CENTRAL STATES ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE www.csrye.org OUTBOUND STUDENT HANDBOOK For Outbound Students, Host Families, Youth Exchange Officers CSRYE is committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for all participants in Rotary activities. It is the duty of all Rotarians, Rotarians’ spouses, partners, and other volunteers to safeguard to the best of their ability the welfare of and to prevent the physical, sexual, or emotional abuse of children and young people with whom they come into contact. Revised July 2008 Page 1 Table of Contents IMPORTANT ROTARY CONTACTS.......................................................................................... 5 Introductions ................................................................................................................................... 7 The History of Rotary................................................................................................................................7 Rotary Motto and Themes........................................................................................................................7 The Rotary Foundation.............................................................................................................................7 Central States Rotary Youth Exchange Multi-District ...............................................................................7 Rotary at the Local Level -- The Rotary Club.............................................................................................8 Terms you should know:...........................................................................................................................8 Map of Our Multi-District .........................................................................................................................9 Our Mission ............................................................................................................................................10 The Rotary International 4-Way Test .....................................................................................................11 Objectives of the Academic Year Program .............................................................................................12 Student Protection......................................................................................................................... 13 Harassment Policy ..................................................................................................................................13 Rotary Support System Model................................................................................................................14 Program Structure ......................................................................................................................... 15 Rotary Youth Exchange Leadership Chart ..............................................................................................15 Overview of Your Exchange Year...........................................................................................................15 General Information for Youth Exchange Candidates ............................................................................16 What Happens Next?..............................................................................................................................17 Academic Credit for Your Year of Study Abroad....................................................................................18 Responsibilities: YEO, Counselor & Student ..........................................................................................19 YEO Responsibilities (Administrator)..........................................................................................................................19 Counselor Responsibilities (Advocate/Friend) .............................................................................................................20 Student Responsibilities................................................................................................................................................20 Miscellaneous Program Details ..............................................................................................................21 Student Attendance at Rotary Meetings........................................................................................................................21 Finances ........................................................................................................................................................................21 Passport and Visa..........................................................................................................................................................22 Travel Reservations (Airlines)......................................................................................................................................22 The Rotary ‘Uniform’ – Your Youth Exchange Blazer................................................................................................22 Banners, Business Cards, Pins ......................................................................................................................................22 Prepare To Be An Ambassador.....................................................................................................................................23 Prepare a Presentation...................................................................................................................................................23 Rotary Youth Exchange Outbound Student Calendar ............................................................................24 Student Rules & Expectations ...................................................................................................... 26 Revised July 2008 Page 2 Program Rules and Conditions of Exchange ...........................................................................................26 Student Declaration.......................................................................................................................................................28 The Four D’s............................................................................................................................................29 Going to School ......................................................................................................................................30 Travel......................................................................................................................................................31 Travel Guidelines..........................................................................................................................................................31 More on Travel..............................................................................................................................................................31 How To Arrange Special Travel Approval ...................................................................................................................32 Communications with Friends & Family at Home ..................................................................................33 Computer and Internet ..................................................................................................................................................33 Cell Phones ...................................................................................................................................................................33 Visits from Natural Parents...........................................................................................................................................33 Health & Medical Issues............................................................................................................... 34 Insurance ................................................................................................................................................34 Vaccinations/Immunizations ..................................................................................................................34 Medical Records .....................................................................................................................................34 Make a Plan for Emergencies .................................................................................................................34 The Exchange Cycle ..................................................................................................................... 35 Exchange Student Jitters: .......................................................................................................................36 Culture Shock..........................................................................................................................................37 Things You Can Do to Survive This Period ..............................................................................................38 Serious Warning Signs ............................................................................................................................38 Survival Guide .............................................................................................................................. 39 Finance Tips:.................................................................................................................................................................39