let them know you’ll be in touch once every week or two. Encourage them not to be in daily contact with you (even by email/texting or social media). The more time you spend getting to know your new family the easier it will be to adjust and the quicker you will feel at home!

The best way to adjust is to stay busy and active. Let yourself get excited about all the new things you will experience in the next year. If you find yourself upset or sad, share your feelings with your host family and ETC Local Coordinator. We are here to help you have the best experience possible!

Student Guidelines

Welcome to the ETC program. It is important to read these guidelines thoroughly and ask questions if you do not understand something.

ETC wants your stay in the USA to be a positive one, with happy memories to last a lifetime. As with any new adventure, there will be times when things do not seem as you initially expected. This handbook attempts to give you information about what to expect, how to deal with a variety of situations, and what your responsibilities are as an exchange student in a foreign country.

Your Local Coordinator (LC)

During your homestay, you will be assigned a Local Coordinator (LC). The LC will act as your advocate and advisor during the homestay program. Regular communication with your local coordinator is required. The LC is your first point of contact when you have concerns or don not know how to handle something in the United States. They will guide you through situations you face with your host family, school, friendships, and ETC procedures. If you ever feel that your LC is not offering you the support that you need, contact your Field Manager or the National Manager.

Here are some situations when you should call your LC:

•When you are having a problem with your host family

•When you are concerned about your progress in school or feel you need a tutor

•When you are experiencing homesickness or culture shock

•When you are sick, had an accident, or have been to the hospital

•When you are bursting with enthusiasm and need to share!

•Before you make travel plans

•If you are having money issues

Adjustment: What to Expect

There is a pattern of adjustment to life in a homestay that most students experience. Not all students go through each cycle nor will all students have this exact experience. However, this adjustment cycle is fairly typical, and it helps to know about it ahead of time.

The Student Adjustment Cycle

These stages are far from universal. Also, most students experience many of these stages at di erent times and to di erent degrees during their stay. Acknowledgment of these stages may help you to better understand some of the feelings a student may experience.

Cycle 1: “Iʼm really here!"

You have been getting ready for months and now you have finally arrived. Everything is a new and exciting adventure and you are the center of attention in your new family. This is the "honeymoon" period when you are anticipating the start of school.

Cycle 2: "Settling in"

Things have settled down to a normal routine. You are no longer going to new places. You are treated like one of the family members; you may have responsibilities that you never had at home. School may be more di cult than you had imagined. Your host family has rules, chores, curfews, etc., and you begin to wonder why you ever wanted to be an exchange student.

Cycle 3: "What am I doing here?" or the "Down period”

You may feel somewhat lonely, isolated, or homesick and depressed. You miss your friends and family and everything familiar.

Cycle

4: "I'll

be leaving my new country soon!"

Things are going much better. Your English has improved so that now you are thinking, and perhaps dreaming, in English. You are getting involved in activities and making friends. You have many things left to do before you go home, and you feel that your time is limited.

Cycle 5: "It's

time

to leave

my

new home"

You are now very comfortable physically and emotionally in your "home" and your departure will be di cult for you and your host family. You have many great memories and the idea of returning to your homeland leaves you sad and happy, anxious and excited, all at the same time. You wonder what it will be like to go back to your family and friends and if things will be the same as they were before you left.

You will experience many emotions and thoughts during your year abroad. We encourage you to reach out to your Host Family, Local Coordinator, or Field Manager whenever you need support or just want to share. ETC is here to help.

Culture Shock

Many students su er from culture shock when they first arrive in their host country. Some symptoms of culture shock are:

•Becoming shyer and quieter than usual

•Withdrawing into your room and feeling sad

•Feeling frustrated even in situations which are not new to you

•Becoming critical of your host country, making comparisons with your homeland

•Clinging to a host family member or friend instead of reaching out to others

•Feeling tired or ill all the time; stomachaches, change in appetite, and headaches are common

It is important to realize what is happening to you and to know that it is common for people in new surroundings to have some of these feelings. Remember that your host family and your LC are there to help you through these times. Most importantly, do something to help relieve these feelings, such as:

•Talking to your host family or ETC local coordinator about your feelings

•Getting involved in an activity such as volunteering or joining a club

•Exercising (this is one of the fastest ways to feel better)

•Doing something for someone else to distract you from your own worries or fears

•Thinking about all the wonderful experiences you will have during your stay

•Make a “My American Experience” scrapbook

These are some things which are usually not helpful:

•Communicating with family/friends back home every time you feel upset- it makes things worse and makes your family upset that they can't help you

•Shutting yourself in your room with music, pictures, letters, etc. from home

•Thinking about what you are missing at home while you are gone

Appreciate your host family

Your Host Family is NOT paid to host you. They are volunteers wishing to help promote international student exchange and cultural awareness. They are inviting you into their home and accepting you as a member of their family. There are many little things you can do to show them your respect and appreciation for hosting you such as:

•Remembering to say "Please," "Thank you," “You’re welcome”, and "May I?”

•Learning how your host family celebrates special occasions and holidays and join in the celebration—it’s great to share how you celebrate such in your home country.

•Making a calendar of your host family members' birthdays, anniversaries and other special days and recognizing them with a card or small gift.

•Showing appreciation toward your host family without being asked to do so. This can easily be done by saying “thank you.” It can also include occasionally doing something unexpected such

as: renting a movie; buying pizza; treating your host family to ice cream; o ering to wash the car; and weeding the garden. A thoughtful gesture can also be a homemade card that expresses your feelings.

•Keeping host family matters private. You should never discuss your host family's private a airs with friends or acquaintances. If you have a concern about your host family, talk to your LC or Field Manager.

•Remembering to do your chores without having to be asked.

Making Friends

Many students arrive at a homestay with the idea of making many lifelong friends in their host country. The students who accomplish this goal all have several things in common. They are the ones who talk to people every day; smile at their classmates; ask questions; participate in activities or sports teams; are interested in others; and are interesting to others. They are usually the first one to smile and talk. They do not worry too much about their language skills and talk to everyone (and their skills improve readily because of this).

A few things to remember about making friends:

•You are entering a situation where the people are already established in their friendships. You want to join the group.

•If you talk in your own language to exchange students from your own country, other students will feel left out and will leave you alone.

•Taking classes where you work in teams such as art and drama is a good way to meet people.

•"Hello, how are you?" is a common greeting in the United States, but it does not easily lead to further conversation. People are not considered rude when they say "fine" and keep on walking.

•Wearing earphones or head phones discourages communication. If you leave your iPod at home and leave your cellphone in your pocket when you are at school, you will make friends more quickly. (Many schools do not allow these items during class time anyway.)

•Start an International Club or give presentations in class to share your culture- this is a great way to meet new friends!

•Debate teams and Speech Clubs are wonderful for improving your speaking skills and making friends

Religion

Religious activities play an important role in the life of many families and individuals in the USA. Many host families like to share all aspects of their lives with you. While it is not mandatory to attend church activities with your family, it is often a good way to make friends and practice the language. Many host families will ask you to attend their church, synagogue or temple on a few occasions, but not regularly. If you choose not to participate, please respect and be tolerant of your host family's beliefs just as they are of yours.

Hygiene

It is important to know that people in the United States are very particular about personal hygiene and find body odor o ensive. Most people shower daily, wash their hair often, and use deodorant. They wash or clean their clothing often and change their underwear daily. They also brush their teeth at least twice a day. Girls and women usually shave their legs and underarm hair. In order to fit in at home, school and in the community, it is important for you to follow the hygiene customs of your host country.

Host Family Home

It is important to know that your host family as well as your host family home has been thoroughly screened and pre-approved for your placement prior to your arrival. There will likely be di erences in the living conditions of the home as compared with your home country. Your home houses a family and you should expect the conditions to reflect the family it houses. It is also important to understand that pests, insects and other wildlife exist throughout the United States and will occasionally be within or around a host family home. All concerns will be addressed and dealt with in a rational manner. For example, there is a distinct di erence between an insect infestation and one insect found within a host family home. Each student is expected to adapt to their host family home and surrounding area. Should you have a concern about your host family home, please inform your local coordinator and we will address it in a timely manner.

Health

Students must be aware that di erences in climate, living conditions and the stress associated with any major lifestyle change can lead to illness. It is important to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep while you are in your new country. This is extremely important in contributing to a successful homestay.

Please be aware that good eating habits are vital to good health. Some students develop a fondness for processed foods or “junk food” while in the homestay program. This contributes to weight gain and to lack of energy and vitality, as well as decreases your body’s ability to fight o illness. Eating a variety of foods and limiting the amount of junk food you eat will help keep you healthy. Even if you experience weight gain, when you return to your home country the excess weight typically disappears after a short time. If you become overly worried about what you eat, let your Local Coordinator or host family know.

Also, remember the reason you are here is to share cultures and to try new things. It’s very important to keep in mind that you should eat what your host family eats unless you have an allergic reaction to certain food items. If you are receiving food from your natural parents, it should be only on an occasional basis, and you should always o er to share with the host family. Your main source of nutrition should be at meals shared with the host family. Since food is such an important part of every culture, do your best to participate in the kitchen. You will learn a lot from going on a trip to the grocery store with your host parents!

Another serious subject related to your health is sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). There are many diseases which are spread through sexual contact, and STDs are a major health concern for the teen and adult population. STDs can have serious and detrimental e ects on a person’s health. They can be the cause of major medical, physical and emotional problems, including infertility and may even lead to death. STDs are spread by having sexual relations with an infected person, through contact with bodily fluids or direct contact with infected skin. STDs may cause few or no symptoms or the symptoms may disappear but the disease will remain in the body. The only certain way to avoid these diseases is to refrain from sexual intercourse and sexual contact.

Contact with Home

ETC strongly encourages you to limit your contact with friends and family members back home to a reasonable amount. It will be hard to settle into a new home, school and family. At times, you will wish to speak with someone who knows you well and speaks your native language. Be aware that while this may be comforting at first, once you hang up the phone or end your time online, you will probably end up missing your friends and family even more.

Of course, ETC wants you to be happy during your stay. If you are upset or need help, please let your LC or an ETC representative know. We will do everything we possibly can to help you feel better. Many ETC sta and volunteers have been exchange students, are experienced host parents, or have an international background and will understand what you are going through.

Contact Guidelines

While you are here, we want you to focus your time and energy on school, your host family and having a great time in the USA. Too much contact with your home country will be a distraction from your experience as an exchange student and may lead to serious homesickness. It’s okay to spend time with other foreign exchange students, but it must be in an environment where English is spoken. ETC students are limited to one hour of international phone time a week, including cell phone calls, texting, Skyping, etc.

If an ETC student lives with a family that allows them access to the internet or computer games, the ETC student is limited to thirty minutes of non-academic computer/internet time each day. This includes personal laptops, tablet computers, and smartphones. Abusing computer usage is a serious problem and students who spend too much time on the computer can receive disciplinary action. Host parents may set rules regarding computer usage as they see fit and will expect the student to adhere to ETC rules regarding such usage. These rules and guidelines have been developed with the help of previous students and host families and are in place to ensure a happy and successful stay with your host family.

Visits to or from family members or friends from home are not allowed until the end of the program when school has finished. This includes winter and spring holidays and if the visitor is in the US on business. If your parents are interested in visiting you, please ask them to wait until after the last day of school.

Finances

For many of you, this will be the first time you have had to be responsible for so many expenses. It can be di cult to budget your money wisely, so please ask your LC or an ETC sta member if you need help. Under no circumstances should you lend money to or borrow money from your host family. If you are running out of money or have trouble using a Debit/Credit card, you must contact your natural parents immediately. It may be required that they wire you money until the problem is resolved.

Here are some financial suggestions:

Credit/Debit Cards

Students are required to come to the USA with a credit card (Visa or MasterCard) and a debit card that they can use as a credit card or to withdraw cash (for monthly funds and emergency funds) from an ATM. This is often the easiest method to access money, as a student’s natural parents can deposit money in their account from their home county. If you come to the USA with a card, make sure that it can be used to withdraw cash. There will always be an occasion during your stay when you will need cash. Call your bank before you leave your country to let them know you will be overseas, or else they might think someone stole your card. Ask about any fees or limits and discuss with your natural and host parents how you should plan to access your money (such as getting cash from an ATM once a month). If you withdraw a large amount of cash from the ATM to minimize the fees you pay, do not keep a large amount of money in your wallet or bring extra money to school. It is not safe. You should talk with your host family to plan of where you can keep your money in a place that is safe and secure. Never give out your credit card number or debit card pin to anyone! If you make any purchases online with your credit card, delete your credit card information from the computer when you are done.

Employment

By law, exchange students may not have jobs other than casual labor. Mowing lawns, babysitting, or tutoring in your native language are some ways to earn money.

Budgeting

Please budget your money wisely. Before you come, discuss with your parents what a reasonable monthly allowance is and how you will receive these funds. Remember that the first and last months of your stay will be more expensive than the rest, as well as holiday times around December. A reasonable estimate of monthly expenses is $400. Also, keep emergency funds in the amount of $500 for things such as insurance copayments or insurance deductibles in your account at all times. Under no circumstances should you lend money to or borrow money from your host family members. Please do not join a cell phone or health club plan that extends beyond your program to get a cheaper rate. You are responsible for the following expenses:

Meals

Your host family will provide you with three meals a day, including a lunch you can take to school. If you want to buy lunch at school, you must pay that cost. If you require special foods that are not part of your host family's normal diet, you are responsible for their cost as well. Remember that it is often considered impolite not to share the host family’s meals. If you have dietary requirements or preferences, please discuss this issue with your LC. If you eat food or snacks from your native country, it must be on an occasional basis only. As an exchange student, you should be assimilating with US food and customs. If your natural family send you food and snacks, be sure to share it with your host family, or cook it together with them.

Entertainment

You are responsible for all entertainment expenses: movies, snacks, sports events, restaurant meals even if you are with your host family; school events, etc. An exception is if the host family explicitly says, "Our treat!” or “We want to pay for you.” However, this should never be an expectation and all students should have money with them at all times when out of the host family home.

Travel and Excursions

You are responsible for any costs associated with travel with the host family, school or ETC trips. This includes any changes you must make to your flights due to long layovers or overnight stays in airports which are not permitted by ETC.

Personal Items

You are responsible for items such as toothpaste, shampoo, makeup, deodorant and any personal hygiene products.

Clothing

You are responsible for all clothing, including winter jackets and boots if you need them. Please learn about the climate of your host city so you can pack appropriately, or plan to purchase any necessary items once you arrive. It is not acceptable to forgo needed winter items (such as jackets) because you do not want to spend money on them. Students must bring more than three outfits with them to the US or be prepared to purchase more clothing upon arrival in the US. Most Americans change their clothes each day and wash their clothing often and it is important that the students understand this custom.

School Expenses

You are responsible for all school expenses including class fees, quarterly fees, sports fees, yearbooks, dances, other special events and any other unforeseen fees. If you do not maintain passing grades, you must pay for tutoring which can cost from $50 per hour.

