Program Rules
Program Rules for District 7040 Youth Exchange Students
1) This is a High School and Family program:
a) The Student Agrees to attend the assigned high school regularly and work diligently on school assignments, even if the student has completed high school in their home country. Attendance at a college or university is prohibited under this program.
b) The Student Agrees to adapt to the normal rules and style of life in the host families assigned.
2) The Student Agrees to learn the language of the community, adapt to the customs and learn as much as possible about the lifestyle of the host community.
3) The Student Agrees to obey the laws of the host country, including any other country visited during the exchange year.
4) The Student Agrees not to leave the host community without the permission of the Host Rotary Club Chairperson or Counsellor and host parent(s). While travel is encouraged, it is not a right and we must always know where you are, and with whom. Hitch-hiking is expressly forbidden.
5) The Student Agrees not to leave the geographic boundaries of host district without the permission of the Host District Youth Exchange Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson. The student also agrees not to cross an international border on independent travel without the permission of the Host District Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson. In either case, a detailed travel itinerary (including commercial carrier information when used) specifying the Rotary approved adult chaperone (name and contact information with a criminal background check on file with the host club), all overnight accommodations (name, location and phone number) and permissions from the host parents, natural parents, the host club, sponsoring club, and the sponsoring district are also required for travel outside of the host district geographic boundaries. The above information and permissions must be in writing (email suffices).
6) The Student Agrees that if he/she wishes to visit a relative in North America, rule # 5 above still applies. Family or friends planning to visit from your home require written permission from the Host District Youth Exchange Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson, the hosting club and host family, and may only take place during the last quarter of your exchange. Neither your host club nor host family have any hosting responsibility for your visitors, and all the Rotary rules remain in effect, as your visitors have no authority over you while you are on exchange.
7) The Student Agrees to maintain the equivalent of $500 US as an EMERGENCY FUND to be placed in a local bank account which will be jointly administered by the Counsellor and the Student. This fund will be returned to the student prior to going home and all student liabilities satisfied. It is also recommended that the Student have his/her own bank account (a separate bank is recommended). It is suggested that a starting sum of $100 US should be adequate, and the Student should account to his/her natural parents for spending of this emergency fund, and to the counsellor for any other spending. Any emergency fund expenditures are to be replaced.
8) The Student Agrees to participate in Rotary functions as requested. In addition to various Club functions there are also District events such as the District Conference, Rotex activities and other events organized by the District Youth Exchange Committee. These functions have priority over other activities and events.
9) The Student Agrees not to schedule or arrange other events, parties or gatherings, etc. that involve other Rotary Exchange Students, without written authorization from a D7040 Youth Exchange Committee Member (and copied to the D7040 YE Chair), as this creates unnecessary strain on the respective host clubs and families that may feel they must provide transportation to these unscheduled events.
10) The Student Agrees to maintain a valid passport and all appropriate student visas, such as required for in any International District in which the student is hosted. Copies of the passport and return ticket home are to be provided to the District Youth Exchange Chairperson. It is recommended that the student’s Counsellor keep the passport, visa and return ticket for safe keeping. The student should carry identification at all times.
11) The Student Agrees to obtain such immunizations as may be required by health authorities in the hosting District.
12) The Student Agrees to abide by the smoking position declared on the application. Your acceptance and host family placement is based on your signed statement. Under no circumstances are you to smoke in your host family’s home. District 7040 policy discourages smoking, and it is only permitted in designated areas at District events for approved smokers.
13) The Student Agrees (Six “D”s)
a) Not to Drive a motor vehicle of any kind regardless of driver’s license status. This includes cars, trucks, ATVs, snowmobiles, boats, sea-doos, aircraft or other motor vehicles. The student shall not participate in driver education programs.
b) Not to use any form of Drugs except as prescribed by a physician.
c) Not to Drink alcoholic beverages, regardless of legal age, except as part of a religious service or as part of a meal within the family setting, if this is the practice of the host family.
d) Not to Date steadily with one person but rather, to join in social functions with groups of peers so as to make as many friends as possible and avoid romantic attachments. This rule includes no sexual abuse, harassment or other sexual activity.
e) Not to Disfigure you body with tattoos, piercings, etc.
f) Not to Download material from the internet without host parent permission, and to respect the host family by not using the computer for long periods of time. No pornography is permitted. The use of computers, cell phones or other devises for any purposes other than those deemed acceptable by your school, hosts and Rotary is strictly prohibited.