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HOST FAMILY HANDBOOK

(Ex)change Your World

NorthWest Student Exchange | 4530 Union Bay Pl. NE, Ste. 214, Seattle, WA 98105

206-527-0917 | nwse.com | [email protected] Revised Nov. 2019 2

CONTENTS

3) Welcome 3) About the NWSE Program 4) Hosting an Exchange Student 4) Before Your Student Arrives 4) During the Exchange

5) Communication is Key! 6) Addressing the Host Parents

Travel 7) Language Homesickness Age and Maturity 8) Comparisons Between Home and Host Countries Religious Differences Money 9) Following the Rules Drugs, Drinking Alcohol, Smoking

Weapons/Firearms 10) Cell Phone Policy and International Calls Relationship with NWSE 11) Communicating with the Natural Family

11) When a Relationship Is Not Working 12) General Guidelines for Host Families 12) School 12) Education 13) School Activities Social Life 14) Convalidation of Transcripts 14) Insurance 15) More on Global Secutive Insurance 15) Driving and Driver’s License 16) Jobs/Social Security Cards 16) Hazardous Activity Waiver 17) At the End of the Exchange Saying Goodbye Preparing for Your Student’s Departure 18) Income Tax Deduction for Hosting Your Student 19) Sexual Abuse Awareness Information Regarding Sexual Abuse 20) What is Sexual Abuse? 21) Emergency numbers 21) Rules and Expectations for Exchange Students 21) Expectations 23) NWSE Program Rules

25) Social Media Rules

26) The NWSE Program

mailto:[email protected]



NWSE HOST FAMILY HANDBOOK

WELCOME HOST FAMILIES!

Welcome to NorthWest Student Exchange. You are about to begin your international exchange adventure, one of the most

profound and meaningful opportunities in culture, education, and life that you and your family can experience.

Founded in 1987 in Seattle, NWSE cooperates with local and international schools and communities to create and coordinate

one-way, reciprocal, and sponsored (or direct) placement exchanges for a trimester, semester, or academic year, as well as

partner school programs.

NWSE programs provide motivation for students to continue their studies in language and culture and direct them toward

their future careers. NWSE is a Department of State-designated, nonprofit international exchange organization dedicated to

creating positive international relations, lasting friendships, and great memories.

NWSE MAIN OFFICE

If you are ever in the Seattle area, please feel free to stop in at the NWSE Main Office. The office is open Monday through

Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time. Also feel free to call us any time during those office hours. If you call us after the

office is closed, be sure to leave a message with your phone number, and we will return your call as soon as possible. If your

call is very urgent or an emergency, please call our 24-hour emergency number: (206) 683-3100.

4530 Union Bay Place, Suite 214

Seattle, Washington 98105

Phone: (206) 527-0917

Fax: (800) 717-9117

www.nwse.com

[email protected]

facebook.com/go.nwse

twitter.com/NWSE

instagram.com/northweststudentexchange/

Our Mission

NorthWest Student Exchange creates and promotes affordable

international education, cultural exchange and language study

opportunities for high school students.




HOSTING AN EXCHANGE STUDENT

Help foster intercultural exchange and bring global perspectives to your family by hosting an exchange student. Your student is coming to your home to be a member of your family, school, and community in order to learn about living in our country. We hope that our exchange students develop an appreciation for the differences, similarities, and variety of people and ways of thinking in the United States.

Hosting an exchange student provides your family with the opportunity to learn about another culture. We want our students to not only learn about the U.S. but also to share their own customs and culture. A student’s impression of the U.S. is most directly influenced by their relationship with their host family. Most importantly, all exchange students and host families should enjoy each other’s company and learn from each other.

To ensure a positive experience for both your family and your student, we have established certain procedures, guidelines, and rules. These have been developed over the past 30 years from working with thousands of students and host families, NWSE representatives, and schools. These procedures stem from our commitment to the safety, well-being, and program success for every exchange participant. Your Area Coordinator and the NWSE office staff will work closely with you throughout the exchange to ensure that these goals are met.

For these reasons, we require your cooperation to inform us of any change in your family’s circumstances that may affect your student’s placement. We look forward to working with you and welcome your questions and comments.

BEFORE YOUR STUDENT ARRIVES

It is very important to establish communication with your student prior to their arrival. This will help build a relationship between you and your student and will help with the adjustment process once your student arrives.

Coordinate with your student and NWSE to decide on the best date for their arrival. As soon as you receive your student’s flight information from the NWSE main office, contact the high school to set up a registration appointment and determine whether the school or the district has a registration packet that you will need to complete.

Student Arrival

Within 60 days of the student’s arrival, a Second Visit will be conducted at the Host Family home. The Second Visitor is a sponsor representative other than the Area Coordinator who will visit the Host Family home. The visit is intended as a secondary check for the health and safety of the student to confirm that the living conditions are suitable for the Program. The Second Visitor will fill out a short survey and submit the report to NWSE.

DURING THE EXCHANGE

Honesty, openness, awareness, and expressions of care are essential from the very beginning of the exchange. Treat your student as a member of your own family and expect them to share and contribute to the daily routine of your home. Your exchange student should follow the same rules that you set or would set for your own children – no exceptions. However, since your exchange student did not grow up in your family or your culture, you will need to build an intentional relationship based on open communication. Do not assume they will effortlessly adapt to your family’s rules, routine, or lifestyle. Your student will likely arrive feeling tired or maybe a




bit insecure. No matter how comfortable they may be with speaking English, your student may seem quiet at first because of travel fatigue and the adjustment process to new people, culture, and language. This effect normally disappears within a few weeks. Make sure to call your AC or the NWSE office if you are worried about any adjustment issues you may experience.

Your student will face many new ideas and customs in your community, school, and family. Students arrive with a set of concepts and behavior learned in their home countries. Likewise, U.S. host family members have a differing set of beliefs and shared understandings based on their culture and background. It is important that both you and your student remain open and understanding of each other’s cultural differences.

Some of the differences will be obvious, such as table manners, fashion, hygiene, etc. Others may be more subtle, such as views on familial roles, gender, or politics. These ideas may affect the student’s willingness to do particular chores or initial expectations or responses in your family.

As you and your student discover these differences, talk about them openly in a family setting; discuss the reasons that you do what you do in your home or in your family. Avoid value judgments or the concepts of what is “right” or “good” or “better” or “worse” when comparing cultures. No topic should be too embarrassing to discuss so that minor issues can be dealt with early and effectively.

Your student may need a bit more understanding and assistance to adjust to your family. Don’t overemphasize the trivial, yet recognize when issues are important enough to be brought up for discussion. Your care and support is the best way to help your student adjust to the cultural differences in their new country.

COMMUNICATION IS KEY!

Open and frequent communication is essential to the success of any exchange program. Shortly after your student arrives, explain your family’s rules and why they are important. Be sure to cover your household schedule, mealtime expectations, and normal chores you expect the student to help with. We recommend a few minutes of friendly and frank explanation, as well as demonstrating their chores. Sometimes rules can be adjusted or relaxed as time goes on. Whatever your rules are, a relationship that encourages discussion is best. Your rules for your exchange students should mirror those for your own children.

Be clear about your expectations. Be consistent and use humor when possible. If your student has seldom (or maybe never) shared typical American household chores in their home country, you may have to explain or show them how to do them. This may seem strange to you, but it is an essential step to making sure your student understands and follows the rules. Your student may forget once in a while – don’t hesitate to remind them. Your student might nod or say “yes” in agreement, yet not fully understand a task they are given. Make sure to repeat the rules when necessary and demonstrate what is expected. Writing out a short guide to appliances like the dishwasher or the laundry machine may also help your students use them correctly.

If your student seems bothered or otherwise appears not to be adjusting to your household, first talk things over calmly and privately. Reflect upon your own actions and listen to your student before you explain. It can be easy to expect more of your exchange student than you do of your children or to become frustrated and impatient and overreact. A very effective approach is to talk about things openly to relieve and solve any perceived or real problem.

Accept and care for your exchange student as you would one of your own children. Support your student and understand your cultural differences. Don’t hold back from assigning them household chores or other responsibilities, as having these responsibilities can help students adjust and feel more part of the family.