Transportation

A school bus service is usually available for transportation to and from school. Public transportation is not readily available and/or safe in many areas, so check with your host family’s availability before you get involved in after-school activities. Even if your host family is available to provide transportation to and from extracurricular activities, it’s a good idea to arrange a car pool with friends who are in the same club/team so the burden isn’t always on your host family. If your host family does take /pick you up from extracurricular activities, or makes special trips just for you, be sure to show regular appreciation for their kindness.

Phone Calls

You are responsible for your cell phone bill. ETC strongly encourages students to have cell phones with US phone numbers while in the program. Cell phones are useful for emergency purposes and daily contact with one’s host family and others. Like all other electronic devices, however, students are still required to abide by the ETC rules regarding contact with home as outlined above. Students should NOT sign any contracts for cell phones and only purchase the monthly “pay as you go” plans from retail or online stores such as Walmart (walmart.com) or otherwise. There are many a ordable unlimited talk and data plans available.

Students are FORBIDDEN to go on host family plans and “share” the family’s cell phone.

Miscellaneous

You are responsible for stamps, entertainment subscriptions, Apostille fees, etc.

Activities with your Local coordinator (LC)

Each month your LC will arrange an activity for the students in your area. Most activities that your coordinator plans will cost about ten or fifteen dollars per month. Students are expected to bring money with them in order to attend. The Department of State requires ETC to organize activities for students and we highly encourage you to take part in them. If you have difficulty attending the monthly activities, please contact your LC, FM or the National Manager.

Unexpected Expenses

Remember to plan ahead so that you have enough money. Some previous students have been surprised with the expense of the following activities:

•Sports: Many schools require the student to pay a sport activity fee in order to participate. This can cost about $150. Keep in mind that athletic participation is never guaranteed.

• Class Fees: Many schools require extra fees for classes such as art, band, or science labs. These fees can be from $25 to $65 per class. This may also include quarterly fees.

•Christmas/ Hanukkah: It is polite for you to buy a small gift (about $10 if you like) for each member of your host family during this holiday event.

•Prom: This is a big dance held in the spring at most high schools. Students wear fancy clothes, spend money on an expensive meal, and even sometimes rent a limousine. Depending on what you want to do, this can cost from $50 to $500.

•Graduation: Graduation is almost always NOT permitted with your school, but if you are graduating or allowed to join the ceremony, you will have to pay money for your cap, gown, certificate and other fees that may be involved, which is approximately $35 to $100.

•Tax: Remember that most areas have a sales tax added to the price marked on the goods. This can range from 6-15% depending on where you are and what you are purchasing. The states of Oregon, Delaware, and Montana have no sales tax.

•Insurance: Some insurance policies state that you must pay bills up to a certain amount then be reimbursed later. Be familiar with your insurance policy and keep an emergency fund of $500 available in case you need money for copayments and deductibles. Make arrangements with your parents about money before you start spending your emergency money. Most of the student travel and medical insurance will not cover pre-existing treatments, dental cleaning, eye care or prescription drugs. ETC-issued insurance requires students pay for prescriptions and then get reimbursed as well as a $50 co-pay for each visit to the doctor. The same applies to care given by out-of-network providers.

•Vaccinations: Vaccinations are not covered by insurance. If you need to receive a vaccination, you must pay for it with your own money.

Under no circumstances should you lend or borrow money from your host family members. Borrowing money from your host family or having a lack of funds in your account can lead to probation and program termination.

Sexual Abuse Reporting Guidelines

ETC is committed to protecting the safety and well-being of our students. Any sexual abuse, exploitation or harassment of our students will not be tolerated.

All students, coordinators and host family members are encouraged to report any sign of abuse immediately. The safety of our students is our first priority. Sexual abuse allegations are taken very seriously and will be reported immediately to the US State Department and local and state authorities as required by the US State Department regulations.

ETC students must not participate in any sexual contact or sexual activity while on the exchange visitor program. Dating of host family siblings and relatives is strictly forbidden. Statutory rape is sexual intercourse with a person who is considered a minor (below the age of consent) as defined by state law. The minor age/age of consent varies by each state but the majority of the states recognize 18 as the age at which a person becomes legally competent to consent to sexual intercourse. For example, in a state where 18 is the legal age of consent, an adult who has sexual relations with a 17-year-old can be charged and convicted of statutory rape, even if both partners are willing participants. If the accused is charged and tried in court, they can be convicted of statutory rape and go to jail. Statutory Rape is a serious crime in the United States. If you are a victim of statutory rape: you must report the crime to an ETC representative, local law enforcement agency, or child protective services agency immediately

Sexual Abuse

Refers to engaging in implicit or explicit sexual acts with a student, or forcing or encouraging a student to engage in implicit or explicit sexual acts alone or with another person of any age, of the same sex or opposite sex.

Sexual Harassment

Refers to sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. In some cases, sexual harassment precedes sexual abuse and is a technique used by sexual predators to desensitize or “groom” their victims.

Sexual

Abuse/Exploitation/Harassment includes but is not limited to:

•“Sexting”, or sending/receiving unwanted sexual electronic messages

•Engaging, encouraging or forcing a student to participate in sexual acts

•Sexual Advances

•Exposing a student to pornographic material

•Sexual jokes, references, or gossip

•Indecent exposure

If you are the victim of, or witness sexual abuse, exploitation, or harassment, you must immediately tell an adult. For example,

•A host parent or Local Coordinator

•Someone at the ETC office: 1-877-222-9803

•Local law enforcement agency or CPS

•A counselor or teacher at school

•If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Once the sexual abuse or allegation has been reported, ETC will provide the appropriate support to the student via local law enforcement and child protective services agencies.

A student will be removed immediately from a host family home where an allegation of abuse has been brought against one or more of the host family members. All communication with the host family must then cease, and any concerns or further allegations about the host family must be made in private to an ETC representative, law enforcement personnel, or child protective services agency.

Sextortion Crimes Affecting Secondary School Students:

We ask that you encourage exchange students to stay vigilant online and be aware of potential threats. Additionally, please advise students that if they encounter an incident of online exploitation or sextortion, they should cease all communication with the scammer/predator, refrain from sending money, and immediately contact their host parents, local coordinator, and sponsor for assistance.

More information can be found at http://Know2Protect.gov which is a national public awareness campaign developed by the Department of Homeland Security to educate and empower children, teens, parents, trusted adults, and policymakers to prevent and combat online CSEA; explain how to report online enticement and victimization; and offer response and support resources for victims and survivors of online child sexual exploitation and their supporters.

School Information

Registration

The Host Family and Local coordinator are expected to help the student register for school. There are two important US Department of State regulations to remember when the students register for school:

1.Students are required to enroll in English and US History classes.

2.Students are required to take a full schedule of regular classes (no ESL or “Bridge” classes). Early dismissal or late arrival is not allowed.

Graduation

Most US high schools will not allow exchange students to graduate or participate in the ceremony. The purpose of the ETC program is to expose students to American life for a semester/year, not to ensure that they graduate an American high school. ETC students are made aware of this in the ETC Terms of Participation. However, if a school o cial does invite an ETC student to participate in a graduation ceremony, they are permitted to attend.

What to take to Registration

1.Student application which contains health record, immunizations and transcripts

2.A list of recommended classes to take (subject to availability)

3.Information card for the counselor with the names, addresses, e-mail and phone numbers of the host family and LC. Please list the LC on the emergency numbers, but not in the first position.

The LC will be allowed to visit the student at school only if their name appears on the emergency card.

4.Student passport (J-1 visa included)

5.A host parent or LC needs to be present at registration

Proposed Classes for ETC Students

Students must arrive with su cient English skills to be able to function in regular classes. English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are not available to exchange students as a general rule and must not be requested by the program organizations, host family or student. ETC students are required to take English and US History as part of a full course load. Students often have the opportunity to take classes which may not be available in their home country. Please remember that many subjects (including arts, band, sports, etc.) charge a class fee. If the school counselor believes the student needs additional help, even if grades are “C” or higher, the student is responsible for paying for private English tutoring at their own expense. Tutoring can cost up to $50 per hour and ETC usually recommends four hours of tutorials per week if requested by a teacher or school o cial. Weekly tutoring reports are required to be fill out by the tutor and student each week until tutoring concludes.

Sports Programs

Athletic eligibility or participation is not guaranteed. ETC is an academic and cultural exchange program. Placements are not based on a student’s individual athletic abilities. If a state activities or athletics association allows, student may partake in sports provided that she or he makes the team, maintains good grades, pays the required sports fees, and is not on behavioral or other disciplinary probation with the school or exchange program.

Immunizations

As part of the registration process the school will check the student's immunization record (located in the student application). In some districts

the student will not be allowed to register unless the immunization records meet all of the required standards. If the student does not meet the standards, the registration will be halted. If the school requires an extra vaccination the host family or LC will need to take the student to a health clinic to receive the necessary vaccinations. The students are responsible for paying for additional immunizations, which are not covered by their health insurance. Contact your LC right away if the school informs you that your student is required to receive an additional vaccination. WRITTEN PERMISSION MUST BE RECEIVED FROM NATURAL PARENTS THROUGH THE SENDING ORGANIZATION PRIOR TO GETTING

STUDENT

IMMUNIZATIONS. If your school informs you that you need a vaccination, contact your LC right away.

Important Information About Attending College or Private High School in the United States

The purpose of the J-1 visitor program is to expose the exchange student to life in America and not to facilitate entrance into an American college. Students are welcome to visit schools and take their TOEFL exam while in the USA. However, the host family is not obligated to help with the transportation, research or preparation for US university or private high school admission. In addition, ETC cannot make any arrangements for a student to stay for a college program. Most ETC students who attend college in the USA have to return to their home country to process the required visa paperwork. Students must always keep in mind that their future plans must not distract them from their current program responsibilities.

A student has the option of applying for a visa extension of thirty (30) days after the last day of school. If the student does not apply for an extension, the SEVIS computer system automatically cancels the J-1 visa at the end of the ETC program. We remind all students to depart from the USA before their J-1 visa is terminated. Students may not remain in the country on an expired J-1 visa even if they are awaiting another visa. If caught, a student may be deported and not be allowed to return to the USA for several years, or at all.

Students who would like to transfer to a private school program on an F-1 visa may contact ETC’s sister organization PSE (Private School Exchange) at the Portland o ce: (503) 222-9803. Many private school deadlines are in winter, so interested students should apply early.

Tips for Students: The School Experience

Schools in the USA may be very different from your schools at home. Here are some important points to be aware of:

Exchange students in your school

Most schools will have several exchange students. You may have another ETC student in your school. ETC encourages you to make friends with American students and exchange students who are NOT from your home country. You are only allowed to speak English while at school and during ETC student activities and trips.

International Education Week (IEW)

International Education Week (IEW) is just before Thanksgiving in November. ETC asks students to contribute to their school by giving a presentation about their country. Check if your school has an “International Club” for Americans interested in foreign countries. If not, ask if you can start one to share your culture with others.

Attendance

All ETC students are required to attend every class, every day. If you are too sick to go to school, you must speak with your host family about missing class. You cannot miss school and stay at home without their permission. Local Coordinators should be informed if you miss more than 2 days of school.

Timeliness

You are also expected to be on time for every class. ETC does not tolerate excessive tardiness and may place you on a disciplinary document.

Attitude

You are an ambassador of your county. You are expected to represent yourself in this way when you are in class and on the school campus. Listen and follow the teacher’s instructions. Ask them for help when you do not understand something. Be respectful and dress in an appropriate manner at school.

Homework

Most American schools require daily homework assignments. This will be a big change for many of you who are not used to handing in assignments every day. ETC students must complete all required homework and class assignments. If you do not understand an assignment, you must ask a teacher for help.

Grades

All ETC students are required to have a “C” or above in every class. Students falling below a “C” may be required to pay for a private tutor until their grades improve or attend after-school tutoring provided by the school. Your Local Coordinator will help you find a private tutor.

Friends

The first few days at school are very important in your attempts to make friends. In general, Americans are quite friendly to newcomers. Be sure to smile. One easy way to start making friends is to ask people for help. If you can’t find your way to the gym or cafeteria, just ask someone. Then you can try to have a conversation with them, asking questions about school, the neighborhood, restaurants and so on. Although many Americans already have friends they have known for years, if you are friendly and talkative, you will find it is relatively easy to get to know them. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes in English.

Sports/Band/Other Activities

Most schools have extracurricular clubs and activities to join– there is something for everyone and while participation is not guaranteed, it’s one of the easiest ways to meet new people.

How to Make American FriendsTips from Actual ETC students!

1.Introduce yourself to your new teachers as an exchange student and have them introduce you to your classes.

2.Ask another student in your class about homework.

3.Make other students happy and ask them to hang out – “Let's go to a movie or go skateboarding!”

4.Ask another student if you did not understand what your teacher has said (your classmates are usually so kind!) Do not be afraid ask!

5.Introduce yourself by saying, "I am an exchange student!"

6.Always talk to other students because if you are quiet, they may think you do not want to talk. Eat lunch at the same table a few times and the teens sitting there will start talking to you.

7.Shake Hands like American teenagers!

8.Join a sports team!!

9.Join a club!!!

10.Say hello, be friendly, ask for help, joke with them, and SMILE!

11.Lose yourself! Try to talk about anything and forget the English you learned in the past…just talk!

12.Ask the other students any questions to start conversations. They are kind and will teach you!

13.Say nice things about your new friends, everybody likes that!

14.Register for fun classes and you will meet fun people!!

15.Don't wait for other teenagers to come to you- Go to them!

16.Talk about your country. 17.Be funny, talkative, easy going and don't be shy!

18.You should always smile!

School Checklist

Student Name School

I am enrolled in an U.S. History Class. If unavailable, name of replacement class and reason:

I am enrolled in an English Class

I have a full schedule-no late start/early leave; one or no Study Halls (Dept. of State Req.)

The school has been notified of any changes to HF/LC info on School Acceptance (Dept. of State Req.)

My counselor has been informed that if I fall below a C grade (usually 70% or 77%) in any class or if my teacher requests it, I have agreed to pay for 2-4 hours of private tutorials each week

My schedule is well-rounded (not too many of one type of class), and is challenging, but not “setting me up for failure” due to its di culty

If my counselor requests that I require ESL, ELL, or “Bridge” classes, I must first inform ETC at 503-222-9803 before finalizing my schedule

I understand the cuto dates and rules about changing my courses

I have listed my Host Parents as Primary Contacts and LC as Secondary Contact

My host parents, LC, and I have access to my online grade and attendance reports

Any travel request must be accompanied by School Administrator and Teacher Permission if missing school. ETC does not typically allow students to miss any school while on the J-1 visa for the purpose of travel.

After my last day of school, the date that grades are posted or an official transcript is available (needed for apostille) is:

If I leave before the above date, Apostillement may be unobtainable. I am personally responsible for obtaining necessary school documentation.

I am missing the following vaccinations: Deadline to get vaccinations:

If missing vaccinations, student must obtain and pay for them all before above deadline. WRITTEN PERMISSION MUST BE RECEIVED FROM THE NATURAL PARENTS THROUGH THE SENDING ORGANIZATION PRIOR TO GETTING STUDENT IMMUNIZATIONS.

