Having the Time of Your Life

in AMERICA !

Orientation Agenda Let’s Get Comfortable! What to Expect this year

Adaptation Process Symptoms of Culture Shock American Values Expectations and Responsibilities

Host family Student School Local Coordinator

Rules and AYA Policies Disciplinary Process Effective Problem Solving Student Safety Communication Channels Staying Connected

Adaptation Process

Adaptation Process

• Honeymoon High• Culture Shock• Cultural Adjustment• Adaptation

Culture Shock

Symptoms of Culture Shock:• No energy/exhausted• Anxious• Feel sick• Extreme homesickness• Crying for no reason• Extreme anger• Psychological disorientationWhat can you do?• Leave• Deny or fight it• Accept and talk about it

American Values• Individualism

• Competitive

• Direct and informal communication

• Patriotic

• Timeliness

Expectations of your Host Family

• Most do not live in big houses and most are not rich

• Majority of your HF’s are middle class Americans

• Most AYA host families live in small towns and rural areas

• Prepare to embrace small town life• Most families need to drive long

distances to get to town/movies/shopping

• Big fish in a little pond

American Host Families

• Host families come in all shapes and sizes– Older parents with no children– Single parents with children– Larger families with young children

• All of your host families have one thing in common:– Chose to host you for free– Volunteering to make you part of

their family– Want to get to know you and about

your country

Responsibilities of Host Families

• Welcome student as a family member• Provide students with own bed &

place to study• Provide all meals except school

lunches• Provide transportation to & from

school and religious services• Help student adjust: school, language,

homesickness, culture shock

Your Responsibilities:• Follow ALL AYA program rules• Maintain C+ average or better in all classes• Treat your Host Family with respect

– Respect rules for computer, curfew, homework, dating, phone, meals, chores

• Help with chores– Clean up after yourself

• Be involved with Host Family activities– What about church?– Will I travel?

• Show appreciation• Take care of personal expenses

– School lunches (non-grant students)– Social activities– Toiletries– Clothing– School supplies– Prom tickets– Yearbook

Rules & Expectations Zero Tolerance Rules:

Must abide by all U.S. laws No drinking/drug use No driving Expulsion from school

Family Rules Abide by all family rules including household

chores and curfews Behavioral expectations

Positive attitude towards school, family and community

Ask if you are unsure about a rule Think before you act Refrain from posting negative or inappropriate

comments on social media sites

Social MediaCircumstances that will result in disciplinary action:• Inappropriate or passive aggressive comments

about the host family, the home or the placement in general

• Culturally inappropriate posts, including derogatory political cartoons, lewd posts or images containing sexually explicit content and/or expletives

• Photographs of students in compromising situations, where they appear to be drinking, smoking or engaged in behavior unbecoming of an exchange students

• Provocative photographs of students wearing revealing clothing or engaged in displays of affection

• Discovery of messages or posts revealing breach of program rules

Rules and Expectations

Disciplinary process– Mediation– Warning

– Probation– Disqualification

Rules and ExpectationsHost Family Changes

Considered a last resortExpected to make a concerted effort to

adjust to your host familyNot moved based on simple dislike of your

location, style of housing or host familyUnless there is a safety concern you are

expected to stay with your assigned familyYou may not change families at will or

without permission from AYA National office

30 day rule

Rules and Expectations• Travel Policy

– Independent Travel Form -If you want to travel without your host family, the AYA office must have written permission from your natural parents for the trip.

– Must contact your Local Coordinator at least two weeks in advance

– Activities or travels that include your host family, or Local Coordinator do not require special permission

– Students may not travel without an adult

– Friends and family may visit at the end of the program only.

American High School

• Grade level and class schedule is assigned by school administrator

• Graduation/Diploma is not guaranteed• Must take English and U.S. history• Transportation to school: school bus, city bus,

carpool, HF, walking, friend (HF permission)• Lunch alone? Approach another student• Need help? Guidance counselor• Lost? Ask another student, teacher or

guidance counselor

School Responsibilities

• Must attend school daily• Participate and complete assignments• Follow all school rules• Treat teachers with respect• Maintain a C+ Average• Serve as an ambassador for your

country and help Americans learn about your culture

• Must communicate in English

Local Coordinator’s Role Select safe and suitable Host Families

Enroll students in High School

Supervise & support students

Monthly contact with Students and Host Families

Submit monthly reports

Provide emergency assistance

Effective Problem Solving

• Identify the problem– Talk to HF or LC

• Choose a good time to talk• Use “I” statements• Listen to other point-of-

view• Explore a creative solution

Student SafetyAwareness & Prevention

Student Safety Video Appropriate vs. Inappropriate behaviors & interactions Who to contact should you or a friend be in an unsafe

situation Local Coordinator AYA office or AYA Emergency Service

• 1-800-322-4678 or • 1-800-926-2506

Any trusted adult (guidance counselor, law enforcement, parent of a friend)

Department of State 1-866-283-9090

Insurance Covers required treatment by a physician,

confinement in an infirmary or hospital, services of a nurse

Does not cover dental work, eye exams, routine physicals, sports exams, psychological treatment

In-network physician; www.caremed-assistance.com

Lisa FealyP: (203) 399-5069 E: Lfealy@aifs.org

Nikki HernandezP:(203) 399-5080 E: nhernandez@aifs.org

Pieter Hogoboom P: (203) 399-5079 E phogoboom@aifs.org

Michael FalveyP: (203) 399-5086 E: mfalvey@aifs.org

Regional Directors & Support Staff

Margot ManasevitP: (203) 399-5086 E: MManasevit@aifs.org

Student Support AdministratorElizabeth AzeizatP: (203) 399 – 5097E: Eazeizat@aifs.org

Chain of Communication

Volunteerism & Special Opportunities

SAGA

Participate in AYA contests and activities

Take part in cultural activities

Stay Connected• Stay connected with AYA

– Quarterly Surveys– Connections– LC of the Month

• Erin Sesil: Esesil@aifs.org

• Current email addresses

Make memories that last a lifetime!