Host parents must remain sensitive to their own children, who end up “sharing” attention because of the exchange student’s presence. Before your student arrives, help your own children to have realistic expectations about the experience. Discuss potential adjustments with them and make sure to keep everyone’s expectations reasonable. Refrain from comparing children. Your NWSE student and your children may or may not develop a close relationship and may not share the same friends of activities. A working and sharing relationship is what is important.

Should jealousy, misunderstandings, or signs of friction develop, try to talk about these issues privately. You may need to take the lead in opening a discussion with your student, who may feel reluctant to share their feelings for fear of hurting you, seeming ungrateful, or making matters worse. If stress arises between your student and one of their host siblings, a three-cornered talk, including a parent and your Area Coordinator, could be helpful to resolve the problem. Program Coordinators in the NWSE office are always available to provide support as well.

ADDRESSING THE HOST PARENTS

Your student may be unsure about what to call you. At first, “Mom” or “Dad” or other similar terms may seem strange, yet using “Mr.” or “Mrs.” or first names may seem equally uncomfortable. Discuss this openly with your student to try to find the solution that is most comfortable for your student and your family. This should be covered early in the stay or even before your student arrives so that your student does not avoid calling you anything because they are unsure of what name to use with you.

TRAVEL

NWSE requires that all students provide us with a copy of their itinerary and e-ticket sufficiently in advance of their departure to begin their programs. Students are instructed to notify the host family of the arrival details as part of the communication process. If you do not receive this information or have any concerns, contact NWSE’s main office right away. NWSE also informs the area coordinator and host family to make sure everyone has all of the details of the travel arrangements. NWSE must be informed of any student travel plans that take place during the exchange.

If you will be traveling domestically overnight with your student, inform your AC of your plans.

If a student intends to travel without host family supervision, they must submit a completed Travel Request to NWSE. Students are not permitted to travel alone during their programs but may go on school trips and travel with friends, provided there is proper adult supervision. Accompanying adults may be asked to undergo a criminal background check.

Visiting host family friends or host family relatives in other locations is allowed only with written permission from the natural family and the approval of NWSE.

NWSE requires that natural parents plan for any vacations that may include their child to occur before or after the exchange, NOT during the exchange. NWSE does NOT permit visits from friends and relatives from the exchange student’s home country.

International Travel with Your Student NWSE must be informed well in advance of any planned extended trips or trips abroad during the program, in order to allow NWSE adequate time to determine whether the trip(s) can be allowed, as well as for the




student to obtain a travel validation signature on their DS-2019 Form from the NWSE main office in Seattle. When crossing international borders, students MUST carry the following items with them:

a. A valid passport; b. An unexpired, valid J-1 Visa; c. A travel-validated DS-2019 Form (original must be mailed to NWSE for validation signature) d. Any additional visas required for the country being visited (consult with the embassy of the country

being visited for information); e. Written permission from the high school administrator if travel includes school days.

Important: For students to be able to travel abroad (e.g. to Mexico or Canada), they may need to apply for and obtain a foreign visa in advance of their trip. In addition to obtaining approval from NWSE for such a trip, it is the student’s sole responsibility to ensure they obtain any required visas before their departure, to comply with all foreign government requirements for their travel, and to make all other necessary arrangements for the trip. Information about visa requirements for Canada can be found at www.cic.gc.ca.

LANGUAGE

Most students experience some difficulty speaking or understanding English when they first arrive. Your student may be overwhelmed by the language difference or may simply be confused by individual words or phrases. It is good practice to ask questions to ensure that your student understands what was said. Misunderstandings can often be traced back to the fact that a word may not have been understood, or may have registered with different meanings and implications for you and for your student.

Students can also become frustrated by not being able to express their ideas or feelings in another language. Remaining patient and speaking slowly will help your student the most. If you express frustration, the student will feel it as well. Have all members of your family make an effort to talk slowly and to repeat things if necessary.

If your student seems to have very limited language skills, notify NWSE right away so that we may assist you and

the student through the transition phase. Try to arrange activities that will allow the student to experience

language learning via physical activity, music, art, etc. Physically associating language with meaning provides one

of the best means of understanding and expression and allows the student to feel like a part of what’s happening.

NWSE Area Coordinators may also arrange for tutoring at the student’s and natural family’s expense. For

additional language learning hints, contact NWSE.

HOMESICKNESS

Occasional homesickness is perfectly natural. If a student is kept active, introduced to new friends, and cared for,

homesickness will usually pass quickly. However, if it persists and manifests itself in withdrawal, frequent tears, or

other signs of unhappiness, this may be due to other problems. It is wise to try to discuss these potential

problems and discover their causes. Alert your NWSE Area Coordinator and NWSE Program Coordinator as well;

friends and school contacts outside of your family may also be able to help.


http://www.cic.gc.ca/



AGE AND MATURITY

NWSE students are teenagers and may need reminders. Do not hesitate to suggest that your student write letters home or send thank-you notes. These reminders also may include keeping appointments, sharing in the housework, changing clothes, using age- and peer group-appropriate language and behavior, finishing studies, and many other things.

COMPARISONS BETWEEN HOME AND HOST COUNTRIES

Your student may have patriotic feelings about their home country, just as many Americans are patriotic about the U.S. This is natural. Students or host families may occasionally compare their host country unfavorably with their own country. These comparisons should not become personal in nature or be seen as a sign of a lack of gratitude on your student’s part. Comparisons like this may be a symptom of culture shock or, to some degree, may be a normal reaction. However, if your student is acting or speaking in a tactless or inconsiderate manner, discuss your feelings with them. If this behavior continues, contact your Area Coordinator or Program Coordinator. Displays of such attitudes and value judgments have no place in a student exchange setting. Here, as well, effective communication with your student is essential.

It is also important to express an interest in the student’s home country. Read what you can before the student arrives and let the student teach you about their country. The hope is that both you and your student will gain a deeper understanding of your respective countries and cultures.

RELIGIOUS DIFFERENCES

Religious beliefs should be mutually respected. Your student may wish to join you in your worship, but this is not a program requirement. If it is necessary to make special arrangements in order for your student to observe their religious practices in everyday life, work with your student to try to find solutions that work for everyone. Your student will probably appreciate recognition by your family on particular religious holidays if there is a difference of faith.

Though NWSE students are not required to attend religious services, many students still choose to do so as a cultural experience. Please keep in mind that your exchange student cannot be expected to join you for religious services. Host families, friends, and others should not try to change the student’s beliefs. However, you may want to suggest visits to a variety of churches, synagogues, temples, and mosques as cultural experiences as well. In their home country, your student may be unaccustomed to church-based youth groups. Don’t rule out suggesting or introducing such groups and activities to your student, as they may prove to be positive experiences.

MONEY

Students are responsible for their personal expenses. They are expected to manage their own spending money and pay for their own medical expenses. Do not allow your student to give their money to anyone else (including you) to manage unless they first check with the NWSE main office. Students may open a checking and or savings account at a local bank, or they may have a foreign credit or debit card. However, do NOT allow them to give money to you or their AC, unless specifically instructed to do so by the NWSE main office. If you should ever have any questions about money matters, please contact the NWSE main office right away. The reason for this policy is to avoid any confusion, misunderstandings, or problems regarding matters of money, as well as to help ensure that everyone has an enjoyable exchange experience.




SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS: Let your student know what kinds of school expenses to expect before they arrive and work with them to find the best ways to cover these expenses. Some of these items may include transportation to and from school, lunches, textbooks, locker fees, lab fees, and school supplies, class photos (if they are required) , class rings, and gym/sports equipment. NWSE students are expected to cover these and related expenses themselves.

FOLLOWING THE RULES

Tell your student what you expect and explain your family’s household rules. This gives them the security of knowing what to do and not to do. Your student may have grown up in a family setting with different expectations or have had more or less independence. Regardless, be prepared to give your student more guidance than you would your own children.

If your student is of the opinion that they may come and go without discussing their plans, address this with them immediately. This may be considerably more freedom than you grant your own children. Your student must keep you informed of their whereabouts at all times. If this continues to be an issue, inform your AC or the NWSE main office.

During their exchange, students are not allowed to make major life changes or decisions during the program, including, but not limited to, changing religions, becoming engaged or married, and getting body tattoos and body piercings.