ETC Rules for Students

It is important for both students and host families to thoroughly read and understand the ETC rules. These rules are devised to give everyone the foundation for a successful, safe and satisfying homestay experience.

Continuous failure by the exchange student to abide by any of the following regulations may result in the dismissal from the ETC program and termination of the J-1 visa.

1. I am applying to participate because I wish to be an exchange student, to improve my language skills, to learn about di erent cultures, and to share my culture with others. I understand that the purpose of the program is to participate in an academic and cultural exchange in another country.

2. If at any time during the application process or my participation in the exchange program ETC finds that I am participating against my will, my participation may be terminated.

3. I will provide complete, accurate and truthful information related to my application. If at any time during the application process or my participation in the exchange program ETC determines that I have provided false, inaccurate or misleading information (including any material omission of information) related to my application (including information related to physical and mental health and well-being), my participation may be terminated.

4. I will serve as an “Ambassador” of my country while abroad. I understand that as an Ambassador, ETC will hold me to a higher standard than host family members, schoolmates, or other program participants. I understand that it is a privilege to be an international exchange student and I will represent myself, and by extension ETC, in an honorable manner at all times. I understand that only students who demonstrate strong academic skills and maturity will be selected to participate in the ETC program.

5. Whether I am accepted into the program and where I am placed is at the sole discretion of ETC and the sending organization. I understand there are no guarantees made regarding the host family type or geographic location.

6. In addition to learning the language and customs of the United States, I am expected to make every e ort to adapt to American culture and lifestyle. I understand that there may be significant cultural, economic and lifestyle di erences between the United States and my home country including customs, values and acceptable behavior with regards to age and gender.

7. I will use my best e orts to adapt to any placement, regardless of the state, region, or urban/rural environment. I understand that I am expected to be RESPECTFUL AND TOLERANT of my host family regardless of their ethnicity, political views, religious practices or the size of the community in which they live.

8. I understand that host families represent a wide range of socio-economic levels, which may vary greatly from my own. Hosts may be married, single, retired, with children, or have no children at all. I agree that I will make every e ort to adjust to and become a member of the host family and community, including spending a reasonable amount of time with my family each day.

9. I also understand that American families may impose more restrictions on me as a teenager than my natural family or than is common in my country. This may include being required to ask permission to go places and return home by a designated hour (commonly known in America as a "curfew.") Curfews vary widely from family to family.

10. I understand that although some areas of the United States have well-developed systems of transportation (including buses and train-type light rail systems) that I can use, other parts of the country do not have any such transportation and I may have to rely on host family members, friends, a bicycle or walking to get to destinations outside the house. I understand that this may limit my mobility while on the program.

11. My host family is volunteering to host me without compensation or payment. I agree not compare my host family to other families, or to discuss their private financial, family or business matters with anyone outside of my host family.

12. I agree that I must try to resolve any conflicts with my host family with the help of my program coordinator through discussion and compromise. I understand that I cannot change host families and schools just because I want to and that changing host families is always a last resort, and that any such decisions will be at the discretion of ETC.

13. I understand that I will be with my assigned host family for the duration of the program unless their circumstances change or if the family is listed as a “temporary/welcome family”.

14. I agree to respect each member of the host family and follow their rules about curfew, dating, watching television, use of electronic devices, etc. I will do my best to initiate participation in family mealtimes, chores, and other family activities. I will place greater importance on time spent with my host family than with friends. I will also limit my time alone in an e ort to prevent culture shock, boredom or loneliness.

15. As a program participant, I understand that my use of e-mail, the Internet and social media must comply with the ETC Electronic Media, Internet and Social Networking Policy (attached).

16. Compliance with U.S. Laws: I understand that I am responsible for learning and obeying all local, state, and federal laws that may a ect me, including but not limited to, seat belt and bike helmet laws, loitering, curfew, and laws concerning the use of tobacco and/or smoking related products, alcohol and both illegal and prescription drugs. I also understand that stealing or “shoplifting” from a store is a very serious violation of the law. Shoplifters can be arrested, fined, and punished. These laws apply to all possible surroundings regardless of law involvement including but not limited to your host family home and school. For example, theft of any kind is grounds for immediate termination.

17. I understand that if I break any law, whether or not I am arrested, fined or otherwise legally punished, I may be immediately terminated from the program. I also understand that ETC is not responsible for securing legal counsel or other representation in any situation in which I am accused of violating a law.

18. Illegal Drugs: I agree that I will not possess, use, or be in the presence of others who are using illegal drugs. The possession, sale, or use of illegal drugs is considered a serious crime in the U.S., which can result in fines and jail or prison sentences. I understand that possession, sale, or use of illegal drugs is grounds for immediate dismissal from the program. Items include but are not limited to marijuana, cocaine, bath salts, salvia, ecstasy, prescription drugs/pain killers (i.e. improper use or possession of pills that were not prescribed for you) and any other mind and/or body altering substance. All these items are considered a forbidden substances by ETC and are grounds for immediate dismissal from the program.

19. Alcohol: The legal drinking age in every state in the U.S. is 21 years of age and as a result, it is a violation of the law for me to drink alcohol while participating in the program. I agree that I will not drink alcohol, even at my host family home, or attend gatherings where alcohol is served to people under the age of 21. This applies regardless of laws in my home country or what my natural parents permit. ETC students are forbidden to purchase, possess, or to drink alcohol, to be in any area of a bar or

restaurant where minors under the age of 21 are prohibited, or to be in a group of minors who are in the possession of alcohol, even if the student is not personally drinking. I understand that a violation of any aspect of this rule is grounds for immediate dismissal from the program.

20. Sexual Relations and Conduct: I agree that I will not engage in sexual relations with any individual, or participate in any sexual contact or sexual activity, including anyone who I am dating or with whom I am romantically involved with. A sexual relationship with anyone, whether or not a host family member, is strictly forbidden and is grounds for termination from the program. I understand that in the United States, it is a crime (called "statutory rape") to have sexual intercourse with a minor (the age of which varies depending on the state, and which is frequently younger than 18), even if both parties are willing participants in the sexual intercourse. If a person accused of statutory rape is convicted in a court of law, that person may go to jail or to prison. This ban on sexual relations means that even if I willingly participate in sexual relations with another person and that person becomes pregnant or I become pregnant, I will be terminated from the program. As it relates to host family members and their relatives, any student who is in a dating relationship or suspected of being in such a relationship, or who has an abnormally close relationship with such an individual is subject to removal from the host family and may be terminated from the program.

21. Smoking and Tobacco related Products: I will not purchase, use, or possess any tobacco and/or smoking related products (including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping cartridges, hookahs and smokeless tobacco), as the legal minimum age to purchase tobacco is 21 years of age. I understand that it is illegal in the U.S. to buy tobacco and/or smoking related products if I am under the age of 21. I understand that I may be terminated from the program if I buy, use, or possess tobacco and/or smoking related products.

22. Weapons: I agree that I will not possess, use, or purchase any item that can be used as a weapon, or an object which may reasonably be considered as an object used for some

form of aggression or intimidation. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to, guns (including air-projectile guns such as those used in paintball or other games), bows, arrows, knives, "brass knuckles", whips, swords, etc. I understand that the student medical and travel insurance does not cover accidents or injuries caused by a weapon or weapons used by me. I also understand that I am not allowed to participate in any type of hunting activity, even as an observer. I may be terminated from the program if I violate any aspect of this rule.

23. Operating Motorized Vehicles: I agree not to drive or otherwise operate any motorized vehicle (including motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, snowmobiles, jet skis, motorized boats) at any time while I am participating in the ETC program. I may be a passenger only in cars, trucks, vans, and buses. I may NOT be a passenger on motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, snowmobiles, jet skis and other high risk open vehicles. I understand that I may not take any driving classes, whether school-sponsored or private, or other classes designed for the purpose of learning how to operate a motorized vehicle. Driving or operating a motorized vehicle is strictly forbidden and is grounds for termination from the program.

24.Hitchhiking (Requesting/Accepting Rides in Vehicles from Strangers):

I understand that in many states and cities in the United States, asking a stranger for a ride in a motorized vehicle, often by using your thumb to indicate you want a ride (known as "hitchhiking"), is illegal. It also can be very dangerous. I will not accept rides in any vehicle or other form of transportation from someone I do not know, or attempt to secure a ride from someone I do not know. Hitchhiking is strictly forbidden and is grounds for termination from the program.

25. Visits from or with relatives/friends:

I understand that my family members and friends from my home country are not permitted to visit me in the United States during my participation in the program (even if that person resides in the U.S. or is visiting the U.S.) This prohibition is in place until I have fully completed my J-1 program (after the last and final day of school), and is in place during holidays or school vacations.

ETC reserves the right to terminate a student for violating any part of this rule.

26.Travel: Students may not go on trips without written permission from their natural parents and approval from ETC and the sending organization. I agree to seek written permission for trips from ETC; ETC will forward the request to my sending organization and natural parents. I also understand that I may not miss a scheduled school day or any part thereof, or travel alone without prior authorization. Unauthorized travel is grounds for program and visa termination, and early return to my home country.

a.It is the student’s responsibility to complete and turn in all travel requests to the ETC o ce and to obtain required travel documents, including visas.

b.Please see the Travel Section of the ETC Student Handbook for more information.

27. In accordance with the purpose of this program, I agree to use English with my friends regardless of where they are from. I will focus on developing my English skills by making American friends and strictly limiting the use of my native language at all times, including when I am using electronic communication devices and using the Internet.

28. My natural parents and I agree to use our best e orts (unless in the case of a true emergency) to limit contact with each other, our family members and home country friends/relatives to one time per week, and for no longer than one hour. We understand that the purpose of this rule is to maximize assimilation and adaptation into the U.S. and the exchange experience. This rule applies to all methods of communication, e.g. phone, internet, text messaging, Skype, IM, Facebook. ETC strongly encourages students to have cell phones with US phone numbers while in the program. Cell phones are useful for emergency purposes and daily contact with one’s host family and others. Like all other electronic devices, however, students are still required to abide by the ETC rules regarding contact with home as outlined above.

a.Students should NOT sign any contracts for cell phones and only purchase the monthly “pay as you go”

plans from retail or online stores such as Walmart (walmart.com) or otherwise. There are many a ordable unlimited talk and data plans available.

b.Students are FORBIDDEN to go on host family plans and “share” the family’s cell phone.

29. I will limit non-academic computer or other electronic device use to no more than thirty minutes total per day, including e-mailing, "surfing" the internet, and playing computer games. I understand that this time is not cumulative and cannot rollover to the next day. I also understand that this rule applies to all electronic communication devices including those that I own and/or bring to the U.S. from my home country. All electronic communications must comply with the ETC Electronic Media, Internet and Social Networking Policy. I agree that my personal social networking accounts must conform to the ETC Media, Internet and Social Networking Policy before I depart my home country and for the duration of my participation in the program.

30. I understand that my English language skills must be su cient for immediate enrollment at a high school in the area in which I will be placed. If the school at which I am scheduled to attend denies enrollment due to my lack of English skills, I will be subject to early program termination and repatriated. If I am enrolled, but my English is deemed insu cient to ensure success, I agree to pay for private tutorials. If I take the SLEP or ELTiS test (or equivalent English proficiency test) after arrival and the result is 10% or more below ETC’s minimum required score, I understand that I may be terminated from the program at that time.

31. I must attend school daily and be present and on time to each scheduled class unless I have a note from a treating health care provider or other legitimate excuse. I am solely responsible for being ready in time to arrive on schedule for school each morning. If I am expelled or suspended from school for breaking any school rule or for any other reason, I understand I am subject to dismissal from the ETC program. I also understand that excessive tardiness, skipping classes, unauthorized absences, poor grades, or poor behavior at school can lead to school

disciplinary action and are grounds for dismissal from the J-1 visa program.

32. I agree to take U.S. History and English as part of a regular, full course load and as part of the J-1 visa requirements. I understand I am not allowed to take English as a Second Language ("ESL") class in place of regular English classes.

33. I will accept the grade level and courses assigned to me and I will not push for a specific grade level or specific classes, even if the school in my home country requires them. I understand that the school may change my grade level at their own discretion with or without notice.

34. I understand this is an educational program and I must maintain a C grade or higher in every class, or pay for private tutoring in order to assist me in reaching this grade/level. I also understand that I will be responsible for the costs of any private tutoring classes, which may cost $50 or more per hour depending on the region. I understand that if my grades fall below a C, or if I am expelled or suspended from school, ETC reserves the right to terminate my visa.

35. I accept that American schools do not generally guarantee graduation, and I will not ask the school to allow me to graduate or receive a diploma. Furthermore, I will not request that my host family, school, or ETC facilitate entry to postsecondary institutions of learning.

36. I am responsible for obtaining and paying for Convalidations, Apostillements, or any other certified or notarized transcripts or documents. ETC is not responsible for facilitating this process unless I complete the correct processing forms, pay the processing fee and request the transcripts from my school (once available).

37. I will show respect for all ETC representatives and follow their instructions. I will contact the ETC local coordinator at least once per month during my stay in the U.S. I also agree to send my coordinator monthly reports with grades when they are due or requested, or provide my local coordinator access to the online portal to my school records, and to cooperate respectfully with him or her. I will participate in monthly activities arranged by my coordinator.

I understand that if I am uncooperative I may be subject to probation or program termination.

38. I will provide a doctor’s letter of explanation in English to accompany all prescription drugs, over the counter drugs (other than ibuprofen or acetaminophen), and herbal supplements that I bring with me to the U.S., or that are sent to me during my participation in the ETC program.

39. I will not participate in unsafe activities such as skydiving, hang gliding, or bungee jumping. I will confirm insurance coverage for any potentially dangerous activity. I will request approval for and will never take part alone in such sports as: snow sports (snowboarding, snow skiing, inner tubing, etc); hiking; swimming; boating; or other potentially dangerous pastimes. For all potentially dangerous activities that are allowed, all extra appropriate precautions will be taken such as wearing a seat belt, helmet, body gear, etc.

a.Some host families may have swimming pools or may frequent pools, lakes, or beaches that may or may not have life guards present. I will notify the sending organization, ETC, host family and other related parties in advance if I am unable to swim or lack su cient swimming skills.

40. I understand that most states in the United States require everyone traveling in a car to wear a seatbelt, and I will always wear a seatbelt when riding in a car. Failure to wear seatbelts can cause serious injury in the event of an accident.

41. I will not visit inappropriate venues such as pornographic shops, adult theaters, all-ages clubs, or drinking establishments, and that going to such venues is prohibited.

42. I understand that I must not make any “life-changing” decisions such as getting married or converting to a di erent religion. I am allowed to attend church and learn about religions while in the U.S. but I cannot "convert" or change my religion during my program participation.

43. I understand that ETC forbids tattooing and body piercing while on the program. I agree to

abide by ETC’s demand to remove any piercings that it deems unacceptable. I also understand that I cannot dye my hair an unnatural color while participating in the ETC program.

