Passport to the Usa Student Handbook

PASSPORT TO THE USA STUDENT HANDBOOK PASSPORT TO THE USA HANDBOOK Visit us at yfuusa.org © Youth For Understanding USA 2015 Mission Statement Youth For Understanding (YFU) advances intercultural understanding, mutual respect, and social responsibility through educational exchanges for youth, families, and communities. Acknowledgments The present edition of this handbook is based on work previously done by Judith Blohm. We greatly appreciate the revisions and additions contributed by YFU staff and volunteers. Many thanks to all the professional and amateur photographers who have provided pictures for publication in this and previous editions. Numerous YFU staff, alumni, and volunteers contributed their time, energy, and expertise to making this handbook possible. Important Contact Information YFU USA District Office: 1.866.4.YFU.USA (1.866.493.8872) YFU USA Travel Emergencies: 1.800.705.9510 YFU After Hours Emergency Support: 1.800.424.3691 U.S. Department of State Student Helpline: 1.866.283.9090 When you meet your Area Representative in the US, please take a moment to write down his/her contact information below: Area Representative's Name: Telephone Number: Email Address: YFU USA, consistent with its commitment to international understanding, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or national origin in employment or in making its selections and placements. Table of Contents I. THE YFU INTERNATIONAL FAMILY. 1 Introduction. 1 Your Learning Experience. 1 Your Growth in the Exchange Experience . 2 Having a Successful Exchange Experience �� 2 Responsibility and Commitment �� 2 Understanding Your Country First �� 2 Understanding the US �� 2 Realistic Expectations �� 3 II. PREPARING FOR THE US CULTURAL EXPERIENCE. 5 Your Cultural Experience �� 5 We are All Products of Our Own Culture. 5 Culture Shock. 6 Adjustment �� 7 The Adjustment Cycle �� 8 Dealing With Adversity. 8 III. LANGUAGE LEARNING IN THE US. 9 Language Difficulties When You First Arrive . 9 How You Can Help Yourself �� 9 Who Can Help You �� 10 What You Can Do With a Language Helper. 10 IV. GETTING SETTLED IN THE US �� 12 Your Host Family �� 12 Your Friends. 14 Your School �� 15 Your Community �� 16 V. WHEN YOU NEED SOME HELP �� 17 Who Will Help You . 17 Your Host Family �� 17 Your Area Representative. 18 Your US District Office and the YFU National Office �� 18 Participant Services . 18 Department of State Student Resources �� 19 Your Embassy or Consulate �� 19 VI. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES �� 20 Alcohol and Tobacco �� 20 Breaking the Law �� 20 Confidentiality �� 21 Communication with Family and Home Country Friends �� 21 Counseling. 21 Dangerous Activities �� 22 Disciplinary Procedures . 22 Driving . 22 Drugs . 23 Early Return Definitions �� 23 Electronics and Social Media �� 23 Employment. 23 Extension of Stay �� 24 Internet �� 24 Legal Status . 24 Marriage. 24 Medical Treatment of a Student (including emergencies) �� 24 Natural Disaster. 24 Off Program �� 24 Orientations. 25 Passport or Visa . 25 Personal Grooming. 25 Political Expression �� 25 Pregnancy �� 25 Religion �� 26 Replacement �� 26 School �� 26 Smoking. 27 Student Expenses. 27 Student Travel �� 27 Telephone and Computer Use �� 27 Visits from Natural Family and Home Country Friends . 27 VII. PREPARING FOR YOUR DEPARTURE TO THE US. 29 School Credit Arrangement

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