DRUGS, DRINKING ALCOHOL, SMOKING

Customs and attitudes about drinking alcohol, taking drugs, smoking, and weapons vary around the world. Although some NWSE students may have smoked or consumed alcohol in their home countries with the full consent of their natural parents and in compliance with local laws, NWSE students MUST obey U.S. laws regarding these substances once they are in this country or face possible program termination. Smoking, drinking alcohol, and using illegal drugs is not allowed on our program. NWSE students have no immunity from the law.

Our primary concern is the safety of all of our students and the program’s success. This includes the negative effects drug use may have on the host family, student, community, and NWSE’s reputation. If a student becomes involved with the illegal use of drugs, inform NWSE immediately.

WEAPONS/FIREARMS

Students may accompany host families, but may not handle or use weapons for hunting, firing-range practice, or any other purpose except as explained below: Many families in the USA (and around the world) keep firearms in their homes. Due to our country’s size, this is another aspect of America’s diversity. For example: rural settings may have different needs and uses of firearms than in the city; many families use firearms for hunting, etc. To ensure successful program outcomes, for the safety and well-being of our students and host families, and to prevent accidents it is important to follow NWSE’s firearms policy. There are strict laws and regulations governing the use and storage of firearms. It is never appropriate to touch anyone one else's personal/private property –and this includes firearms. Students should leave them alone. Because of safety and liability issues, the handling of and exposure to firearms by exchange students is




discouraged and may only be done in controlled environments where a responsible adult is present. Instead of encouraging people with firearms or students who desire to learn how to use them responsibly in such context to go behind NWSE’s back and thus create potentially dangerous situations, and because it is impossible for NWSE personnel to be with each student 24-7, a signed release and waiver of responsibility from the exchange student’s natural parents, the student and host family** shall be required releasing NWSE from any and all responsibility for any damage or injury (or worse) that may occur due to any accident or negligence on anyone’s part related to firearms. Host families with firearms have the responsibility to prevent the exchange student from gaining unauthorized

access to firearms or ammunition stored in the host family home or otherwise in the host family’s possession (e.g.

in their car).

Among commonly held Gun Safety Rules and NWSE policy it is required that: ammunition and firearms be stored

in separate, secure locations with the keys to the locked boxes hidden; firearms be unloaded at all times when not

in use; firearms must be immediately unloaded when finished shooting, well before being brought into a car,

camp, or home.

Regardless of whether a host family has firearms at home, host families should tell their exchange students to proceed as follows if they find a firearm:

Stop.

Don't touch it.

Leave the area.

Tell an adult/the host parent.

Among some of the reasons for this rule: Young people are curious, and may well find it difficult to control their curiosity around firearms. Despite the relatively low statistical incidence of firearms accidents, their presence does increase the risk of injury or death for children.

NWSE’s firearms policy does not exclude host families from safely and responsibly owning guns. Families with an unsecured firearm, loaded or unlocked firearm or unlocked/unsecured ammunition around the house that may be accessible to an NWSE student cannot, for safety reasons, host an NWSE exchange student. Again, students may accompany host families, but may not handle or use weapons for hunting, firing-range practice, or any other purpose without a signed release and waiver of responsibility as explained above**.

CELL PHONE POLICY AND INTERNATIONAL CALLS

Since NWSE discourages students from using cell phones from their home country during their exchange, your student may need advice about how to obtain a U.S. cell phone. Regardless of whether you add your student to your family’s cell-phone plan or help them open their own account, students are responsible for paying for their own cell phones, phone plans, and phone calls. Under no circumstances should the host family feel obligated to pay for any phone service bill or subscription. If you decide to pay for phone and other data or Internet subscription-related expenses for your student, we cannot guarantee that you will be reimbursed.

If you allow your student to use your landline to call their home country, they should use a phone card or call collect. Applications such as Skype, Google Hangouts, LINE, and WhatsApp are free or low-cost alternatives to phone calls.




Too frequent or extended contact with family and friends from home causes homesickness and makes it more difficult for the student to adjust to living in a foreign country. Program rules require students to limit their communication with their family and friends from their home country to one hour per week. This includes phone calls, e-mails, Skype, Facebook, WhatsApp, etc. and other forms of communication. If your student is making or receiving frequent phone calls or text messages from family or friends in their home country, remind them of this rule. If the problem persists, contact your Area Coordinator or the NWSE main office. If necessary, have your student leave their cell phone and laptop in a common area of the house and do not permit them to use them in their bedrooms. Do NOT permit them to have their phones/computers in their bedrooms after bedtime. If they stay up late to talk to family and friends due to a time-zone difference, the sleep deprivation may lead to exhaustion, sadness, and homesickness.

RELATIONSHIP WITH NWSE

Your NWSE Area Coordinator will maintain regular contact with you, your student, and your student’s school throughout the exchange program. Department of State regulations require that Area Coordinators contact their students and host families at least once per month. Much of this contact will be by phone, but ACs are also required to meet with hosts and students in person once per semester. It is mandatory for all host families to be in touch with your AC once a semester, so please be sure to take time each month to connect with your AC. If, for any reason, your Area Coordinator does not contact you each month, contact your Program Coordinator immediately. Checking in regularly with all host families and students allows NWSE to ensure the safety, welfare, and program enjoyment for all participants and allows us to send progress updates to the students’ parents and partner organizations overseas. Your Area Coordinator is a valuable resource for you and your student. Feel free to reach out to them at any time with questions about the program. Your Area Coordinator will act as a mediator if you and/or your student experience any difficulties. There may also be times when you or your student feels more comfortable speaking openly with someone outside the home. You and your student should feel comfortable contacting your Area Coordinator or your Program Coordinator in the NWSE main office for any reason at any time.

Our participants’ relationship with NWSE is a top priority. If at first it seems that too many people are involved in your experience, consider how you would feel if your own child were far away. Natural parents send their child on the NWSE program confident that their child will be treated fairly and with care, and expecting the overall experience to be a positive one. It is our job to ensure that this is the case for all students and host families.

COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR STUDENT’S NATURAL FAMILY

Communicating with your student’s natural family should be enjoyable and helpful to all. Although there may be a language barrier involved, a reasonable amount of communication will probably be reassuring to them. Occasional e-mails and contact using a VoIP service (Skype, etc.) may go a long way towards reassuring your student’s natural family while giving them a window into your exchange. It is not required but may be useful and even quite enjoyable. Please remember that communication with natural family should not interfere with the exchange or with the student’s ongoing cultural immersion. (Please see “Program Rules and Expectations for Exchange Students.”)




WHEN A RELATIONSHIP IS NOT WORKING

An exchange student living in a host family changes the dynamic of that family. Both the student and the host family will need to adjust to these changes and expectations, as well as to one another. The best way to solve any adjustment problem is to talk about it early and directly with those involved. Keeping concerns to yourself can often make an otherwise easily solvable problem worse and can even eliminate the opportunity for an effective resolution. We are always ready and willing to help resolve potential problems. Try to figure out the causes, share and explain your thoughts and feelings, and listen to what they have to say. Ask your Area Coordinator or Program Coordinator for advice, and, if necessary, assistance to help you reach a resolution.

Nobody has “failed” if things just don’t work out. Hosting is not an endurance test. The well-being and enjoyment of the student and family are essential to a successful exchange. If you feel that things are still not working out even after reasonable efforts have been made, contact your Area Coordinator and Program Coordinator at the NWSE office. NWSE will determine whether a subsequent host family should be sought for the remainder of the exchange period or whether the student’s program duration should end early. If a student's behavior is not appropriate for an exchange student and causes unrest within the host school, family, or community, or is found to be illegal or inappropriate, such actions may constitute grounds the termination of the student’s exchange program. Any additional costs caused by such a situation are to be paid by the student and their natural family, according to NWSE program rules.

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR HOST FAMILIES AND STUDENTS Openness and respect are necessary for a successful exchange. A good sense of humor, understanding for one

another, and good communication skills are critical for host family members and exchange students. Take an active role in your exchange student’s life, just as you would for your own children. NWSE students

are teenagers who still need guidance and positive role models.

Host families are not obligated or expected to function as tour guides for their exchange students.

Try to organize carpools with other parents whose students are in extracurricular activities that may require extra help traveling to and from games, concerts, practices, etc.

Schedule in advance a registration appointment with the proper counselor or school registrar to help your exchange student choose classes and begin school on arrival. School officials have been notified that your exchange student will be attending your school. Host siblings can also help orient and advise their exchange student about their school and help them choose classes.