44. I understand that the J-1 visa ends on the last day of school at my school. I agree to return home within several days after the last day of school and no more than one week after school has ended. ETC will accept extension requests only for students in good standing with the host family, school, and ETC. If granted an extension and my insurance is not issued by ETC, I am responsible for obtaining su cient insurance coverage until my return to my home country. I understand that if I am granted a visa extension I must remain in the U.S. until my departure to my home country, and I cannot travel to Canada or Mexico or any other foreign destinations during this time period.

45. I promise to remain in school through my program end date. If I want to return to my home country earlier, I agree to complete a Voluntary Program Release form providing the reasons for my return, and flight information. I further understand that if I chose to return to my home country early, I may not receive credit for the semester I am terminating early from. Any credit given in this circumstance will be at the sole discretion of the school.

46. I understand that one of my natural parents must have a valid passport for emergency situations in which they are required to travel to the U.S. during the program.

47. Should a problem arise during the program that is not an emergency, I must make best e orts to first contact my ETC local coordinator or field manager in order to facilitate an e cient resolution to the problem. In the case of an emergency or hospitalization, I will contact my local coordinator and the ETC o ce as soon as practically possible.

48. I must have access to a minimum of USD $400 per month to meet expenses not covered in the program at all times during my participation in the program. School fees for books, sports, clubs, dances, lunches, and bus transportation are not covered. I also understand that I must have access to USD

$500.00 at the beginning and the end of my program to cover additional expenditure associated with arrival and departure. I understand that my host family is responsible for housing, minimal transportation, and three meals per day. I am responsible for all other expenses including, but not limited to: seasonal clothing; personal food and toiletry items; entertainment expenses and travel expenses while with the host family. I must also have USD $500.00 available in emergency funds for medical or other unexpected expenses.

49. The immunizations listed elsewhere in the student application are required by American schools. I agree to get all of these vaccinations prior to departure from my home country, or to obtain them at my cost immediately upon arrival in the U.S. in addition to any other vaccines or procedures required by the state or my school.

50. I understand that any pre-existing health condition will not be covered by the program insurance. If it becomes apparent after my arrival in the U.S. that I have previously undisclosed or undiscovered health issues, ETC reserves the right to end my program and terminate my J-1 visa. All pre-existing conditions must be disclosed to ETC and if approved as eligible for program consideration will require the advance purchase of su cient medical insurance that cannot be purchased after entry into the U.S. and will therefore require program termination if not acquired in advance. I am not allowed to use or take any prescription drugs from my home country or from the U.S. once in America without prior disclosure and approval by ETC. It is very important that my natural parents and I disclose of ALL previous mental and physical conditions and treatments that I have had before I enter the U.S. on the program.

51. I agree to pay for any medical expenses not covered by the program insurance. If required to pay before treatment, I understand that I will be responsible for such payment and I will have the money available. If ETC or my host family pays any medical bills I agree to reimburse them upon request, even after I have returned to my home country.

52.Health and Wellness: I agree to maintain balanced and normal physical and mental health while participating in the ETC program.

Behaviors which may result in immediate termination include but are not limited to; excessive sleeping and/or sleep deprivation, behaviors consistent with eating disorders such as binge eating or anorexia, rapid weight loss and/or gain and purging food after eating, acts of self-harm and/or self-mutilation including cutting. This includes but is not limited to avoidance of dangerous activities, such as challenges that might cause serious harm. Please refer to the Student Safety Handbook for more details.

53. I agree to pay any outstanding debts before I return to my home country. If ETC or my host family pays any such debts on my behalf, I agree to reimburse them upon request. I am responsible for paying for any property or other damage I may cause during my participation in the program.

54. I understand that I may not undertake any regular part-time or full-time employment while on the ETC program, including self-employment.

55. I understand that athletic eligibility or participation at my school or on a club is not guaranteed and is only allowed if authorized by state or local associations and approved in advance by ETC. Typically, eligibility status is not reviewed by state athletic associations until after a student has arrived in the USA, and the rules will vary depending on the state. Participation in extra-curricular activities is also not guaranteed. Any participant who requests to stay with a specific host family in a specific community and school (Direct Placement) may not be eligible for athletic participation in that school. The determination of athletic eligibility will be made by the school and state o ce of education or athletics. I understand that if I am approved to participate in an athletic program, ETC reserves the right to demand that I resign from the sport or activity or terminate me from the program if I violate any rule or regulation of the governing athletic body. I understand that the primary purpose of this program is cultural exchange and not athletics/sports.

56. I confirm that I have never been a participant in the F-1 (private school) or J-1 (public school) program in the United States.

57. No refund will be given if I cancel, withdraw, or am terminated from the program after the DS 2019 (J-1 visa form) has been issued.

58. It is the policy of ETC to provide equality of opportunity in education for all students. Accordingly, ETC does not practice or condone unlawful discrimination in any form against students or host families on the grounds of race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. Nor does ETC allow discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Discrimination based upon race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation is in violation of federal and state law and ETC’s policy, and will not be tolerated. ETC will respond promptly to all complaints of discrimination and retaliation. Violation of this policy can result in serious disciplinary action up to and including program termination or discharge for employees. Retaliation against any person complaining of discrimination is in violation of federal and state law and ETC policy, and will not be tolerated.

59.PROGRAM TERMINATION: I understand and agree that Education Travel & Culture, Inc. (ETC) reserves the right to terminate my program participation as the result of violating any of its rules and terms of participation. If terminated, the participant must depart the U.S. within 48 hours of the e ective date of termination. I further understand that if I am terminated from the program, I may not receive credit for the semester I am terminating early. Any credit given in this circumstance will be at the sole discretion of the school.

60. I understand and agree to comply with all of the above Terms. I also understand and agree that if ETC terminates my participation in the program, I am responsible for paying the full cost of my flight home and any other early return costs.

Rules #16-26 and #52 are very important. A student who does not adhere to these rules may be released from the program, be sent back to their home country, and have their visa revoked.

A failure to abide by rules #1-15 and 27-60 will mean that the student may be placed on probationary status in order to correct his/her behavior. If the student does not show immediate and continual improvement, the student may be dismissed from the program. Students will not be placed on probation for the same o ence twice! You only get one opportunity to correct your behavior.

***A student in the ETC program who is arrested for violation of any local, state, or federal laws will be sent home immediately. This can also a ect your status with immigration o cials and have a negative e ect on your ability to visit the country in the future.

ETC Electronic Media, Internet and Social Networking Policy

Responsibility for All Postings/Content

At all times while participating in the ETC program, students will be held responsible for the content of everything posted and linked to their profile on social media and networking sites, including statements, comments, photos and videos.

Safety-Related Issues

Further, students must refrain from any electronic, online or other activity that could compromise their safety or the safety and privacy of their host family or others. This includes communication or meeting with strangers, posting any information that could be used to identify their or their host family’s identity or location such as full name, address, phone number, bank and credit card information, et cetera. Use Common Sense.

Prohibited Communications

ETC strictly prohibits e-mails, text messages and other forms of electronic communications that are defamatory, obscene, o ensive, harassing or intimidating. This includes accessing, transmitting or displaying sexually oriented images, messages, jokes or cartoons. Similarly, images, messages, jokes or cartoons that are discriminatory or harassing based on age, religion, race, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, color and other legally protected classes also are strictly prohibited. This prohibition also specifically includes, but is not limited to, “sexting” (the act of sending sexually explicit text or images between cell phones or electronic devices) and “bullying.”

As a participant in the ETC program, students also are prohibited from soliciting others for commercial ventures, and religious or political causes. Students need to understand that U.S. laws are very strict in terms of harassing and o ensive behavior, sexually explicit conduct and bullying

of others and that they may face both monetary and criminal penalties for a violation of these laws. Additionally, such behavior may result in being expelled from the student’s American school, which usually will result in early termination from the ETC program.

Compliance with U.S. Copyright Laws

Students also must understand that the United States has strict copyright laws that protect computer software and programs from unauthorized use and/or copying. Therefore, students are urged to use caution when copying and/or transmitting any software program, documents, or other information protected by American copyright laws. Additionally, students should not accept copies of any software programs from others without making sure that they are in compliance with U.S. copyright laws. A violation of these laws may subject student to monetary penalties and/or time in jail or prison.

Students are also reminded that their e-mail and text messages may be read by someone other than the person(s) to whom they are sent, including disclosure to outside parties or agencies. Accordingly, students need to make sure that any message created, sent and/or forwarded is courteous, respectful and in full compliance with this policy.

Social Networking Policy

Can I talk about my host family, my schoolmates or other ETC program participants on my own time on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and other social media and online sites?

In the case of your host family, you are required at all times to treat all information about the family (financial, religious, internal family matters, etc.) strictly confidential which means that you cannot discuss these matters on any social medial or other online site.

“Friending” Strangers

Who you decide to “friend” on sites such as Facebook is up to you. Please understand, however, that it is unwise to accept or issue “friend” requests to people you do not know, even if they know someone in your host family or a school friend.

Use “Common Sense”

In addition to your confidentiality obligations as outlined in this policy, it’s just good common sense for students to keep certain topics confidential, and to show respect for others on topics that may be considered inflammatory such as politics and religion. And as noted above, for safety related reasons you should not share personal information online about you or your host family.

The Internet is a Public Space and Has a Long Memory

Even more than written statements in a newspaper, e-mail or letter, statements posted on social media and other online sites are fully public and can be viewed by anyone, anywhere, anytime. Classmates, teachers, coaches, potential employers, schools, representatives of the media – all of these people might view what you post even if you don’t intend for them to. For your own privacy and that of your host family, you should consider carefully how much detailed personal information linked to your name you want published on the Internet. You also should understand that search engines and other technologies make it almost impossible to erase or delete anything you have posted. Once you “put it out there,” it’s there to stay.

Inappropriate Statements and Comments and Application of Other Terms of Participation

The same rules apply to students’ use of social media and other online sites that apply to all ETC program participants concerning verbal, written and graphic statements and comments. As such, students must refrain from posting comments or material that may reasonably be construed as being

inappropriate, o ensive, insulting, demeaning, threatening, intimidating or abusive. In other words, all of the rules and guidelines contained throughout these Terms of Participation apply to students’ use of social media and other online participation.

Abide by the Law and Respect Copyright and Trademark Laws

You are expected to abide by all U.S. laws concerning posts, comments, statements and activities that you engage in online, including copyright and trademark laws. In general, this means before a student uses or reproduces any copyrighted text, photos, graphics, video or other material

that the students does not own, he/she must have permission from the company or person who owns the copyright or trademark rights to the material.

A violation of any aspect of this policy may result in a disciplinary procedure such as warning, probation and/or early termination from the Education Travel & Culture, Inc. (ETC) program.

Host Family Rules

Every Host Family will have unique household rules and expectations. ETC asks each host family to write down their rules, expectations, and basic family operations in order to give the student a clear idea of how the family functions and what the consequences are if the rules are not followed. If your host family does not give/discuss their expectations with you, please ask them what they are and be very certain that you understand them. Ask questions if something is not clear.

Here is a sample set of expectations for a typical American family:

1.Learn our name, address and phone number immediately.

2.We all live here together. You are a part of our family. We will treat you the same way that we treat our own children.

3.We are your parents for the time you are here. Please treat us the way you want to be treated.

4.American children share household chores with their parents. We must all do our share to keep the house looking nice. We must take care of our possessions and ourselves. We must help others as needed.

5.We must all use good manners in our home. "Please," "Thank you," "I'm sorry," "May I help you?" and good manners during meals and around each other are necessary.

6.Don’t bring your cell phone to dinner. Chew with your mouth closed, and say, “May I be excused?” before you leave. Take your dishes to the kitchen.

7.If you have a concern, a question, or you feel lonely, sad or happy, please talk to any of us. We are your family for the time you are with us, and we want to be part of your life and share the happy as well as the sad.

Here is a sample of everyday household rules for a typical American family:

1.Keep your room and bathroom clean.

2.Make your bed and pick up your things each day.

3.Clean your bathroom once a week.

4.Change your sheets regularly.

5.Do not take food into your bedroom.

6.Clean the trash can in your room and bathroom.

7.Make your own breakfast and lunch on school days. When you are finished, clean up after yourself. This means putting the food away, washing the dishes, cleaning the counters and cleaning up any other spills.

8.Whenever you cook or do a project, clean up after yourself afterwards.

9.Everyone takes turns doing chores. Please check to see what yours are and do them without having to be reminded.

10.To conserve, please turn o the lights, radios, etc. when they are not in use.

11.You will be responsible for your own laundry. Ask the host parents to show you how to use the washer and dryer.

General Responsibilities for Students

Students have responsibilities when joining a homestay program. It is important that you realize this before you leave your home country and that you be willing to accept these responsibilities once you arrive in your host country. The following areas need to be considered:

Responsibility to Your Home Country

You are an ambassador of your home country. You may be the only person from your country that your host family, their friends, your school sta and classmates, and the people in your community have ever met. It is important that you be an excellent representative of your country. Your actions and manners need to bring favorable reactions from those you encounter during your stay.

Responsibility to Your Host Family

Your host family is showing kindness and courage by inviting you to live with them for an extended period of time. Just as you are brave for coming into a totally new and di erent situation, they are brave for their willingness to host a teenager with a di erent background, culture and customs. This may be the first time they have lived with a teenager. It is your responsibility to fit into the lifestyle of your host family. Do not expect them to change their ways of doing things to be more like what you have at home. If there are changes to be made, you are the one who needs to make them. Families host mainly for a learning experience. It is important for you to come prepared to share your country and culture with your host families and friends. Please bring pictures, examples of arts/crafts from your home country, recipes of your favorite dish, or music that is popular with teens from your country.

Responsibility to Your School

Students are required to maintain passing grades in their classes. Host families are encouraged to provide support in this area and to report immediately to the local coordinator if the student is experiencing di culty maintaining acceptable grades. Schools are not required to accept exchange students. They do so as a further educational experience for their students. It is vital that you come prepared to "give back" to your school and community by sharing your country in history or current events classes; giving demonstrations at elementary schools; participating in a panel with other exchange students; starting or joining the international club at your school; or speaking at community clubs. Do not wait to be asked to do these things -volunteer to be part of them. ETC Exchange Students are eligible to win a prize if they give the “Best Presentation” about their home country during International Education Week in

November. By making a traditional dish for your classmates, teaching a folk dance, or dressing up in a traditional costume, you are more likely to win first place! Bring as many items as you can from your home country to enhance your presentation. It is very important that you spend your time during your homestay joining in activities in your host school and community. There is a real temptation to find other students from your home country and do everything with them. When you do this, the normal inclination is to speak in your native language. This excludes everyone else and soon other students will give up trying to make friends with you. We encourage you to send in photographs of activities you participate in so we can publish them in our online ETC Newsletter! Any time you have an achievement you want to share, send a note to your ETC Field Manager. Our newsletter is shared with overseas partners, host families, and other exchange students and LCs. Students usually state that one reason for coming on a homestay is to improve their English. The best way to improve your English is to practice. No one will fault you if you make a mistake in English; rather they will think you're very brave to be able to do as well as you do.

