Cowboy Country Youth Exchange

COWBOY COUNTRY YOUTH EXCHANGE DISTRICT 5440 ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE OUTBOUND STUDENTS

Be First I am a person of action! Be Curious I seek to understand! Be on Purpose I am certain of my outcome and move steadily toward it! Be Grateful I focus on things I can be thankful for! Be of Service I give of myself! Be Here Now I live in the moment!

RULES AND CONDITIONS

Strict Rules and Conditions - Violations will result in student’s immediate return to United States.

1) Obey Laws of the host country - If found guilty of violation of any law (shoplifting, drug or alcohol possession, theft, etc.), student will be returned home as soon as authorities release him/her. This applies regardless of whether criminal charges are filed.

2) No Drugs - Student is not allowed to possess or use illegal drugs. Medicine prescribed by a physician is allowed.

3) No Driving – The student and parents have signed the guarantee form which makes up part of the application form. In this all agree that student WILL NOT under any circumstances drive a motorized vehicle of any kind (automobile, all-terrain vehicle, snowmobile, motorcycle, boat) during the period of the exchange. The student is also not authorized to participate in a driver education program. Insurance exemptions prohibit driving.

4) No Drinking - The drinking of alcoholic beverages except as noted is expressly forbidden. EXCEPTION: If the host family offers a student an alcoholic drink, it is permissible to accept it under their supervision in their home provided the student does not leave the home after drinking and provided the student’s own parents approve. Under no circumstances may students drink alcoholic beverages in public places. NOTE: Cultural variations to the absolute Rotary rules may exist and students should not be tempted to overindulge.

5) Delinquency - The student’s most important duty is to attend school regularly. He/she must make an honest attempt to succeed and must maintain a “C” average. All absences from school must be approved IN ADVANCE by the host family and the Rotary Club Counselor. Credits for course work taken in the host country cannot be guaranteed. This is between the student’s home school and the host school.

6) Downloading – Excessive or inappropriate use of the internet is prohibited. Students are prohibited from accessing any pornographic internet sites.

7) Devotion to One - The student should avoid serious dating which would cause him/her to center all of his/her interest on one person to the exclusion of the Rotary Youth Exchange Program. Abstain from sexual activity and promiscuity. This can lead to serious problems including sexually transmitted disease or unwanted pregnancy.

8) Travel - Travel is permitted with host parents, on school-sponsored trips or on Rotary authorized functions with proper adult chaperones. Students may not travel alone or accompanied only by other students. Other travel must be approved by the host District Chairman upon submission of the following:

a) Written detailed description of the trip, reason for trip, and schedule of travel. This should include airline itinerary and airport transfer arrangements. b) Written approval of host family and Rotary Club Youth Exchange Chairman. c) Written release from student’s own parents exempting Rotary of responsibility and liability.

9) No Employment - The student may not seek employment while in this program. The student’s visa does not allow for gainful employment under U.S. Immigration and Naturalization regulations.

Other conditions and things to know about your exchange:

1) Health Insurance - All students must carry a U.S. sickness and accident and personal liability policy through CISI/Bolduc or their host country. Premium cost is the student’s responsibility. Students may be required to purchase health insurance from the host country.

2) Club Counselor - The student will be assigned a club counselor who is able to provide advice and guidance to the student. The student should maintain frequent contact with the Counselor and discuss any problems with him/her. He or she is available to help and will welcome the opportunity to act as a mediator. If a counselor is not assigned, the student should tactfully ask that one be appointed as soon as possible.

3) Host Family – Hosting arrangements are the entire responsibility of the host club. The usual arrangement is for the student to be hosted by three or four different families, but some clubs may vary this. The student may be assigned to a single family for an entire year.

The host family is responsible for the student’s well-being. The student should respect their wishes and requests. The student should become an integral part of the Host Family, assuming traditional duties and responsibilities as a son or daughter in the family (making bed, cleaning room, dishes, etc.). The student is not to consider himself/herself as a guest in the host family with special privileges or treatment. If problems arise on the host family level, the counselor must be consulted and may be able to assist. Students should not expect their parents or sponsoring club to “solve the problem.” If all else fails, the sponsoring country representative or district chairman should be consulted.

4) Discipline - The student should respect the discipline in the family, obey host parents, keep host parents informed as to plans and activities (who, what, where, when and how), and follow the house rules set by the family.

5) Disfigurement – Tattoos and body piercings are not allowed during the student’s exchange.

6) Rotary Priority - Attendance of the student will be required at some Rotary-sponsored events. Such events take priority over all other events. Mandatory Rotary Youth Exchange events have priority over all other activities.

7) Public Speaking - The student may be asked to talk to various groups such as other Rotary clubs, schools and other organizations. The student should accept these invitations once they have been cleared through the club counselor. The student should be prepared for these public speaking opportunities.

8) Friends - The student should ask for and heed the advice of host families, counselors and school personnel in choosing friends.

9) Church - If the student wishes to attend the church of his/her faith, he should discuss this with the Rotary Counselor and the host family. If possible, this should be arranged. Host families should not attempt to “convert” student to any one religion or force student to attend church against their will.

10) Authority - Students are under the Hosting District’s authority while participating in the exchange. Parents/guardians have signed release forms giving Rotary authority to make decisions about your sons/daughters if necessary. Such decisions will often be in regard to emergency medical treatment. Be assured that in any case where it is necessary for Rotary to make such a decision, parents will be contacted immediately. If the student has relatives in the host country, they will have no authority over the student while the student is in the program.

11) Crisis Management Plan – District 5440 has adopted a Crisis Management and Youth Protection Policy in the event of an individual emergency involving the student or a country crisis. It is critical that parents adhere to the protocols established in resolving any problem involving the student.

12) Re-adjustment Period – When the student returns home after becoming a more independent and mature adult, a very trying time of re-adjustment often occurs. Each student will have experienced several years of normal growing up all condensed into one year, while the parents still think of him/her in the same way as when he/she left home. Tremendous horizons have opened up for the student during the year abroad and students do find it difficult to adjust when they “return to earth.” A lot of patience and understanding is required of parents in this difficult adjustment period, but the ultimate rewards for all concerned are great! 13) The host Rotary club and host Rotary district shall have final authority in enforcing rules and conditions and any other rules and conditions which may be imposed with due notice.