Exchange students may not stay overnight in the host family home without appropriate adult supervision. If the host parents will be away overnight, arrangements must be made for someone to stay at home with the student or for appropriate accommodation elsewhere.

All NWSE exchange students and host families in the U.S. and abroad are expected to obey regulations and laws, with special attention to controlled substances (drugs/alcohol), weapons, and child abuse. Any violations of the law constitute grounds for immediate termination of an exchange or hosting experience and/or possible legal action by local authorities against the offending parties.

Misrepresentations by natural parents, host families, or exchange students in their NWSE applications or interviews are unacceptable. Appropriate actions, including possible student moves or program termination, will be taken to address these issues if and when they arise.




NWSE does not promote, allow, or intend its programs to provide opportunities for school athletic participation and high school graduation (unless explicitly authorized by the host school with all appropriate and legal student qualifications), driver’s education instruction, household domestic service, child care, employment, or other activities in violation of the J-1 Visa or that might compromise the student’s safety, program, community, or school reputation.

SCHOOL

EDUCATION

After the host family experience, the school experience is the second most important aspect of the NWSE program. Your student will spend close to half their program at school.

Students are not guaranteed and very rarely receive diplomas on J-1 exchange programs. It is your student’s responsibility to know their unique educational obligations and to share them with NWSE. Students may not pressure their host family, school, or NWSE for a diploma, driver’s license, or other school-related privileges.

Each student’s schedule should be tailored, as much as the school’s course catalog allows, to their individual academic profile, interests, and plans. If a student’s mastery of English is limited, the academic schedule should be geared towards the language ability that they will acquire after several months, since the student may otherwise outgrow the originally scheduled classes. Host parents may need to help the student register for classes, either in advance of their arrival during pre-set registration times, or after their arrival if registration must be done in person. Host families should contact the school registrar immediately to receive school and schedule registration information.

Certain subjects may help the student better learn about their host country, such as U.S. history, literature, civics, and politics; NWSE typically suggests exchange students take one or two of these classes and some classes that are not offered in their own country. For example, there may be elective classes such as art, drama, sports, life skills, or music.

Students are expected to work and perform well at school. Your student should schedule courses that challenge their abilities. Without a reasonably challenging schedule, students often become bored and their readjustment to a demanding school at home will be more difficult. This could easily lead to the conclusion that schools in the U.S. are easy. Failing to work hard and show genuine effort at school jeopardizes the student’s reputation at the host school. A poor attitude in and toward school can also lead to the school eliminating international exchange programs.

If any questions arise about your student’s curriculum or course schedule, particularly if it involves their academic career in their home country, contact your Area Coordinator and/or your student’s Program Coordinator at the NWSE main office right away. We will work with you, the school, your student, their natural family, and our overseas partners to find the best solution. SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

School activities are an important part of high school life and are a good way for your student to make friends and meet new people. Once your student has become familiar with the school and its opportunities, ask them which activities they are interested in exploring. NWSE recommends that exchange students participate in at least one




club and/or sport per semester. Help give your student a chance to observe or participate in student government or to join the International Club or Volunteer Club. Sports can also help a student make friends and experience U.S. culture; however, keep in mind that in a few states there are restrictions on participation in varsity sports or competitions by a student who has not been in the community the previous year, is on a J-1 Visa, or who may have graduated from another secondary school.

The first day may be bewildering for your student. It will take time to learn where to go and what to do. Challenges intensify when there is a language gap. Everything from ways of addressing the teachers, to changing classes each hour, to sports activities and social customs will be different. Your student should not be left to cope with all this alone. A host sibling or someone assigned by the high school should accompany the student until they have familiarized themselves with the daily routine.

SOCIAL LIFE

Students may experience difficulty feeling accepted and may feel that others see them more as a curiosity or a commodity than as a person. Previous students report expecting to be considered “special,” yet are disappointed when they may simply be thought of as “just another student at school.” The social life of the host community’s teenagers most likely differs from that to which your student is accustomed. Your student may be more used to group activities and doing everything with a group of friends or may be confused by casual invitations to “hang out,” perhaps not knowing how to judge when they are sincere. Help your student to enter local teenage life in a way that will be meaningful and that will encourage genuine friendships.

Dating and sexual norms may be very different in your student’s culture from what you are accustomed to in your community. NWSE requires that students follow their host family’s guidelines about dating, as well as any situational-imposed guidelines. Although these subjects are often emotionally charged, it is most helpful to talk with your student to be sure they understand what your family’s attitudes are and to share your feelings if any problems or misunderstandings arise. Your student might need explanations from you and, more importantly, from someone of the same age and gender.

Acting in any way that may prove physically or emotionally threatening, uncomfortable or harmful to another person is absolutely not allowed. This includes but is not limited to actions such as bullying, sexting, posting inappropriate images or statements anywhere online or otherwise, forcing oneself on another person, etc. (See “Sexual Abuse Awareness” section on p. 19.)

In addition to your home rules, many schools have guidelines about “public displays of affection” (PDA), which may prohibit or regulate what, if any, physical contact, including kissing, romantic, and/or physical sexual touching, is allowed at school. NWSE students must check with their schools and host families about their respective guidelines for PDA.

Additionally, should your student prefer not to date or dance for religious or other reasons, do not press the student into behavior with which they are not comfortable.

Understand that dating “dos and don’ts” will differ between your student’s home country and the U.S. For example, while in many parts of other countries it may be acceptable to show significant signs of affection in public (kissing, body contact, etc.), such displays of affection may not be acceptable in your community. Additionally, going on a one-on-one date with a person or referring to them as “boyfriend” or “girlfriend” may indicate a different level of commitment or exclusivity in the U.S. than in the student’s home country.




NWSE Program Rules clarification: In order to ensure the physical, mental, and emotional health, safety and welfare of our students and their exchange communities, NWSE exchange students are expected to refrain from sexual relationships for the duration of their exchange programs. It is understood and agreed that NWSE shall not be held liable or responsible in any way for harm, claims or consequences that may result from non-compliance with this rule. As a corollary clarification to this rule, no host parent or host sibling shall engage or attempt to engage in sexual activities with an NWSE student.

Dating is, of course, not the priority of this program. The student’s priority is to spend time with your family, focus on school work, make friends, and be involved in family, academic, and community activities. Consequences for violating these rules and guidelines include, but are not limited to, disciplinary “behavior contracts,” confiscation of cell phones, disciplinary action from the school (suspension, expulsion, etc.), and dismissal from the NWSE program as described elsewhere in NWSE materials.

CONVALIDATION OF TRANSCRIPTS

NWSE cannot guarantee that the high school credits a student receives at their host school during their exchange programs will transfer to their home schools. Some countries require exchange students to have their transcripts convalidated in order for them to be recognized. If your student must have their transcripts convalidated, it is their responsibility to go through the necessary steps, including receiving an apostille or other authentication from the appropriate state agency or consulate. NWSE will provide whatever assistance we can.

INSURANCE

All NWSE students are covered by a basic health insurance policy, which covers most illnesses and accidents. Dental and vision care, except for in extreme emergencies, is usually not covered for exchange students. Immunizations and wellness visits (including routine dental cleanings) are not covered.

Most students are covered through Global Secutive. Some students and their natural parents choose their own insurance that must meet or exceed U.S. Department of State requirements for exchange-student insurance. Students who choose their own insurance policy submit an Insurance Waiver Form (“Form C”) to NWSE, which lists their policy information. Keep this information handy at all times. Your student’s complete insurance information is included in your Host Family Mailing or in an e-mail from your Program Coordinator. If you have not received your student’s health insurance information, please contact your Program Coordinator.

It is your student’s responsibility to know how to obtain insurance benefits and to follow all necessary steps to claim any benefits. Your family should never pay for any of your student’s medical expenses or bills. Please direct any questions to the insurance company. If you cannot reach the insurance company, please get in touch with your Program Coordinator immediately.

When your student goes to the doctor, be sure they bring their complete insurance information, including their insurance ID card, the name of their insurance provider, policy number, and the phone number of their provider. The student’s basic insurance information is listed on the back of your student’s NWSE ID card.