Responsibility to Your Coordinator

Local coordinators are the student’s main contact person while they are here. LCs call and visit with host families and students on a regular basis to evaluate the student's performance in school and their behavior at home. LCs also plan activities for the students each month, which the students are expected to attend. Your LC is there to help you, so make sure you make time regularly to talk or visit with them. If you have questions

relating to your relationship with your LC, please phone the ETC o ce or discuss it with your Field Manager.

Responsibility to Complete the Monthly Reports

The US Department of State requires local coordinators to have monthly contact with foreign students attending public schools. Every month, the LC will complete a progress report. For the first part of the report, your LC will ask you and your host family how things are going at home and at school. This is the time to tell your LC if you are having any issues with your host family or school.

For the second part of the report, the LC or HF will access the online portal with your grades and attendance OR you, the student, will take the ETC

grade report sheet to your teachers who will fill in your grade for each class, along with comments. Students are required to submit the grade report every month, even if near the end of a school grading period. If your school provides access to grades online then you may print out these grades or give your LC permission to access them. You must turn your grade report in to your LC by the 25th of each month.

Monthly Contact Forms are reviewed by the US Department of State each year. Please do your part to ensure that ETC remains in compliance with the regulations, understanding that this is a US Government, not an ETC rule. Students who do not assist with the timely completion of the report can be placed on disciplinary probation.

Students must notify ETC within ten calendar days of any changes in his or her telephone number, e-mail address, actual and current U.S. address (i.e. physical residence), and site of activity (school).

Please note: Local coordinators need to ask all MCF questions VOICE TO VOICE or FACE TO FACE. No texts or messaging of any kind should be used to obtain this information with both HF and students.

Conflict Resolution

In this program, we are bringing together two very di erent participants: an American host family and a foreign high school student. It is our hope that the student and host family (HF) will spend the duration of the program together and will feel a great deal of success at the conclusion of the program. Occasionally, the relationship between the host family and the student does not work out. A series of steps will be implemented by the LC/FM to attempt to resolve the conflict. If this fails, ETC may decide that the di erences are irreconcilable and recommend that the student be moved to another family. This does not mean that anyone was at fault. It simply means that the combination of personalities did not work.

Important Tips for Host Families and Students

•Good communication between the student and host family is critical.

• Get all the facts before forming opinions. Things are not always as they seem.

•Remember to avoid blaming language when discussing the problem.

• Inform your local coordinator of the problem and utilize their skills in gathering information and mediating the problem between all parties.

•Try to resolve the issue (s). We only move students when there is no other solution.

•If the problem becomes too difficult or if you need advice or support, call your LC. If your LC cannot be reached, contact the Field Manager.

ETC Conflict Procedure

1.If the student is experiencing a behavior problem, the natural family is not the first contact. Rather, the LC should attempt to resolve the issue. The LC should also notify their FM and the FD. Every attempt possible should be made to mediate and resolve the conflicts that have occurred. A student will be clearly advised on the behavioral changes they are required to successfully continue the Exchange Visitor program, and in most cases a Letter of Encouragement or a Positive Action Plan (PAP) will be given to assist the student in making those changes. The student’s SO will also be notified.

2.If every attempt to reconcile the student and host family fails, the LC will be responsible for finding a new family for the student.

3.If the student continues to have a behavior problem after a period of time on the PAP, they may be placed on Probation and the SO will be informed that there is a chance the student may be terminated from the program. ETC does not usually place students on probation for the same behavior twice. If the student’s behavior improves for a short time after the probationary period, but then relapses, the student may be dismissed from the program.

4.If a student is dismissed from the program, the ETC o ce will inform the student and host family of this decision and issue a Termination Letter. Normally, the LC will withdraw the student from school the same day. ETC administrators will terminate the visa and communicate with the Sending Organization, who will in turn tell the student’s natural family. The US Department of State requires the student to leave the United States immediately.

5.The LC and host family should not contact the sending organization or natural family abroad to discuss the situation with them. Only the ETC Administration Team may do this after discussing the situation with all parties involved.

6.The above procedures are set up to deal with extreme circumstances. In the event that these steps are necessary, it is our intention to o er guidance and support to both the student and the host family during this di cult time.

If any member of a host family has had allegations of abuse brought against them, the student will be removed from the home immediately and permanently.

Students: What Happens When Moving to a New Family?

•ETC sends a message to your agency back home with the new host family information.

•When it is time to move, thank the family in person. Be polite and know that perhaps that family might be a great fit for a future student. It’s important to leave on good terms.

•Send a thank-you note through the mail expressing your gratitude (unless you have been told to cease communication with the host family).

•Do not say, write, email, or put information on Facebook (or any other networking site) anything negative about your previous family. If someone asks you why you moved, just say, “It’s personal”. You don’t have to explain. Saying or writing negative things can lead to a “libel suit” against you, your natural family, your Sending Organization, and ETC.

•If you still have problems about anything having to do with your previous family after you have moved, please discuss with your LC or an ETC representative.

•Do your best to fit in with each host family. Every family has its own set of rules, which you must abide by. Houses may be larger or smaller. Chores may di er. Your job is to adapt to the new family, and let the coordinator know if you are experiencing di culty.

•If you have a Positive Action Plan or Probation in place, remember that it is still in e ect in your new family.

As Student Ambassador, your responsibility is to teach each host family member about your country, and to do your best to ensure a positive, memorable experience. You may be the only person from your country the host family members get to meet!

Student Travel

While ETC offers a few trips during the school year, it is not primarily a travel program. The purpose of the program is to excel in relationships with your host family and school. ETC will only permit travel when it has been determined to enhance the educational and cultural experience of the students. ETC has the right to refuse any travel request and any student who travels without the written permission of ETC will face automatic termination from the program.

US Department of State Regulations require that students arrive no sooner than 30 days before School Start Date and stay no longer than 30 days past School End Date (with Program Extension).

IMPORTANT: ETC Program Policy states that visits with the natural family or friends from their home country, even during holidays, are prohibited before the last day of school and will result in Program Termination.

Travel Deadlines: 4 weeks for Canada/Mexico; 3 weeks for domestic travel

The host family/student sends the Permission to Travel Request in ZAPP . ETC will review and if approved will send it to the foreign partner for permission from natural parents. All travel requests should be submitted in ZAPP at least three weeks prior to the Travel Deadlines: 4 weeks for Canada/Mexico; 3 weeks for domestic travel departure date. International travel requires the DS 2019 to be emailed to the program manager via email four weeks before departure. Any travel causing a student to miss more than 3 days of school may require teacher authorization. Never book travel before ETC Permission is granted

Changes to Travel Requests

Students and host families must report any changes immediately to the local coordinator.

International Travel (Includes Canada and Mexico)

ETC discourages international travel. ETC IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR VISA ISSUANCE OR ISSUES THAT MAY ARISE DURING INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL.

Travel to Mexico must be pre-approved by the Program Manager. If a student wishes to travel internationally, the DS-2019 must first be emailed to the program manager four weeks ahead of the travel date. The student must carry the signed DS- 2019 form during the trip.

It is the responsibility of the student to contact the appropriate consulates and gather information regarding entry/exit of the desired country of travel. Students have been refused entry into the country of destination, held overnight at a detention facility, then sent back to the United States with the host family, forgoing their entire vacation. For a preliminary review of travel documentation, one website we have found helpful is www.visahq.com/citizens/. On this website, the student enters the country of destination and his country of citizenship and the website will show the visa requirements. However, we urge you not to rely on this website alone. Even with proper documentation, students with J-I visa status are not guaranteed the right to re-enter the United States. ETC has no influence over the student’s exit/entrance of the United States. If a student is refused re-entry into the United States, then they will be deported to their home country. Students are responsible for contacting the consulates to find out if they need to obtain a travel visa. Students are not allowed to travel outside of the US (such as to Mexico or Canada) during 30-day extension period as they will not be able to re-enter the US.

Accompanied Travel

Accompanied Travel is defined as any travel, from start to finish, that occurs in the presence of a mature adult who is over 21. The adult must have a background check if staying overnight with the student. If a student is travelling to a destination alone or with others under age 21, it is considered unaccompanied travel.

Unaccompanied travel

Unaccompanied Travel is defined as any travel that will occur, in any part, without the presence of a person over the age of 21. ETC discourages unaccompanied travel, and any unaccompanied travel must be pre-approved by the Director.

Host Family Travel without a student:

Students are not permitted to stay home alone OVERNIGHT for any reason. Any host family travel or situation where a student needs temporary

housing must be discussed with the local coordinator prior to the host family’s travel plans. The local coordinator can assist finding temporary housing for the student if needed. Any temporary housing will require ETC is given the names and information of individuals so that we can provide full screening including criminal background checks for any adult over the age of 18 staying with the student as well as full name(s), dates and addresses of the student’s whereabouts for the duration of the stay.

Travel Documentation Procedure

Follow these steps and send the form to the ETC Portland office (not natural parents or SO):

1. Determine whether your travel is ‘Accompanied’, ‘Unaccompanied’, or ‘International’.

2.Submit the Permission to Travel Request in ZAPP at least 3-4 weeks before your travel date. For international with your host family, check visa requirements and email the DS-2019 form to the program manager **even for travel to Mexico/ Canada.

3. If you are requesting to travel with an adult other than your host parents, ETC will require that the traveling adult members are screened through criminal background checks.

4. The student will need to submit the Permission to Travel Request (PTR) in ZAPP with a detailed itinerary with phone numbers and addresses of where they will be staying.

5. ETC reserves the right to request an instructor permission to travel form for those students who will be missing school as a result of their travel plans.

6. If ETC approves the trip, we will submit the form to the student’s overseas sending organization via ZAPP.

7. If the overseas agency and the student’s natural parents approve the travel request, then ETC will approve the request and it will be visible to all parties in ZAPP

8. The student and host family should inform the LC of any changes to the travel itinerary. The LC is responsible for notifying the ETC of any changes. The LC is also responsible for confirming the student's r eturn on the appropriate date.

9.Family and friends from home may not visit before your program end date. Doing so will result in Program Termination.

10.Always carry your ETC ID card and Insurance card with you. Your host family or guardian should keep the Medical Release form with them during the trip.

Please note that no students are permitted to book flights for ETC trips which will cause them to have unnecessarily long layovers or layovers that will force the student to spend the night in an airport. If you need assistance booking a flight or have questions about if a flight will be approved, please contact ETC at support@edutrav.org

If a student books a flight which causes them to have unnecessarily long layovers (6 hours or longer) or layovers that will force the student to spend the night in an airport, the student will be required to rebook their flight at the student’s own cost. ETC will not be responsible for paying any change fees or additional booking fees due to the student’s error.

Insurance

All ETC students have a travel medical insurance policy. These policies will cover any non pre-existing medical conditions that arise during their stay. Host parents or student should always phone the insurance company to ensure coverage and to find a provider that is within the network so the student does not have to pay out of pocket and then get reimbursed. Call 503-222-9803 if the Insurance says something is not covered after an accident. Dental work and ophthalmology services are covered on an emergency basis only. Pre-existing conditions, school sports physicals, regular optical care, regular dental or orthodontic care, immunizations, and high-risk adventure activities are generally not covered by insurance. Host families should always carry a copy of the insurance card and Medical Release when traveling.

Insurance Procedure

We kindly ask that Students, Host Families and Local Coordinators follow these steps to facilitate payment for each provider (doctor/ER/ambulance /radiology/lab), for each visit:

1.If you have not downloaded a list of in-network providers near you, call insurance and go to in-network provider. Get Claim Number if provided by insurance.

2.If the insurance company tells you there is no “network of providers” you must still get pre-approval from insurance for the procedure.

3.Student pays out of pocket if:

a.Not pre-approved or outside the scope of coverage

b.Pre-existing condition

c.if policy states something is covered and Insurance says it is not covered, call Jocelyn Oswald at the ETC Portland o ce on (503) 222-9803

4. Very important: give insurance card (not the ETC Student Photo ID) to Provider. Make sure all billing o ces get a copy of the card and phone Insurance.

5.Before leaving the o ce, try to get the following:

a.Name and phone of representative for each billing o ce (eg. doctor/ ER/ ambulance/ radiology/ lab)

b.Confirmation whether each o ce will bill Insurance directly and the name of Insurance Representative they spoke with

c.Claim number/reference number if not previously available d.If Provider not billing Insurance, keep original receipt and Diagnosis to send in with Claim

6.If Provider requires up-front payment, ask student to pay with personal credit card. Student completes Claim for reimbursement.

a.If student credit card funds are insu cient, do not pay. Call Jocelyn Oswald. Natural parents can reimburse ETC through Sending Organization if necessary

7.ETC Coordinator is the first point of contact to help Student/HF complete and mail Claim to Insurance for reimbursement

8.For insurance issued by Sending Organization, Student should contact Sending Organization representative to help with Claim if LC can’t help. Host Families and Coordinators do not contact Sending Organization

9.Call Jocelyn if the above procedure is not working or HF getting bills after student leaves

Insurance Cards

All students are provided with insurance information and ETC ID cards prior to their departure from their home country. The ID card is on the last page of the Placement Confirmation Form (PCF) in Zapp. The ID cards will also be provided the students via email as part of the visa cover email from Zapp after arrival. Students must print out their ID cards if they were not provided by their sending agency. Students must always keep their ID cards with them (in their wallets) as they contain very important contact information for the host family, LC, and other numbers to call in case of an emergency The ID card also includes the insurance information.Within the first few weeks of arrival, the student should access the insurance web site or phone their insurance company’s phone number to obtain a list of local doctors within their insurance network. Any time an insurance card is lost, please contact ETC. A copy of the student’s insurance card is also on the student’s application Host families should never pay for student deductibles or medical care. If you receive a bill, please forward it to your LC, and the head office at <info@edutrav.org>. Students must confirm all medical claims have been filed before returning to their home country. Host families should never sign any documents regarding medical payment responsibilities, especially ones that infer they are responsible for all medical fees. If a clinic or hospital is requiring this signature in order to treat the student, please contact ETC.

ETC Issued Insurance

Students with ETC issued insurance will be provided with the policy information prior to the start of their program. The host families will also be provided with this information prior to the arrival of their student.

Insurance Claims

If there are insurance-related questions, or if the host family receives any bills after the student has gone home, they should phone the main office as soon as possible at 1-877-222-9803. No host family should ever be burdened with a student’s medical expense!

Students should always be aware of their responsibility to pay the deductible if applicable. They should also understand the specifics of the policy and have their insurance card in hand before departure from their home country if

Preparing for the Return Home

All students are expected to depart for their native country no later than a few days after their last day of school. If Extending Stay, file Permission to Extend Stay Up to 30 Days Past School End date form (Appendix C) with Regional Office before arranging return flight.

Permission to Extend Stay up to 30 Days:

The ETC program o cially ends for students on the last day of school. This is the case even if your original DS 2019 or passport shows a di erent date. All visas/health insurance will expire on this day and all students must return to their home country unless arranged in advance. ETC host families are asked to host only for a few days after the last day of school. The host family should not feel any obligation to extend their hosting commitment.

To extend their stay, students must do the following before arranging their return flight and at least 30 days before their last day of school.

1.The student must discuss their plans with Host Parents and Natural Parents for their extended stay. If they will not be traveling, they must ask permission of the host family to remain in their home. If it is not OK with the host family, they must find an alternate place to stay or return to the home country. If extending stay, obtain all signatures before finalizing your return flight plans.

2.Complete and submit the “Permission to Extend Stay up to 30 Days After Last Day after SEVIS and School End Date & Program Release”. The student must be in good standing in the program, pay o all medical and other bills, and contact the main o ce to find out the last date they can stay in the country. This is not shown on the original DS 2019 form or in the Student’s Passport. This form must be submitted to ETC 30 days before the end of the program. There is no grace period for this deadline. Please note that ETC cannot facilitate travel outside the U.S.

3.After the Extend Stay has been approved through the ETC o ce, the travel plans will be changed by the overseas partner.

4.When the correct Return Flight Information has been confirmed, the Insurance Extension is a ected, and new Insurance End date sent to student. ETC does not charge for an insurance extension, but if you got insurance through the foreign agency, they may charge. The student should check with your insurance provider.

5.All student visas are voided on the Program End Date (the last day of school). The only way to receive an extension is to complete the above steps.

6.If the form is turned into the ETC o ce on time and approved, a 30-day extension will be granted. Approval is not guaranteed.

7.There is no further extension to be given past the 30 days.

8.The Department of State does not allow visits outside the U.S. during the 30-day Stay Extension after the last day of school. Students may not be allowed to re-enter the U.S. if they do so.

Note about Tourist Visas:

All ETC students are in the United States on a J-1 visa. Some students may also have a Tourist visa. Tourist visas are invalid when in possession of a J-1 visa. Therefore, a student cannot extend past the 30 days even if they are in possession of a Tourist visa.

Continuing the Connection after the J-1 Program

ETC’s sister organization can help arrange a continuation of the student’s studies in the United States. Through the F-1 Private Student Exchange (PSE), many students are able to graduate with an American diploma and then transfer their visa to an American college or university. Most private high schools have very high standards for grades, ELTiS, and behavior. Please contact our Portland o ce at 1-877-222-9803 and speak Kristina Neiman for additional information.

Permission to Extend Stay up to 30 Days after SEVIS and School End Date & Program Release

This form is for ETC students requesting permission to extend up to 30 days beyond the SEVIS expiration date and the last day of school. It also is a program release form from ETC.

IMPORTANT: The SEVIS J-1 visa END DATE is NOT the date in the student’s passport and should not be used to determine the valid end date of the J-1 visa. It is a date controlled by ETC in the US State Department’s SEVIS electronic system that corresponds to the last date of school. The J-1 program ends on the last date of school. Only students in good academic and behavioral standing may be considered for extensions no more than 30 days beyond the last day of school and the SEVIS end date. Students may be rejected at the sole discretion of ETC and then will be required to return to their home country immediately.

Pre-Approval Check List (complete at least 4 weeks before last day of school and SEVIS J-1 end date):

(insert name of representative)

regarding the last date I may remain in the USA. For any questions about this date, contact the Program Manager, Jocelyn Oswald (1-877-222-9803) joswald@edutrav.org

Description of activities planned during the 30 day extension as disclosed by the student. ETC is not responsible for any change of the plans below or the well-being and safety of the student during this time. I understand that if I am granted an extension I must remain in the U.S. until my departure to my home country, and I cannot travel to Canada or Mexico or any other foreign destinations during this time period.

THE SECTION BELOW MUST BE FULLY COMPLETED.

Departure Date

Arrival Date in Home Country

Student Responsibilities for Departure

1. A Departure Re-Entry Orientation (DREO) is mandatory for all students. This usually takes place in April/May for AYP/Spring Semester students. It usually takes place in December for Fall students.

2. If the student is extending from a Semester to an Academic Year program, the new School Acceptance, Extension Request and payment should be completed by Nov. 1

3. Make airline departure reservations (no later than Nov 1st for January departures and April 1st for summer departures-Complete PES form before booking flights). In many cases, the organization that sent the student sets up the return ticket, but sometimes the student is responsible for doing so. The Sending Organization inputs the return flight information into the ZAPP system.

4. If the student is planning to return to their home country before the last day of school, they must inform you, the LC of the reason so you can notify the ETC office. The SEVIS Program End date will then be updated to show the last actual day of school.

5. Sending clothes home (student should check with the airline for baggage limits and compare to other shipping method costs).

6. Payment of final bills: This includes school costs, cell phone bills, medical and all tutoring. Students should take care of these expenses several weeks in advance, especially if planning to complete a PES form.

7. Separating from the host family- student should write a thank-you note and consider giving a small gift to the host family as a thank you.

8 Permission to Extend Stay form due at least 30 days before the end of school.

Arranging Departures

Each sending organization makes di erent arrangements for departure. It is not ETC's responsibility to arrange the student’s return flight, but we must receive all students return flight details. Students should check with their sending organization about how final reservations should be made. In many cases, the student and natural parents are responsible for making their own reservations. All students should book their flights to depart within one week of the last day of school. Host families are asked to host the student for only a few days after school ends. Natural parents may not visit before the last day of school.

Sending Clothes Home

It is a good idea to start sending clothes and belongings home several weeks before departure. It takes 6-8 weeks to ship packages by sea, which is the cheapest method. In some areas, airfreight may be the only option. Students should start sorting through their belongings about six weeks before the end of school. Items should be packed that are no longer needed and ship them home in advance, so that the student has less to deal with when they depart. If the student has accumulated too much “stu ” that is no longer needed, it should be suggested that they make a community donation. It is important that students do not leave anything for their host families to have to ship home to them.

As the departure date approaches, the student should call the designated airline and check the size and weight of luggage allowed without excess baggage charges. Some airlines are very strict about this. The student needs to make the decision to either ship the majority of their belongings or pay the excess airline baggage fee. It is not appropriate for the student to leave extra luggage behind for the host family to send to the home country.

Payment of Final Bills

A month or two before departure, the student must talk to their host family about any remaining unpaid bills. Consider any school, Apostille fees, health club membership, cell phone, or medical bills accumulated during the stay. The student must settle all debts before departure. Students with unpaid bills will not be given an extension of the visa.

Separating from the Host Family

As the time grows closer for the student to leave the host family, the student should not hesitate to talk about their feelings surrounding the departure. This should be at a time when they are close to their host family. Some people have trouble saying "good-bye." During the exchange experience, there will have been positive times and negative times. Since leaving can be di cult for all concerned, it’s best to focus on the positive times as the student prepares to make the break from the host family and high school. Some students have expressed concerns about returning home, e.g., remembering the native language; reuniting with your friends, etc. The best way to deal with these concerns or fears is to identify them and talk about them. Review the “Departure Re-Entry Orientation Workbook” with your student and host family to make sure you they are working through di cult feelings in a constructive way, and be sure to suggest the student sets aside special, uninterrupted time with the host family 24 to 48 hours before they leave.

Students should write a thank you note or letter to the host family at the end of their stay or after returning home Host families are also going through the separation process and appreciate some heartfelt words at this time Students should be reminded not to post negative comments about their host family on social networking sites or other online forums, in ANY language

Apostillement and Transcript Requests

Requesting school transcripts is the responsibility of the exchange student. However, the ETC is always willing to provide support when needed. Students from Brazil, South Korea and Spain are the exception, and these students should please contact their sending agencies for information.

Transcripts

Make sure to check the spelling of your name on school documents so that they are acceptable to the institution(s) to which you will present them. If you leave before the end of the semester, most schools will not

issue a transcript or grades for that semester. Students are not to ask for special accommodations such as early exams. To order extra o cial transcripts for completed semesters, contact your school registrar.

Make sure to return all books, uniforms, etc., and pay all school bills in full so that the transcript can be released. Schools do not send transcripts if there are unpaid bills.

Emergency Procedures

Accident or Illness

•If a student is ill or may be in need of medical attention, you must inform ETC.

•Host families and coordinators are instructed to always seek medical attention for the student when needed. The student’s insurance card and medical release must be presented to the medical provider to obtain treatment. It is wise to have an extra copy of all student documents in a separate file at the host family home.

•For serious medical emergencies, contact the ETC Portland o ce immediately at (877) 222-9803 (24-hour answering service available).

•Proceed with the doctor’s advice for emergency treatment.

•The ETC o ce will contact and relay advice to and from the parents abroad.

•Student must complete insurance procedures as explained in the insurance section of this handbook.

•ETC will be directly involved in determining the right course of care for students and must always be kept up to date with information pertaining to the student’s health.

Smoking, Drinking & Breaking the Law

•ETC prohibits smoking and the use or possession of drugs and alcohol. Host families are reminded not to serve students alcoholic beverages.

•If the student is discovered partaking in a severe infraction of the law, the host family or local coordinator should contact the ETC o ce immediately.

Lost Student

•Contact the ETC office on (877) 222-9803

•Contact your local law enforcement agency as soon as you have determined your child is missing or has been abducted. Do not delay in reporting your child missing to law enforcement

•If known, provide law enforcement with the date, time, and location where you child was last seen

•If known, provide law enforcement with the name(s) of the last person/ people who saw your child prior to the disappearance

•Determine the names or descriptions of companions or associates last seen with your child

•Secure your child’s room and personal belongings until law enforcement has had the opportunity to conduct a search

•Identify and secure any computers, online resources, and communications devices used by your child, but do not attempt to conduct a search of these devices on your own. Ask law enforcement to look for clues in any chat, dating or social networking sites your child has visited or hosts

•Try to keep all telephone lines open

•Provide law enforcement with information about any changes in your child’s behavior or individuals showing an unusual interest in your child prior to the disappearance

•Obtain the name and contact information of the primary investigator assigned to your child’s case.

Student Safety

ETC has created a “Student Safety Handbook” including information on Sexual Abuse Prevention, Disaster Preparedness, Internet and Cell Phone Safety, Instructions for Lost Students, Safe Travel, Guns, Teen Violence and Dating Precautions. This will be provided to students upon arrival

and it is important that students read and discuss this with their host family. If the student has questions, please ask your ETC Local Coordinator or ETC Management sta .

ETC Sta and History

Education Travel and Culture was founded as a small, personalized organization 1998. It is our goal to help both the exchange student and their host families to have the most enjoyable experience possible. The main ETC o ce is located in downtown Portland, Oregon and we encourage you to call if we can help in any way. The National Field Director’s o ce is located in Arizona.

Local Coordinators

ETC has a dedicated network of local coordinators (LCs) throughout the United States. Our local LCs are the first point of contact for any questions or concerns the families and students may have. Each LC is required to contact their students and host families once a month. The LC will also help to organize transportation for the student orientation; assist with school registration; notify you of ETC events and deadlines; and arrange an activity once a month with their group of students. The LCs will contact both the students and the host families near the end of each month for the completion of the monthly reports and obtain monthly academic progress reports from the school and the exchange student. All LCs are paid a monthly stipend for their work with our families and students.

ETC Staff

If you have any questions or concerns that have not been addressed by your local coordinator or field manager, please do not hesitate to contact us at TOLL FREE 877-222-9803 9 AM – 5 PM. After hours, our answering service will locate a sta member to return your call.

Alix Nathan – Executive Director Jocelyn Oswald – Program Manager

ETC Main O ce

1029 SW Washington Street, Portland, OR 97205-2613

503.222.9803

Email: info@edutrav.org www.edutrav.org

ETC O ce Telephone Number & 24-Hour Emergency Service

24-hour answering service at the Portland o ce: (503) 222-9803 or (877) 222-9803 (Toll Free)

Department of State Welcome Brochure and J-1 Visa Regulations

Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

United States Department of State

The Department of State welcomes you to the United States. We are pleased to receive you as an exchange visitor. As an Exchange Visitor Program participant, you will acquire an experience in the United States, and as an ambassador of your country you will help educate the American people about your home country and culture.

This brochure will help you understand the purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program, provide you with information on contacting the Department of State, and introduce you to some of the major requirements of the Exchange Visitor Program regulations.

THE EXCHANGE VISITOR PROGRAM

THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE administers the Exchange Visitor Program under the provisions of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, as amended. The Act promotes mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries by means of educational and cultural exchange. The Exchange Visitor Program provides foreign nationals opportunities to participate in exchange programs in the United States with the expectation that on completion of their exchange program, they will return home to share their experiences.

Sponsors

The U.S. Department of State designates U.S. organizations such as government agencies, academic institutions, educational and cultural organizations, and corporations to administer exchange visitor programs. These organizations are known as sponsors. Sponsors screen and select exchange visitors to participate in their programs based on the regulations governing the exchange activity and stated in 22 CFR Part 62. Sponsors provide exchange visitors pre-arrival information, an orientation, and monitor activities throughout their exchange program. Sponsors o er or identify cross-cultural activities that will expose exchange visitors to American society, culture, and institutions. You are encouraged to participate in activities that provide them with an opportunity to share their language, culture, and history with Americans.

Responsible O cers

Sponsors appoint individuals as responsible o cers and alternate responsible o cers to advise and assist exchange visitors. These o cers issue the Certificate of Eligibility (Form DS-2019), and conduct o cial communications with the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on your behalf. Your sponsor’s role is to help you manage your program. If problems arise or you have questions, your sponsor is there to help you. Should you have any questions about the regulations or any aspect of your exchange program, your initial and primary contact is your sponsor. Unless provided specific contact information by your sponsor you should contact the person whose name and telephone number can be found on your Form DS-2019.

Exchange Visitor

An exchange visitor is a foreign national selected by a sponsor to participate in an exchange visitor program and who is seeking to enter or has entered the United States temporarily on a J-1 visa.

Spouse and dependents - Some categories of the Exchange Visitor Program permit a spouse and/or unmarried children, under 21 years of age, to accompany an exchange visitor to the United States. These individuals may apply for J-2 visas with the permission of your sponsor.

REGULATIONS – RULES

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU understand and abide by the Exchange Visitor Program regulations, U.S. laws and sponsor rules. Regular contact with your sponsor will help you keep current with any change which may a ect your J-1 visa status. Some requirements of the Federal regulations and where to find them are indicated below.

Register with your sponsor

Your Form DS-2019 was created in a computerized system known as the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). This System is administered by the Department of Homeland Security and is used to collect and maintain information on the current status of non-immigrants and their dependents in the sponsor’s program during their stay in the United States.

When you arrive in the United States, you must contact your sponsor to ensure that your data in SEVIS is accurate and updated. Failing to maintain your status could result in serious consequences and may a ect your ability to remain in or return to the United States.

Activities and Program Provisions

You entered the United States in a specific program category, and are required to engage in that category and the activity listed on your Form DS-2019. You must comply with the specific program provisions of the regulations relating to your exchange category.

Insurance

You are required to have medical insurance in e ect for yourself (J-1), your spouse and any dependents (J-2) for the duration of your program. Some sponsors provide the required insurance for their exchange visitors. Other sponsors may allow you to make your own arrangements or may help to identify insurance carriers. Consult with your responsible o cer before the start of your program.