MORE ON GLOBAL SECUTIVE INSURANCE Most NWSE students have medical, travel, and accident insurance through Global Secutive (PPO: First Health). You will receive a copy of the Global Secutive brochure and the student’s individual insurance policy information in your Host Family Mailing or via e-mail. Your student should set up an online profile on Global Secutive’s MyInsurance website, where they can manage their insurance matters. On this website, they can find a doctor in the Preferred Provider Network, chat with customer service, print claim forms or ID cards, and follow the status of any claims they have filed.

NWSE and Global Secutive strongly recommend that students find a doctor in the Preferred Provider Network. Before seeking treatment, you or your student should call Global Secutive at the number listed on their insurance ID card or in the insurance brochure to verify that the procedure will be covered. Some procedures, such as MRIs and surgeries must be pre-approved by Global Secutive.

If your student visits a doctor from Global Secutive’s Preferred Provider Network, the doctor’s office should be able to bill Global Secutive directly. If they are not able to, the student will need to fill out a claim form and submit it, along with any original receipts or bills, to Global Secutive. Remind your student to keep copies of everything they submit for their own records. More information on filing a claim and the benefits of the Global Secutive policy can be found on their website and in the brochure.

DRIVING AND DRIVER’S LICENSE

Students may not drive any motorized vehicle at any time during their exchange, except as described in this section:

We know and understand that some students want to learn to drive. However, the reason for the no-driving rule is simple: maximize student safety and program success while minimizing potential accident, injury, and tragedy.

Exchange students may have the option to take driver's education classes in the community and/or at their school. Before signing up for any driver’s education program, NWSE must be consulted and grant permission. If a student does decide to take driving lessons to get a license, they shall NOT do so to the detriment of regular academic or extracurricular (school) and family activities, nor shall they pressure or otherwise require the host family to allow them to do so, or use their car to practice.

NWSE generally discourages students from taking driving lessons or attempting to get a driver's license during the NWSE program. Any student attempting to take or taking driving lessons while participating in the NWSE program and their natural parents or a representative thereof shall not hold NWSE or anyone affiliated with NWSE (including the host family) responsible in any manner whatsoever for any damages, injuries, or other losses caused by or associated in any way with the student's driving lesson activities during the exchange program.

NWSE strongly advises against having the student use the host family’s car for their driving lessons and instead suggests that the student take those classes with a licensed instructor in a vehicle the driving school provides. NO pressure from the student on the host family is tolerated. The host family and NWSE are under no obligation whatsoever to provide any assistance to the student toward attaining a license. A student pressuring the host family on this matter is grounds for that student's immediate dismissal from the NWSE program as described in NWSE materials.

Driver's licenses are not a part of NWSE’s program, and therefore NWSE, its representatives, and Area Coordinators are unfamiliar with the various requirements and testing. Gathering all information about driver's




license procedure and requirements, any insurance issues, etc. is the complete responsibility of the student and their natural family desiring the license.

Any student that eventually succeeds in receiving a license during the NWSE program shall at no time during the program and NWSE sponsorship ask to drive, drive, or attempt to drive any motorized vehicle under any circumstances. Failure to abide by this rule is grounds for immediate dismissal from the NWSE program as described in NWSE materials.

All NWSE students are forbidden to drive during their program. The no-driving rule applies to every student, at all times, regardless of any licensure abroad and liability or other insurance that may have been purchased. It must be followed without exception, and NWSE will enforce the rule. Any student who drives will be sent home. This rule applies to activities including, but not limited to driving cars anywhere, including private land, driveways, or parking lots. Students are also forbidden to drive trucks of all kinds, motorcycles, motor-scooters, and powered bicycles, as well as to fly an airplane.

The consequences of breaking the no-driving rule is the student’s immediate return home. Accordingly, host families should NOT allow a student to drive as described above.

If your student desires to participate in any sporting activity that depends on a motor (i.e., as a passenger on a snowmobile or ATV), the student must contact NWSE for a Hazardous Activity Waiver. The waiver must be signed by the natural parents and returned to NWSE before NWSE can give permission for participation. These forms must be submitted to the NWSE main office well in advance of pursuing these activities. (For more information about this waiver, please see “Hazardous Activity Waiver,” p. 17.)

JOBS/SOCIAL SECURITY CARDS

High school exchange students cannot work more than 10 hours a week, according to the requirements of the J-1 (Exchange Visitor’s) Visa, and only in the context of a small, private, and non-skilled job, such as baby-sitting, newspaper delivery, tutoring, washing cars, delivering groceries, and mowing lawns. It can by no means be a “regular” job in requiring the issuance of a Social Security card. According to federal government regulations, J-1 high school exchange students are not permitted to obtain work permits or Social Security cards in order to take a job. NWSE students cannot take jobs to earn large sums of money, nor can they send payments home to their natural families. These requirements are set by the U.S. Immigration Service and must be followed in order to remain in good standing in the U.S. under the J-1 Visa. If you have any questions, contact NWSE Headquarters.

HAZARDOUS ACTIVITY WAIVER

You may find yourself uncertain whether to allow your student to participate in certain activities. As general guidance, if you would allow your own child to do this, you should feel comfortable allowing your NWSE student to do the same. There are, however, some activities that are potentially dangerous, such as mountain climbing, sky diving, skiing, snowboarding, and boating. If your student is interested in participating in these activities, please contact your Area Coordinator or the NWSE main office. We may require a hazardous activity release form to allow the student to participate. Failure to notify NWSE of such intended activities may cause the end of the student’s program or their stay with your family.

Students may not, under any circumstance, handle firearms for any reason, including for use hunting or at a firing range.




AT THE END OF THE EXCHANGE

SAYING GOOD BYE

Remind your student to take time to say good-bye to the people who have been important to them during their exchange. Encourage them to write notes to their teachers, counselors, and school administrators to thank them for welcoming them to the school.

PREPARING FOR YOUR STUDENT’S DEPARTURE

The end of the exchange experience may be an emotional time. Make sure your student takes the time to wrap up any loose ends by reminding them to take care of the following:

Locate their passport and DS-2019 Form for their departure

Return any borrowed school materials or library books and pay any outstanding school fees or fines

Close their U.S. bank account (if they opened one)

Return any items they may have borrowed from your family and have them reimburse you for any long-distance phone calls they may have made from your phone, or other expenses they may owe

Request a copy of their final school transcript from their school

If they ordered a yearbook and have not yet received it, ask them to leave you a self-addressed envelope with you with enough postage for the yearbook to be sent to them in their home country

Check the baggage weight limits for their airline

Research international shipping options and regulations before attempting to mail items home

Once the agreed upon exchange term has ended (indicated by the “end date” on the DS-2019 Form, which is the student’s last day of school), the student is no longer the responsibility of NWSE. There is a 29-day “grace period” after the program-end date indicated on the DS-2019. This grace period, determined by the U.S. Department of State and USCIS, is intended for students to organize themselves in preparation for departure, as well as for students to travel in the U.S. if they and their natural parents desire to do so. Students may not travel outside of the U.S. and return to the U.S. during the grace period. For example, you will not be able to take them to Canada and return with them to the U.S. During the grace period, NWSE is not responsible for the student. The student will have health insurance coverage during the grace period.

The student’s NWSE Participation Agreement requires the student to return home at the end of the program. This legal agreement and responsibility reflects immigration and regulatory conditions of the J-1 exchange student program.

Certain benefits of the exchange program experience come only after the student returns home with the new insights, experiences, and skills gained during their exchange. Students are apt to find new opportunities and challenges, as well as many rewards as a result of their experience abroad. Upon their return, it is very important that the student concentrates on their future and re-identify with their natural family and friends.

The end of the exchange is the beginning of new learning based upon the effects of their exchange experiences. Many families and students maintain contact over the years and enjoy their flourishing relationships despite distance separating them.




INCOME TAX DEDUCTION FOR HOSTING YOUR STUDENT

You may deduct up to $50 per month that your student lives with you. If you have any questions, consult an accountant or tax representative. This deduction refers to Public Law 86-779 of the 86th Congress, section 170(h) allowing deductions as charitable contributions from your adjusted gross income. We provide host families documentation to confirm this deduction at the beginning of the calendar year. Some of the features of this law and deduction at the publication time of this handbook are as follows:

1. The charitable deduction consists of the amount actually paid to maintain the student, and is limited to $50 times the number of months the student is in your home and enrolled as a full-time student at a secondary school. We recommend that you keep records in order to satisfy any IRS documentation requirements.

2. Your eligibility for this deduction depends on your individual eligibility for total deductions for charitable contributions. Check with your accountant and IRS publications.

3. If your student lives in your family for 15 or more days in any calendar month, this month is considered a full calendar month for the purpose of computing the $50 per month deduction.

4. When filling out your tax return, be careful to enter this deduction under the Charitable Contributions section of the form. You cannot list your student as an exemption.

5. If you choose to claim a deduction when filing your tax return, attach only a photocopy of your agreement with NWSE. Keep the original, as you may need it for IRS documentation purposes.

*Laws are subject to change. Consult your tax advisor for further information or visit the tax rules and IRS web links at https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2011-title26/html/USCODE-2011-title26-subtitleA-chap1-subchapB.htm

US Code Title 26-Internal Revenue Code Subtitle A-Income Taxes Chapter 1-Normal Taxes and Surtaxes Subchapter B-Computation of Taxable Income Part VI-Itemized Deductions for Individuals and Corporations Section 170-Charitable, etc. gifts and contributions (g) Amounts paid to maintain certain students as members of taxpayer's household (2) Limitations (A) Amount

Paragraph (1) shall apply to amounts paid within the taxable year only to the extent that such amounts do not exceed $50 multiplied by the number of full calendar months during the taxable year which fall within the period described in paragraph (1). For purposes of the preceding sentence, if 15 or more days of a calendar month fall within such period such month shall be considered as a full calendar month.

(B) Compensation or reimbursement

Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any amount paid by the taxpayer within the taxable year if the taxpayer receives any money or other property as compensation or reimbursement for maintaining the individual in his household during the period described in paragraph (1).




SEXUAL ABUSE AWARENESS

The U.S. Department of State requires that all exchange student sponsor organizations provide their students with

information on how to recognize and report sexual abuse.

This information is intended (1) to recognize any incidence of sexual abuse occurring to anyone participating in the program,

and (2) to help you more completely understand and recognize the signs of and issues surrounding sexual abuse.

We expect all students and host families to read this information thoroughly and discuss it with their Area Coordinators

during their orientations. Although this topic is uncomfortable to discuss, it is necessary to do so. It is ESSENTIAL that we all

work together to understand what sexual abuse is, how to report it, and how to respect your and others’ bodies and

boundaries All participants should be aware of the warning signs of sexual abuse, and all exchange participants, students,

parents, and schools are officially on notice that any such activity is entirely unacceptable in our program.

Additionally, we have put together a list of informational pieces that were compiled from the sources listed below. There is a

great deal of information about sexual abuse to be found on the Internet and in libraries, but it is important to seek out

resources that avoid victim-blaming and gender biases.

We urge you to contact your AC or anyone at the NWSE main office any time you feel the need to discuss this topic, or if you

feel that you or anyone you know may be at risk. Report ANY incident to the NWSE main office immediately: (206) 527-0917

or (206) 683-3100 (the 24-hour emergency number).

Please also review the information in the Wilberforce Pamphlet regarding the rights of non-immigrant visa holders:

https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/general/rights-protections-temporary-workers.html

Information Regarding Sexual Abuse

The following information has been adapted from YFU Germany and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children:

Even though sexual abuse very rarely occurs across all student exchanges each year, it is important to know how to recognize

signs of sexual abuse.

While on your exchange program, it can be hard for students to understand different family and cultural behaviors. While

sharing affection is one of the nicest things in the world, it is possible that someone may act in ways thamake you

uncomfortable or even threaten you under the guise of showing you affection.

If you feel uncomfortable or threatened by another person’s actions, physical or otherwise, make sure to tell that person to

stop and remove yourself from the situation to a safe place. Make sure you tell your host family, Area Coordinator, and/or

the NWSE Main Office staff immediately. It is never too late to let someone know, and our students’ safety and well-being is

our utmost concern. Sexual abuse is never the fault of the victim.

Your body is your business! You have the right to determine your body’s boundaries.

Trust your feelings! You should always take your feelings seriously! Listen to your intuition, follow your best judgment, and report all problems.

ONLY you decide who can touch you! Only you have the right to decide how, when, where, and by whom you want to be touched.

You have the right to say NO! It’s always OK to say NO. Sometimes abusers will try to make their victims second-guess their judgment or tell them that they are at fault or that they will be negatively judged for the abuser’s actions.


https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/general/rights-protections-temporary-workers.html



Talk about things and ask for help! It is never wrong to tell a trusted adult if you are feeling uncomfortable. You decide when and with whom to talk about sexual misconduct that you observe or have experienced. There is always an NWSE coordinator who can help. You may choose to talk with a teacher, school counselor, friend, or a friend’s parent, but always report any incident that you observe to NWSE right away.

It’s not your fault! The abuser is the one responsible. It is never your fault.

WHAT IS SEXUAL ABUSE?

Sexual abuse can include a variety of activities such as the following:

Being the object or target of suggestive looks or comments

Being kissed or touched against one’s will

Being forced or coerced to touch your private body parts, or watching the offender do the same

Having someone engage you in unwanted sexual acts

Being made to look at pornographic videos or magazines

Other behaviors that make you uncomfortable

Perpetrator (Offender) Strategies:

Intensifying the relationship: The perpetrator intensifies the relationship in order to establish a supposed equality between the perpetrator and victim. For example, the perpetrator may begin by sharing confidential problems, or by allowing or encouraging the victim to break NWSE or family rules. The perpetrator may also act jealously of the victim’s other relationships.

Isolation: The perpetrator may try to prevent friendship with other young people or contact with NWSE and the student’s natural family in order to deliberately isolate the student.

Seduction: The perpetrator could foster or intensify emotional devotion, tenderness, gift-giving, recognition, or simulated love.

Ignoring the victim’s resistance: The perpetrator ignores feelings or statements of discomfort.

Keeping the victim silent: The perpetrator uses an intense relationship to impose a sense of responsibility and guilt on the victim in order to keep them quiet. This can happen through contrived threats to report that the student has broken NWSE program rules; telling the student they will be sent home or deported; threatening to tell the host family or school that the student was at fault; taking photos or spreading rumors about the student; etc. You should not fear talking with anyone at NWSE or any other trusted adult about your discomfort in such a situation.

NWSE coordinators, host parents, teachers, and school guidance counselors are a network of trusted adults with whom you

can discuss any issues without fear of victim blaming, loss of reputation, or judgment.

Where to find help:

In your host country: Your NWSE coordinator is trained to help you. You have been provided their contact information

already and it is located on your ID card. If you happen to lose this information, you can contact NWSE at any time at the

numbers below.

In the U.S.: You and your parents or guardians can reach NWSE 24 hours a day by dialing 1 (877) 850-3312 (toll-free) and or

(206) 683-3100. If calling from abroad, please first dial 001 followed by the numbers listed above.

Important: In most countries and local communities it is mandatory to report incidences of sexual abuse to the authorities. In

other words, it is illegal if a person finds out about an act of sexual abuse and does not report it.




Informational Web Sites:

http://www.prevent-abuse-now.com

http://www.stopitnow.org/warnings.html#touch

http://www.stopitnow.com/downloads/Prevent_CSA.pdf

24-hour emergency number for NWSE: (206) 683-3100

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: free & confidential support in English and Spanish

Phone: 1-800-273-8255. Online chat at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

RULES AND EXPECTATIONS FOR EXCHANGE STUDENTS

The following rules and expectations must be understood, accepted, and followed by all students and their parents to help ensure the well-being, safety and program enjoyment of everyone involved in the program, avoid misunderstandings, and meet the goals of international student exchange. Breaking any of the rules or disregarding any of the expectations can result in immediate program termination at the student’s and parents’ expense.

Expectations

A. Communication Students are expected to focus their attention on nurturing a positive relationship with their host family by showing genuine interest in their host family, initiating conversations, and communicating openly and respectfully about what is on their mind, both when they are happy and when they are unhappy about something. They must view their host family as their primary communication partner.

The following behaviors are unacceptable, can lead to major misunderstandings and problems, indicate to

NWSE a lack of motivation to participate in the program, and can quickly lead to the termination of the

student’s program:

1. Students contacting friends and natural family members from their home country to discuss or solve problems before or without communicating these problems clearly to their host family and NWSE

2. Student’s friends and natural family members directly contacting the host family, school personnel or local NWSE coordinators to discuss or solve problems before or without communicating and discussing these problems clearly with NWSE's in-country partner and/or the main NWSE office.