(a) Minimum Insurance Coverage – Insurance shall cover: (1) medical benefits of at least $100,000 per person per accident or illness; (2)

repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000; and (3) expenses associated with medical evacuation in the amount of $50,000.

(b) Additional Terms – A policy secured to fulfill the insurance requirements shall not have a deductible that exceeds $500 per accident or illness, and must meet other standards specified in the regulations.

(c) Maintenance of Insurance – Willful failure on your part to maintain the required insurance throughout your stay in the United States will result in the termination of your exchange program.

Maintenance of Valid Program Status

You are required to have a valid and unexpired Form DS-2019. Sponsors may terminate an exchange visitor’s program for violating U.S. laws, Exchange Visitor Program regulations, or the sponsor’s rules governing their particular program.

Required Notifications to Sponsors

You must immediately inform your sponsor if you change your address (residence) or telephone number, or complete or withdraw from your exchange visitor program early. Doing so assists your sponsor in complying with their notification and reporting requirements to the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security. Failure to keep your sponsor informed could result in the termination of your program status.

The Exchange Visitor Program regulations are located in the Code of Federal Regulations, (22 CFR, Part 62) and can be found at the J-1 Visa website: http://j1visa.state.gov/sponsors/current/regulations-compliance/. Current Regulations

Contacting the Department of State

The Exchange Visitor Program is administered under the oversight of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Private Sector Exchange, Bureau of Educational and Cultural A airs (ECA).

Bureau of Educational and Cultural A airs

U.S. Department of State SA-4E, 2430 E Street, NW Washington, DC 20037

If you are mistreated and/or your rights are violated, and your sponsor is not providing the help you need, contact the Department of State for assistance: Report Abuse or Exploitation

J-1 Visa Emergency Hotline

Phone: 1-866-283-9090.

This line is for use by exchange visitors and third parties in the case of urgent situations. *A Department of State representative is available 24 hours a day.

Regular Communications or questions

Email: jvisas@state.gov.

This e-mail address is to communicate non-emergency issues, questions, and concerns.

If you are coming to the United States to work or study, we are confident that you will have a pleasant and rewarding stay. If you should encounter any problems, however, know that you have rights and can get help. There is a pamphlet available at the following link: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-informationresources/temporary-workers.html that informs you of your rights as a nonimmigrant visa holder in certain employment- and education-based categories (specifically A-3, G-5, NATO-7, B-1 domestic employees, H-1B, H-1B1, H-2A, H-2B, and J-1 visa holders). The U.S. government created this pamphlet at the prompting of the William Wilberforce Tra cking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (Public Law 110-457), which rea rms and strengthens the U.S. government’s commitment to fight human tra cking and labor abuses in all their forms. This pamphlet will also be provided to you in email format to you upon the start of your program.

J-1 Visa Regulations

DEPARTMENT OF STATE 22 CFR Part 62

Rule Title: Secondary School Student Exchange Programs

E ective Date(s): November 26, 2010

2.Section 62.25 is revised to read as follows: §62.25 Secondary school students.

(a)Purpose. This section governs Department of State designated exchange visitor programs under which foreign secondary school students are a orded the opportunity to study in the United States at accredited public or private secondary schools for an academic semester or an academic year, while living with American host families or residing at accredited U.S. boarding schools.

(b)Program sponsor eligibility. Eligibility for designation as a secondary school student exchange visitor program sponsor is limited to organizations:

(1)With tax-exempt status as conferred by the Internal Revenue Service pursuant to section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; and

(2)Which are United States citizens as such term is defined in §62.2.

(c)Program eligibility. Secondary school student exchange visitor programs designated by the Department of State must:

(1)Require all exchange students to be enrolled and participating in a full course of study at an accredited academic institution;

(2)Allow entry of exchange students for not less than one academic semester (or quarter equivalency) and not more than two academic semesters (or quarter equivalency) duration; and

(3)Ensure that the program is conducted on a U.S. academic calendar year basis, except for students from countries whose academic year is opposite that of the United States. Exchange students may begin an exchange program in the second semester of a U.S. academic year only if specifically permitted to do so, in writing, by the school in which the exchange student is enrolled. In all cases, sponsors must notify both the host family and school prior to the exchange student's arrival in the United States whether the placement is for an academic semester, an academic year, or a calendar year.

(d)Program administration. Sponsors must ensure that all organizational o cers, employees, representatives, agents, and volunteers acting on their behalf:

(1)Are adequately trained. Sponsors must administer training for local coordinators that specifically includes, at a minimum, instruction in: Conflict resolution; procedures for handling and reporting emergency situations; awareness or knowledge of child safety standards; information on sexual conduct codes; procedures for handling and reporting allegations of sexual misconduct or any other allegations of abuse or neglect; and the criteria to be used to screen potential host families and exercise good judgment when identifying what constitutes suitable host family placements. In addition to their own training, sponsors must ensure that all local coordinators complete the Department of State mandated training module prior to their appointment as a local coordinator or assumption of duties. The Department of State training module will include instruction designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Exchange Visitor Program; its public diplomacy objectives; and the Secondary School Student category rules and regulations. Sponsors must demonstrate the individual's successful completion of all initial training requirements and that annual refresher training is also successfully completed.

(2)Are adequately supervised. Sponsors must create and implement organization-specific standard operating procedures for the supervision of local coordinators designed to prevent or deter fraud, abuse, or misconduct in the performance of the duties of these employees/agents/ volunteers. They must also have su cient internal controls to ensure that such employees/agents/volunteers comply with such standard operating procedures.

(3)Have been vetted annually through a criminal background check (which must include a search of the Department of Justice's National Sex O ender Public Registry);

(4)Place no exchange student with his or her relatives;

(5)Make no exchange student placement beyond 120 miles of the home of the local coordinator authorized to act on the sponsor's behalf in both routine and emergency matters arising from that exchange student's participation in the Exchange Visitor Program;

(6)Make no monetary payments or other incentives to host families;

(7)Provide exchange students with reasonable access to their natural parents and family by telephone and e-mail;

(8)Make certain that the exchange student's government issued documents (i.e., passports, Forms DS–2019) are not removed from his/her possession;

(9)Conduct the host family orientation after the host family has been fully vetted and accepted;

(10)Refrain, without exception, from acting as:

(i)Both a host family and a local coordinator or area supervisor for an exchange student;

(ii)A host family for one sponsor and a local coordinator for another sponsor; or

(iii)A local coordinator for any exchange student over whom he/she has a position of trust or authority such as the student's teacher or principal. This requirement is not applicable to a boarding school placement.

(11)Maintain, at minimum, a monthly schedule of personal contact with the exchange student. The first monthly contact between the local coordinator and the exchange student must be in person. All other contacts may take place in-person, on the phone, or via electronic mail and must be properly documented. The sponsor is responsible for ensuring that issues raised through such contacts are promptly and appropriately addressed.

(12)That a sponsor representative other than the local coordinator who recruited, screened and selected the host family visit the exchange student/ host family home within the first or second month following the student's placement in the home.

(13)Maintain, at a minimum, a monthly schedule of personal contact with the host family. At least once during the fall semester and at least once during the spring semester, (i.e., twice during the academic year) the contact by the local coordinator with the host family must be in person. All other contacts may take place in person, on the phone, or via electronic mail and must be properly documented. The sponsor is responsible for ensuring the issues raised through such contacts are promptly and appropriately addressed.

(14)That host schools are provided contact information for the local organizational representative (including name, direct phone number, and e-mail address), the program sponsor, and the Department's O ce of Designation;

(15)Adhere to all regulatory provisions set forth in this Part and all additional terms and conditions governing program administration that the Department may impose.

(e)Student selection. In addition to satisfying the requirements of §62.10(a), sponsors must ensure that all participants in a designated secondary school student exchange visitor program:

(1)Are secondary school students in their home countries who have not completed more than 11 years of primary and secondary study, exclusive of kindergarten; or are at least 14 years of age, but not more than 18 years and six months of age as of the program start date;

(2)Demonstrate maturity, good character, and scholastic aptitude; and

(3)Have not previously participated in an academic year or semester secondary school student exchange program in the United States or attended school in the United States in either F–1 or J–1 visa status.

(f)Student enrollment. (1) Sponsors must secure prior written acceptance for the enrollment of any exchange student in a United States public or private secondary school. Such prior acceptance must:

(i)Be secured from the school principal or other authorized school administrator of the school or school system that the exchange student will attend; and

(ii)Include written arrangements concerning the payment of tuition or waiver thereof if applicable.

(2)Under no circumstance may a sponsor facilitate the entry into the United States of an exchange student for whom a written school placement has not been secured.

(3)Under no circumstance may a sponsor charge a student private school tuition if such arrangements are not finalized in writing prior to the issuance of Form DS–2019.

(4)Sponsors must maintain copies of all written acceptances for a minimum of three years and make such documents available for Department of State inspection upon request.

(5)Sponsors must provide the school with a translated “written English language summary” of the exchange student's complete academic course work prior to commencement of school, in addition to any additional documents the school may require. Sponsors must inform the prospective host school of any student who has completed secondary school in his/her home country.

(6)Sponsors may not facilitate the enrollment of more than five exchange students in one school unless the school itself has requested, in writing, the placement of more than five students from the sponsor.

(7)Upon issuance of a Form DS–2019 to a prospective participant, the sponsor accepts full responsibility for securing a school and host family placement for the student, except in cases of voluntary student withdrawal or visa denial.

(g)Student orientation. In addition to the orientation requirements set forth at §62.10, all sponsors must provide exchange students, prior to their departure from their home countries, with the following information:

(1)A summary of all operating procedures, rules, and regulations governing student participation in the exchange visitor program along with a detailed summary of travel arrangements;

(2)A copy of the Department's welcome letter to exchange students;

(3)Age and language appropriate information on how to identify and report sexual abuse or exploitation;

(4)A detailed profile of the host family with whom the exchange student will be placed. The profile must state whether the host family is either a permanent placement or a temporary-arrival family;

(5)A detailed profile of the school and community in which the exchange student will be placed. The profile must state whether the student will pay tuition; and

(6)An identification card, that lists the exchange student's name, United States host family placement address and telephone numbers (landline and cellular), sponsor name and main o ce and emergency telephone numbers, name and telephone numbers (landline and cellular) of the local coordinator and area representative, the telephone number of Department's O ce of Designation, and the Secondary School Student program toll free emergency telephone number. The identification card must also contain the name of the health insurance provider and policy number. Such cards must be corrected, reprinted, and reissued to the student if changes in contact information occur due to a change in the student's placement.

(h)Student extra-curricular activities. Exchange students may participate in school sanctioned and sponsored extra-curricular activities, including athletics, if such participation is:

(1)Authorized by the local school district in which the student is enrolled; and

(2)Authorized by the state authority responsible for determination of athletic eligibility, if applicable. Sponsors shall not knowingly be party to a placement (inclusive of direct placements) based on athletic abilities, whether initiated by a student, a natural or host family, a school, or any other interested party.

(3)Any placement in which either the student or the sending organization in the foreign country is party to an arrangement with any other party, including receiving school personnel, whereby the student will attend a particular school or live with a particular host family must be reported to the particular school and the National Federation of State High School Associations prior to the first day of classes.

(i)Student employment. Exchange students may not be employed on either a full or part-time basis but may accept sporadic or intermittent employment such as babysitting or yard work.

(j)Host family application and selection. Sponsors must adequately screen and select all potential host families and at a minimum must:

(1)Provide potential host families with a detailed summary of the Exchange Visitor Program and of their requirements, obligations and commitment to host;

(2)Utilize a standard application form developed by the sponsor that includes,

at a minimum, all data fields provided in Appendix F, “Information to be Collected on Secondary School Student Host Family Applications”. The form must include a statement stating that: “The income data collected will be used solely for the purposes of determining that the basic needs of the exchange student can be met, including three quality meals and transportation to and from school activities.”

Such application form must be signed and dated at the time of application by all potential host family applicants. The host family application must be designed to provide a detailed summary and profile of the host family, the physical home environment (to include photographs of the host family home's exterior and grounds, kitchen, student's bedroom, bathroom, and family or living room), family composition, and community environment. Exchange students are not permitted to reside with their relatives.

(3)Conduct an in-person interview with all family members residing in the home where the student will be living;

(4)Ensure that the host family is capable of providing a comfortable and nurturing home environment and that the home is clean and sanitary; that the exchange student's bedroom contains a separate bed for the student that is neither convertible nor inflatable in nature; and that the student has adequate storage space for clothes and personal belongings, reasonable access to bathroom facilities, study space if not otherwise available in the house and reasonable, unimpeded access to the outside of the house in the event of a fire or similar emergency. An exchange student may share a bedroom, but with no more than one other individual of the same sex.

(5)Ensure that the host family has a good reputation and character by securing two personal references from within the community from individuals who are not relatives of the potential host family or representatives of the sponsor (i.e., field sta or volunteers), attesting to the host family's good reputation and character;

(6)Ensure that the host family has adequate financial resources to undertake hosting obligations and is not receiving needs-based government subsidies for food or housing;

(7)Verify that each member of the host family household 18 years of age and older, as well as any new adult member added to the household, or any member of the host family household who will turn eighteen years of age during the exchange student's stay in that household, has undergone a criminal background check (which must include a search of the Department of Justice's National Sex O ender Public Registry);

(8)Maintain a record of all documentation on a student's exchange program, including but not limited to application forms, background checks, evaluations, and interviews, for all selected host families for a period of three years following program completion; and

(9)Ensure that a potential single adult host parent without a child in the home undergoes a secondary level review by an organizational representative other than the individual who recruited and selected the applicant. Such secondary review should include demonstrated evidence of the individual's friends or family who can provide an additional support network for the exchange student and evidence of the individual's ties to his/her community. Both the exchange student and his or her natural parents must agree in writing in advance of the student's placement with a single adult host parent without a child in the home.

(k)Host family orientation. In addition to the orientation requirements set forth in §62.10, sponsors must:

(1)Inform all host families of the philosophy, rules, and regulations governing the sponsor's exchange visitor program, including examples of “best practices” developed by the exchange community;

(2)Provide all selected host families with a copy of the Department's letter of appreciation to host families;

(3)Provide all selected host families with a copy of Department of Statepromulgated Exchange Visitor Program regulations;

(4)Advise all selected host families of strategies for cross-cultural interaction and conduct workshops to familiarize host families with cultural di erences and practices; and

(5)Advise host families of their responsibility to inform the sponsor of any and all material changes in the status of the host family or student, including, but not limited to, changes in address, finances, employment and criminal arrests.

(l)Host family placement. (1) Sponsors must secure, prior to the student's departure from his or her home country, a permanent or arrival host family placement for each exchange student participant. Sponsors may not:

(i)Facilitate the entry into the United States of an exchange student for whom a host family placement has not been secured;

(ii)Place more than one exchange student with a host family without the express prior written consent of the host family, the natural parents, and the students being placed. Under no circumstance may more than two exchange students be placed with a host family, or in the home of a local coordinator, regional coordinator, or volunteer. Sponsors may not place students from the same countries or with the same native languages in a single home.

(2)Prior to the student's departure from his or her home country, sponsors must advise both the exchange student and host family, in writing, of the respective family compositions and backgrounds of each, whether the host family placement is a permanent or arrival placement, and facilitate and encourage the exchange of correspondence between the two.

(3)In the event of unforeseen circumstances that necessitate a change of host family placement, the sponsor must document the reason(s) necessitating such change and provide the Department of State with an annual statistical summary reflecting the number and reason(s) for such change in host family placement in the program's annual report.

(m)Advertising and Marketing for the recruitment of host families. In addition to the requirements set forth in §62.9 in advertising and promoting for host family recruiting, sponsors must:

(1)Utilize only promotional materials that professionally, ethically, and accurately reflect the sponsor's purposes, activities, and sponsorship;

(2)Not publicize the need for host families via any public media with announcements, notices, advertisements, etc. that are not su ciently in advance of the exchange student's arrival, appeal to public pity or guilt, imply in any way that an exchange student will be denied participation if a host family is not found immediately, or identify photos of individual exchange students and include an appeal for an immediate family;

(3)Not promote or recruit for their programs in any way that compromises the privacy, safety or security of participants, families, or schools.

Specifically, sponsors shall not include personal student data or contact information (including addresses, phone numbers or email addresses) or photographs of the student on Web sites or in other promotional materials; and

(4)Ensure that access to exchange student photographs and personally identifying information, either online or in print form, is only made available to potential host families who have been fully vetted and selected for program participation. Such information, if available online, must also be password protected.

(n)Reporting requirements. Along with the annual report required by regulations set forth at §62.15, sponsors must file with the Department of State the following information:

(1)Sponsors must immediately report to the Department any incident or allegation involving the actual or alleged sexual exploitation or any other allegations of abuse or neglect of an exchange student. Sponsors must also report such allegations as required by local or state statute or regulation. Failure to report such incidents to the Department and, as required by state law or regulation, to local law enforcement authorities shall be grounds for the suspension and revocation of the sponsor's Exchange Visitor Program designation;

(2)A report of all final academic year and semester program participant placements by August 31 for the upcoming academic year or January 15 for the Spring semester and calendar year. The report must be in the format

directed by the Department and must include at a minimum, the exchange student's full name, Form DS–2019 number (SEVIS ID #), host family placement (current U.S. address), school (site of activity) address, the local coordinator's name and zip code, and other information the Department may request; and

(3)A report of all situations which resulted in the placement of an exchange student with more than one host family or in more than one school. The report must be in a format directed by the Department and include, at a minimum, the exchange student's full name, Form DS–019 number (SEVIS ID #), host family placements (current U.S. address), schools (site of activity address), the reason for the change in placement, and the date of the move. This report is due by July 31 for the previous academic school year.

August Arrivals: Appendix F to Part 62—Information To Be Collected on Secondary School Student Host Family Applications

Basic Family Information:

a.Host Family Member—Full name and relationship (children and adults) either living full-time or part-time in the home or who frequently stay at the home)

b.Date of Birth (DOB) of all family members

c.Street Address

d.Contact information (telephone; e-mail address) of host parents

e.Employment—employer name, job title, and point of contact for each working resident of the home

f.Is the residence the site of a functioning business? (e.g., daycare, farm)

g.Description of each household member (e.g., level of education, profession, interests, community involvement, and relevant behavioral or other characteristics of such household members that could a ect the successful integration of the exchange visitor into the household)

h.Has any member of your household ever been charged with any crime?

Household Pets:

a.Number of Pets

b.Type of Pets

Financial Resources:

a.Average Annual Income Range: Less than $25,000; $25,000–$35,000; $35,000–$45,000; $45,000–$55,000; $55,000–$65,000; $65,000–$75,000; and $75,000 and above. Note: The form must include a statement stating t hat: “The income data collected will be used solely for the purposes of ensuring that the basic needs of the exchange students can be met, including three quality meals and transportation to and from school activities”

b.Describe if anyone residing in the home receives any kind of public assistance (financial needs-based government subsidies for food or housing)

c.Identify those personal expenses expected to be covered by the student

Diet:

a.Does anyone in the family follow any dietary restrictions? (Y/N) If yes, describe:

b.Do you expect the student to follow any dietary restrictions? (Y/N) If yes, describe:

c.Would you feel comfortable hosting a student who follows a particular dietary restriction (ex. Vegetarian, Vegan, etc.)? (Y/N)

d.Would the family provide three (3) square meals daily?

High School Information:

a.Name and address of school (private or public school)

b.Name, address, e-mail and telephone number of school o cial

c.Approximate size of the school student body

d.Approximate distance between the school and your home

e.Approximate start date of the school year

f.How will the exchange student get to the school (e.g. bus, carpool, walk)?

g.Would the family provide special transportation for extracurricular activities after school or in the evenings, if required?

h.Which, if any, of your family's children, presently attend the school in which the exchange visitor is enrolled?

If applicable list sports/clubs/activities, if any, your child(ren) participate(s) in at the school

i.Does any member of your household work for the high school in a coaching/teaching/or administrative capacity?

j.Has any member of your household had contact with a coach regarding the hosting of an exchange student with particular athletic ability? If yes, please describe the contact and sport.

Community Information:

a.In what type of community do you live (e.g.: Urban, Suburban, Rural, Farm)

b.Population of community

c.Nearest Major City (Distance and population)

d.Nearest Airport (Distance)

e.City or town website

f.Briefly describe your neighborhood and community

g.What points of interest are near your area (parks, museums, historical sites)?

h.Areas in or near neighborhood to be avoided?

Home Description:

a.Describe your type of home (e.g. single family home, condominium, duplex, apartment, mobile home) and include photographs of the host family home's exterior and grounds, kitchen, student's bedroom, student's bathroom, and family and living areas.

b.Describe Primary Rooms and Bedrooms

c.Number of Bathrooms

d.Will the exchange student share a bedroom? (Y/N) If yes, with which household resident?

e.Describe the student's bedroom

f.Describe amenities to which the student has access

g.Utilities

Family Activities:

a.Language spoken in home

b.Please describe activities and/or sports each family member participates in: (e.g., camping, hiking, dance, crafts, debate, drama, art, music, reading, soccer, baseball, horseback riding)

c.Describe your expectations regarding the responsibilities and behavior of the student while in your home (e.g., homework, household chores, curfew (school night and weekend), access to refrigerator and food, drinking of alcoholic beverages, driving, smoking, computer/Internet/E-Mail)

Would you be willing voluntarily to inform the exchange visitor in advance of any religious a liations of household members? (Y/N)

Would any member of the household have di culty hosting a student whose religious beliefs were di erent from their own? (Y/N) Note: A host family may want the exchange visitor to attend one or more religious services or programs with the family. The exchange visitor cannot be required to do so, but may decide to experience this facet of U.S. culture at his or her discretion.

How did you learn about being a host family?

References:

Appendix

Addendum A to Terms of Participation

ETC Electronic Media, Internet and Social Networking Policy

Responsibility for All Postings/Content

At all times while participating in the ETC program, students will be held responsible for the content of everything posted and linked to their profile on social media and networking sites, including statements, comments, photos and videos.

Safety-Related Issues

Further, students must refrain from any electronic, online or other activity that could compromise their safety or the safety and privacy of their host family or others. This includes communication or meeting with strangers, posting any information that could be used to identify their or their host family’s identity or location such as full name, address, phone number, bank and credit card information, et cetera. Use Common Sense.

Prohibited Communications

ETC strictly prohibits e-mails, text messages and other forms of electronic communications that are defamatory, obscene, o ensive, harassing or intimidating. This includes accessing, transmitting or displaying sexually oriented images, messages, jokes or cartoons. Similarly, images, messages, jokes or cartoons that are discriminatory or harassing based on age, religion, race, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, color and other legally protected classes also are strictly prohibited. This prohibition also specifically includes, but is not limited to, “sexting” (the act of sending sexually explicit text or images between cell phones or electronic devices) and “bullying.”

As a participant in the ETC program, students also are prohibited from soliciting others for commercial ventures, and religious or political causes.

Students need to understand that U.S. laws are very strict in terms of harassing and o ensive behavior, sexually explicit conduct and bullying of others and that they may face both monetary and criminal penalties for a violation of these laws. Additionally, such behavior may result in being expelled from the student’s American school, which usually will result in early termination from the ETC program.

Compliance with U.S. Copyright Laws

Students also must understand that the United States has strict copyright laws that protect computer software and programs from unauthorized use and/or copying. Therefore, students are urged to use caution when copying and/or transmitting any software program, documents, or other information protected by American copyright laws. Additionally, students should not accept copies of any software programs from others without making sure that they are in compliance with U.S. copyright laws. A violation of these laws may subject student to monetary penalties and/or time in jail or prison.

Students are also reminded that their e-mail and text messages may be read by someone other than the person(s) to whom they are sent, including disclosure to outside parties or agencies. Accordingly, students need to make sure that any message created, sent and/or forwarded is courteous, respectful and in full compliance with this policy.

Social Networking Policy

Can I talk about my host family, my schoolmates or other ETC program participants on my own time on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and other social media and online sites?

In the case of your host family, you are required at all times to treat all information about the family (financial, religious, internal family matters, etc.) strictly confidential which means that you cannot discuss these matters on any social medial or other online site.

“Friending” Strangers

Who you decide to “friend” on sites such as Facebook is up to you. Please understand, however, that it is unwise to accept or issue “friend” requests to people you do not know, even if they know someone in your host family or a school friend.

Use “Common Sense”

In addition to your confidentiality obligations as outlined in this policy, it’s just good common sense for students to keep certain topics confidential, and to show respect for others on topics that may be considered inflammatory such as politics and religion. And as noted above, for safety related reasons you should not share personal information online about you or your host family.

The Internet is a Public Space and Has a Long Memory

Even more than written statements in a newspaper, e-mail or letter, statements posted on social media and other online sites are fully public and can be viewed by anyone, anywhere, anytime. Classmates, teachers, coaches, potential employers, schools, representatives of the media – all of these people might view what you post even if you don’t intend for them to. For your own privacy and that of your host family, you should consider carefully how much detailed personal information linked to your name you want published on the Internet. You also should understand that search engines and other technologies make it almost impossible to erase or delete anything you have posted. Once you “put it out there,” it’s there to stay.

Inappropriate Statements and Comments and Application of Other Terms of Participation

The same rules apply to students’ use of social media and other online sites that apply to all ETC program participants concerning verbal, written and graphic statements and comments. As such, students must refrain from posting comments or material that may reasonably be construed as being

inappropriate, o ensive, insulting, demeaning, threatening, intimidating or abusive. In other words, all of the rules and guidelines contained throughout these Terms of Participation apply to students’ use of social media and other online participation.

Abide by the Law and Respect Copyright and Trademark Laws

You are expected to abide by all U.S. laws concerning posts, comments, statements and activities that you engage in online, including copyright and trademark laws. In general, this means before a student uses or reproduces any copyrighted text, photos, graphics, video or other material that the students does not own, he/she must have permission from the company or person who owns the copyright or trademark rights to the material.

A violation of any aspect of this policy may result in a disciplinary procedure such as warning, probation and/or early termination from the Education Travel & Culture, Inc. (ETC) program.

Sudent’s Name (Print)

Sudent’s Signature

Mother’s Signature

Father’s Signature

MonthDateYear

MonthDateYear

MonthDateYear

Statement of Guardianship, Authorization, & Medical Release

Sudent’s Name in English

This section is to be read and signed by the student's natural parents/legal guardian(s).

We grant Education Travel & Culture, Inc. (ETC), its employees and agents, the school where the student will be assigned, and the Family/Families with whom he/she will live permission to place our son/daughter in a hospital or other institution for any type of assistance or medical treatment necessary. If there is not a hospital available or appropriate, our son/ daughter may be placed under the care of a local medical doctor for treatment. In the case of expenses exceeding the coverage of the insurance policy covering the student, we agree to assume all costs necessary in the treatment of our son/daughter.

We also authorize Education Travel & Culture, Inc. (ETC), its employees and agents, the school where the student will be assigned, and the family/ families with whom he/she will live permission to submit our son/ daughter to any needed medical treatment, including the possibility of surgery, after consultation with medical authorities. In the case of expenses exceeding the coverage of the insurance policy covering the student, we agree to assume all costs necessary in the treatment of our son/daughter.

We also grant the above stated individuals to act on behalf of our son/ daughter in anything pertaining to possible representation of our son/ daughter with local government authorities, and to sign authorizations and give consents for our son/daughter to enroll and participate in school, sports, special events, places of recreation and amusement, and other activities.

This authorization shall be valid for the entire duration of the Education Travel & Culture, Inc. (ETC) program in which the above noted international student is participating.

Mother’s Signature

Father’s Signature

MonthDateYear

MonthDateYear

Liability Release

We hereby release Education Travel & Culture, Inc. (ETC) and all of its employees and field representatives, and host families from all liability, injury, damages or claims which I have incurred during the program. Further, I understand that I will not be covered by any insurance policy after the program has been terminated.

The undersigned, as a student of the Education Travel & Culture, Inc. (ETC) Academic Program, and the parents/legal guardians of the student in the program, renounce any claim against Education Travel & Culture, Inc. (ETC) its employees, agents, teachers, counselors, school where the student may be assigned, or any person intervening in the Program, that might arise due to injury, damage, sickness, accident, delay, unusual circumstances due to strikes, criminal acts, war, acts of terrorism, atmospheric conditions, quarantine, government restrictions or regulations, or those derived from acts of omission of airlines, shipping companies, railroads, buses, transportation in general, hotels, restaurants or any other service given by companies, individuals or anyone related with the aforementioned.

We understand that the student will be subject to the rules of the program, host family, school, teachers, and the community where he/she will live. We also understand that Education Travel & Culture, Inc. (ETC) reserves the right to terminate any student who participates in the program whose conduct may be considered detrimental or incompatible with the interest and security of the program. If this decision is ever taken, the student and his/her parents/legal guardian have no right to any refunds.

We accept the right for Education Travel & Culture, Inc. (ETC) to directly, or indirectly, change, cancel, substitute in emergencies or whenever normal circumstances change, those parts of the program whose alteration may be considered necessary.

We grant Education Travel & Culture, Inc. (ETC) permission to use in the future any photographic or any other type of material in which the student may appear, for promotion or publicity of Education Travel & Culture, Inc. (ETC) programs. We also agree we will not make any contact, directly or indirectly, with schools, local counselors/coordinators, families, or employees of Education Travel & Culture, Inc. (ETC) for the purpose of

sending future students to any of the said schools, local counselors / coordinators, families and friends.

The student and natural parents/legal guardians agree to uphold the standards set by Education Travel & Culture, Inc. (ETC), the school and the family with whom the student will live, for the duration of the program. The student also agrees to maintain friendly and respectful relations with ETC, program coordinators, teachers, classmates and all family members, and to accept and follow rules of conduct imposed by said family and to participate in family life as much as possible.

Sudent’s Name (Print)

Sudent’s Signature

Mother’s Signature

Father’s Signature

MonthDateYear

MonthDateYear

MonthDateYear