3. Students and their friends and natural family members from their home country communicating too frequently and/or at the expense of the success of the exchange.

4. Students abusing electronic media or devices in any manner to the detriment of successful program outcomes.

If a student and/or their natural family communicates as described above and/or does not follow NWSE’s rules,

they indicate to NWSE that the exchange should be terminated at the student’s and the natural parents’

expense. Host families should consult their Area Coordinator and Program Coordinator for help with behavioral

problems.


http://www.prevent-abuse-now.com/

http://www.stopitnow.org/warnings.html%23touch

http://www.stopitnow.com/downloads/Prevent_CSA.pdf



B. Adapting to the New Home Students must realize that their host family and school are used to doing things differently from their own family and school at home. We expect students to delay judgment and to commit themselves to open communication, as well as to understanding and accepting a different way of life. Successful students integrate themselves into their host family, school, and community through tolerance and willingness to learn and participate. In order to help your student adjust, write down and review family rules with them.

C. Participating in Family, School, and Community Activities Exchange students are expected to participate actively in host family, school, and community activities, choose a full load of challenging school classes, and do their best in all of their classes. This includes taking part in family events, doing chores at home, offering help, completing all school assignments, and participating in after-school activities (e.g. clubs and teams). Your student may need your assistance registering for clubs and sports.

D. Standard of Conduct All students are expected to follow all NWSE and individual host family rules, to obey the law, and to maintain a high standard of conduct and respectful behavior throughout their exchange. Participants understand, accept and can expect program termination if they exhibit unreasonable or disrespectful behavior and/or attitudes, including if they are expelled from school.

E. Importance of Following Rules Students are required to follow all NWSE and host family rules, and to maintain a high standard of conduct while on the exchange. This is extremely important; breaking a program rule or law in your host country could jeopardize the exchange for the student, the school, the NWSE organization, and for future exchange students.

IMPORTANT: Students who break a rule or the law endanger themselves and others and jeopardize their and other students’ participation in the exchange program. Following all rules and the law reflects respect for the host culture and helps ensure a safe and enjoyable exchange experience for everyone. Violation of any law or regulation of the host country and/or NWSE, host family or school rule (including but not limited to being expelled from school) constitutes sufficient grounds for immediate termination of the exchange program. In such a case, the student will be sent home immediately at the expense of their family.

F. Diploma, Grade Level, and Courses Students cannot expect to graduate from their host school, receive a diploma, be placed at a particular grade level or participate in specific courses at the host school. Students and their natural families must accept the host school’s decisions and policies and may not press the host school to make an exception.

G. Participation in Sports Athletic eligibility or participation is not guaranteed. Although many schools allow students to try out for sports teams, the decision about the student’s athletic participation is at the sole discretion of the host school.

H. Academic Records

IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO:

Research in advance of the exchange program whether they must complete any coursework (credits), other academic work or take exams during the exchange program (e.g. for their home school or university admission).

Prepare in advance of the program for the possibility that the student may not be able to complete the desired or necessary coursework, other academic work, or take any required tests during the program.

Determine in advance of the program what documentation of coursework, other academic work or exams taken during the program they may require in the future (e.g. to receive credit at their home school, apply for university, etc).




Obtain directly from the host school or test administrator any documentation of their coursework, other academic work or tests that may require in the future.

NWSE Program Rules

1. Drugs and Alcohol: Using, possessing and/or dealing with illegal drugs, controlled substances, alcohol, drug paraphernalia, as well as association with anyone involved with these is prohibited on the NWSE program.

2. Smoking: Smoking is strictly prohibited for all students on the NWSE program.

3. Obtaining Permission from Host Family: Students must ask for and receive approval for all extracurricular activities from the host family prior to participation, and must always tell the host family where they are, who they are with, and when they will return home.

4. Limiting Communication with Home Country: Students must limit their communication with their family and friends from their home country to a maximum of one hour per week. This includes e-mailing, sending and receiving text messages, chatting on the internet, writing letters or postcards, faxing, etc. Additionally, students may not talk to their family and friends from their home country (on the phone or through the Internet) more than one time per week.

5. Computer/Internet/Cell Phone Policy: The student and host family should discuss and agree upon a time limit regarding the use of the computer/electronics, including use of the internet and e-mail. Students are prohibited from installing any programs or making any other changes to their host family’s computer without express permission from the host family. Students are prohibited from visiting any pornographic or other inappropriate websites or chat rooms. Students are discouraged from bringing a cell or mobile phone from their home country. Students are generally expected to stop computer use, chatting, texting, gaming, phoning, etc. by 10 pm, so that they can get enough sleep to get up early and function well in school the next morning. Please also refer to the “Social Media Rules” section on page 25 in this handbook.

6. School and Academic Participation:

Students are required to attend school full-time on every school day, take a full load of challenging classes, and maintain a “C” or better grade in each class. Because school participation is central to the program, students who show an attitude that school is not important to them may be subject to termination from their exchange at their expense. Only students participating full-time in an academic program are eligible for the J-1 Visa and continued program participation.

Students skipping school, maintaining unacceptable academic standards or grades, and/or requiring excessive disciplinary measures (e.g. school detentions and/or suspension) will be subject to immediate termination of their program and return to their home at their and their family’s expense.

If the host school, in conjunction with NWSE, determines that – contrary to NWSE’s prior careful evaluation of the student’s academic and language skills – the student requires individual tutoring to be able to succeed academically on the program, the student and their parents shall and do agree to cover the cost of the tutoring or be subject to program termination.

If a student is expelled by their school, NWSE shall terminate the student’s program and arrange their immediate return home at the student’s and their family’s expense.

7. Student Travel: No travel is allowed during the program without prior written and/or verbal agreement with NWSE, the host family, the natural family AND the NWSE Area Coordinator. Students may travel only with proper adult supervision (e.g. by participating in a trip with their host parents or a school trip chaperoned by a teacher or coach).

a. Travel Waivers: Travel waivers are required when the student will be missing school (e.g., traveling with the hosts before spring break starts); traveling without the host family (e.g., travelling with the




school marching band on an overnight trip); or travelling abroad with the host family (e.g., traveling with hosts to Canada)—please see section “International Travel with Your Student” on p.6 for details. Please contact your Area Coordinator or your Program Coordinator for details.

8. Hitchhiking: Students are strictly prohibited from hitchhiking during their program

9. Driving Policy: Some students may be able to get a U.S. driver's license through official driver’s training courses. Upon receipt of the license, no NWSE exchange student on the NWSE program is permitted to drive at any time under any circumstances. (See above section on driving, p. 15.) Students may not purchase and/or drive any motorized vehicle (except during bona fide drivers training).

10. Hunting/Weapons: Students may not handle or use weapons for hunting or any other purpose.

11. Students submitting falsified or inaccurate NWSE Applications or omitting required information (such as complete health, language skill level, or grades) shall be dismissed from the program at their own expense.

12. Visiting Policy: NWSE discourages visits from natural parents, relatives and friends from the home country during the exchange. Such visits prove disruptive to the student’s and host family’s exchange experience and can create a variety of serious problems. Visits from the natural family or friends are only considered on a case-by-case basis, at the sole discretion of NWSE, and only during the second half of an Academic Year Program. If the natural family is thinking about visiting the student at any time during the year-long exchange program, they must immediately notify both NWSE's partner agency and NWSE directly to request permission for the visit. Requests for permission for a family visit must occur long before any travel arrangements are booked and paid for. Students whose family and friends fail to follow this permission process may be immediately dismissed from the exchange program and returned to their home country at their natural family’s expense. For these reasons, NWSE strongly encourages natural families to plan any potential visit only during the student's grace period after the end date of their exchange program.

13. Student Work: Students are not allowed to work in a regular job during their stay in the U.S. They may, however, do casual or sporadic work, such as mowing lawns or babysitting.

14. Cooperation and Following Rules: Host and natural parents should at all times adhere to NWSE rules and expectations. They shall at no time inform, misinform, encourage or allow their child to perform actions contrary to NWSE rules and expectations. This includes shortcutting NWSE established lines of communication. Students whose natural parents interfere with the program shall immediately be subject to program dismissal and termination.

15. Place of Residence: Students must reside only at the NWSE-designated host family during their exchange, as described in the documentation received from NWSE.

16. Changing Host Families: Students may not for any reason change or plan to change their host family or school without first seeking and receiving prior written approval from NWSE. NWSE must have ample time to determine whether a change is necessary, permissible, and conforms to regulations governing exchange students on the J-1 Visa. Students who change or leave a host family, or plan to do so, without NWSE approval are subject to such actions as program termination and immediate departure from the U.S. at the student’s and their natural family’s expense. Rules/procedures specifically regarding “direct-placement” students: If, for any reason, the original match between a direct-placement student and his/her original host family does not work out and/or ends, AND if that student desires to and remains qualified to potentially continue participating in the NWSE J-1 program, then NWSE shall proceed as follows:

NWSE will request from the student the name(s) and contact information of (a) potential new host family(s). If, for any reason, the student’s nominated potential host family(s) do not pass the NWSE host family vetting procedure, or there is no space available at the potential host school, the student and his/her family understand and agree that the student’s program shall end, as per NWSE rules.




If the student-nominated host family qualifies to host the student, and the school (continues to) accept the student, the student and his/her family shall remit a host family change fee of $350 to NWSE as a condition of the change.

NWSE may or may not initiate host family recruitment efforts. If NWSE’s host family recruitment efforts (at its sole discretion) result in a qualified host family to continue to host the student, and the school continues to accept the student, then the student and his/her family shall remit a host-family change fee to NWSE equal to the difference between the “Direct Placement” and “One-Way Placement” prices as a condition of the change.

17. Major Life Changes: Students are not allowed to make major life changes or decisions during the program, including, but not limited to, changing religions, becoming engaged or married, getting body tattoos and body piercings, etc.

18. Relationships and Dating (NWSE Program Rules clarification): To ensure the physical, mental, and emotional health, safety, and welfare of our students and their exchange communities, NWSE exchange students are expected to refrain from sexual relationships for the duration of their exchange programs. It is understood and agreed that NWSE shall not be held liable or responsible in any way for harm, claims, or consequences that may result from non-compliance with this rule. As a corollary clarification to this rule, no host parent or host sibling shall engage or attempt to engage in sexual activities with an NWSE student.

Amendments to NWSE rules, expectations, and procedures. NWSE may at any time and at its sole discretion amend its rules, expectations, and procedures. All students, host families and natural families accept and understand that they shall abide by the amended rules and procedures as well those rules and procedures that remain in force.

Social Media Rules

Social media offer great opportunities for students to communicate and make new friends, learn or improve the language you are studying, and share culture. However, there are a number of aspects of social media that all program participants must avoid in order to successfully participate and remain in NWSE programs and succeed in life generally.

By having signed the NWSE agreement and becoming participants in the NWSE program, students and their parents agree, understand and accept that for personal safety and successful program outcomes that NWSE and the student’s host family have responsibilities that may extend to and affect a student’s use or abuse of electronic media and communication tools (e.g. cell phones, online accounts, etc.). These responsibilities mean that NWSE or the host family may at any time access, require your student to allow access to and or monitor their cell phone and or other online/electronic accounts for your safety and appropriate use (as described in NWSE’s rules) for the duration of your NWSE program. At the sole discretion of NWSE, NWSE or the host family may, as a consequence of any abuse of such privileges, take away cell phones and/or electronics for a period of time not to exceed such student’s program duration. Inappropriate use, unreasonable, unceasing or extreme abuse of such privileges may result in the offending student’s program being ended and the student’s return home at their own expense.

During your NWSE program, the student must abide by the following social media/electronics rules, which are found in the Student Handbook:

1. Never engage in and/or post about illegal activities.




2. Recognize and solve symptoms of “smart phone addiction.” Avoid connecting to your home country. Connect and communicate with your host family and new local friends in person, and get active in your new host community.

3. Never engage in cyberbullying or any other form of bullying. Familiarize yourself with your school’s policy on bullying and cyberbullying. For example, one California high school’s student handbook reads, “Harassment on the basis of any protected characteristic is strictly prohibited. This includes any verbal, written (including any posted material on any computer network), or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward any individual or his or her relatives, friends, or associates because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, veteran status, citizenship, or disability.”

4. Do not make negative comments about your teachers, yourself, school officials, host family members, or fellow students. If you need to discuss serious problems with these individuals, call your AC and/or NWSE Program Coordinator immediately. Do NOT speak, tweet, e-mail, or text disparagingly about them. Do not post inappropriate photos of them or yourself that might reflect poorly on you or the NWSE program. You run the risk of violating their right to privacy, being expelled from school, having your NWSE program terminated, as well as potentially being involved in legal difficulties.

5. Never post or access inappropriate content from school and/or host family’s computers or networks.

6. Never post confidential information anywhere about yourself or others. This includes but is by no means limited to inappropriate pictures, social security numbers, personal address(es), ID cards, full names, or birthdates.

7. Never post overly specific location descriptions of where you or others are. Doing so makes it easy for predators to locate you or your friends.

8. Never lie, cheat, or plagiarize (online, in the physical classroom, or elsewhere) regarding anything related to your schoolwork (tests, homework, etc.).

9. Never threaten physical harm or violence. You will likely be expelled from school, dropped from the NWSE program, and/or worse. Social media is not the place to express your frustrations, and you should never threaten to hurt someone, not even as a joke. If you are experiencing any sort of problems related to your physical safety or that of others, talk to NWSE and a school counselor about your concerns immediately.

10. ALWAYS follow your host school’s and family’s specific rules and policies about social media and Internet usage.

11. Never post or create unprofessional and/or inappropriate content, images, or impressions of yourself. You will most likely be judged, evaluated, and otherwise thought of accordingly by those viewing your posts and online persona.

12. Never rely on “privacy settings.” In other words: NEVER post or access inappropriate content.

13. Never post anything as an immediate emotional reaction. Never post anything you may regret posting by reacting to something without first thinking through the consequences—and then thinking about them again. You may never be able to undo the harm you cause yourself or others.




NWSE rules exist to ensure student safety and program success. Any involvement with illegal drugs, alcohol, smoking or

any criminal activity will be dealt with swiftly and firmly by NWSE, and if necessary, by the local law enforcement. Students

violating any law of the host country or NWSE rules are subject to immediate termination of the exchange program, as

well as being sent home at their own expense.

THE NWSE PROGRAM

NorthWest Student Exchange was founded to provide affordable high-quality international exchange opportunities to high school students.

Individual exchanges typically last either 5 or 10 months.

Participants are screened by NWSE and our representatives.

NorthWest Student Exchange conducts international exchanges with Austria, Brazil, China, Czech Republic, Ecuador, France, Germany, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Mongolia, Norway, Poland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, and Thailand.

Jeff Laband, president and executive director of NorthWest Student Exchange and former foreign language teacher with 17 years of teaching experience in the United States and Germany, has directed operations since 1987. Jeff and the NWSE Team set up and coordinate foreign exchange and cultural activities for students from the United States, Europe, Asia, Central and South America.

The cost of every exchange includes interview, orientation, monitoring student progress, and administrative fees. Host families pay no fees and receive no remuneration. Insurance is required for all students, and can be purchased through NWSE.

Students may apply for fee reductions on a merit and need basis.

NWSE’s support network for exchange activities is comprised of NWSE’s Area Coordinators, participating families in the U.S. and abroad, teachers, administrators, and the local communities.

Meetings and check-ins between NWSE area coordinators, the exchange students and their hosts help to ensure an enjoyable stay. Activities and occasional excursions may be organized for the exchange students and their hosts, depending on the region.

Per U.S. Department of State regulations, neither NWSE nor its agents shall promote NWSE's programs as providing opportunities for school athletic participation, high school graduation, driver's education instruction, household domestic service, child care, employment, or other activities that might compromise the student, program or host school. Athletic eligibility or participation in interscholastic sports cannot be guaranteed, even though it may be offered at your host school.

Please note the following contact information for the Exchange Visitor Program of the Department of State:

U.S. Department of State Office of Designation Private Sector Programs Division ECA/EC/D, SA-44 301 4th Street SW, Room 668 Washington, DC 20547-4406 Telephone: (844) 300-1824 Telephone: 1 (866) 283-9090(24 hours, 7 days a week) Fax: (202) 203-7779 E-mail: [email protected]


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