Welcome to MyEducation (UK) Arrival Orientation

Agenda Introductions Expectations Rules Host Families Culture Shock and Homesickness Student Support

Intro’s That’s us – now let’s get to know you! Nicky Butler – Country Manager Sally Webb – Student Coordinator That’s us – now let’s get to know you!

Expectations

Expectations What are you expecting from: Yourself Your host family Your Area Representative Your School Please complete the Expectations page

MyEducation (UK) expects that you will: Follow all rules and guidelines Make a genuine effort to integrate in to your new community Appreciate the efforts of your host family Talk to your Area Representative about any problems Don’t make life changing decisions Send us your reports Have fun!

Your host family expects you will: Share their lives and participate in family activities Offer to help around the house Share your culture and yourself Follow household rules and curfews Show appreciation Be open and honest Let them know where you are going and if you are running late

Your Area Representative expects you will: Keep in contact Let them know if you are having any problems Keep the rules of the program

Your school expects you will: Attend scheduled classes and school activities Obtain at least a ‘C’ in all classes (in English speaking countries) Attempt all requested work and make an effort to improve language skills (non-English speaking countries) Not take time out of school term to travel

Review again your expectations

Rules

Rules You have heard them before but they are really important These are for YOUR safety and wellbeing There is a rules sheet on your desk for you to keep Small number of rules you need to follow. Firstly obey the rules of the country The rules sheet for you to keep on your desk with the rules. They are: Students MUST NOT drink alcohol, smoke or possess or use any illegal drug. Legal age to drink and purchase cigarettes is 18

Disciplinary Procedures The normal disciplinary procedure is: Warning (behaviour contract) Probation Dismissal There may be cases in which a student is immediately disqualified from the exchange programme without following the procedure outlined or where one of the steps is omitted. Page 18 in the Student Handbook

Contact Head Office if you need one of these forms Travel Release from Hazardous release form Programme release form Page 18 – 19 in the student handbook - Be mindful of your activities – Open Sea swimming – potential dangerous activity and will need to be approved. Contact Head Office if you need one of these forms

Warning or Going Home? You have stolen your host parents car and driving it into a tree You have been travelling without a release form You are pregnant You have come home drunk from a party and you have upset your host family You have been caught shoplifting You have not done your work from school and the staff have contact the host family Game – with labels under the charis

Host Families

Host family discussion points What to call your host parents Family routines Clarify family rules Understand your household chores Laundry How does everything work Where are things kept Transport Friends Telephone usage Internet usage

Hotspots with host families Internet usage Housework/Chores Balancing time with family & friends Manners Curfew Money Phone calls Religion Siblings - Jealousy/Dependency - Friends/School

Culture Shock and Homesickness

Getting used to the Language Be Patient Express yourself Practice, Practice, Practice Learn to laugh at yourself Online aids

Stereotypes / Culture shock How many can we come up with? Stereotypes of British people Stereotypes of your country

Culture shock Culture shock is the disorientation or confusion that a person feels when moving from a familiar environment to an unfamiliar one. Almost everyone who lives, studies or works overseas will go through some degree of culture shock. Arrival Adjustment Departure

Homesickness How do you overcome homesickness? Stay busy Take initiative Limit contact with home Meet up with friends Talk to your local support network – tell someone! Plan activities

Student Support

Support You should understand : who you can go to for help while in the UK ways to look for support outside your normal system you are not a ‘passive player’. you must be open & communicative about problems or issues that arise

Support Network YOU HOST FAMILY NATURAL FAMILY AREA REPRESENTATIVE HOME ORGANISATION MYEDUCATION (UK)

This is not an out of hours number Emergencies While on exchange you will have access to a 24 hour emergency line. You should call this number if your safety and wellbeing is at risk. 02380 970 242 This is not an out of hours number

Grievance Procedures If you have a concern that you don't believe has been adequately dealt with please follow the procedure outline below: Contact Area Rep Contact MyEducation (UK) Office Contact your home organisation No heading in the handbook

It’s tempting but be careful Communication with home It’s tempting but be careful Every moment you spend on the phone, Facebook or Skype is time that you are missing here in the UK Your family cannot solve your problems as easily Regular contact will only increase homesickness Contact with parents slideWhat have you agreed with your parents about contacting them? How many times have you contacted them?

It’s ok to tell that person to stop Sexual Abuse If you feel uncomfortable about the attention you are receiving, whether it be: physical hugs, cuddles, touching, kissing, or stares, comments, invitations or other things It’s ok to tell that person to stop Tell your area representative or host organisation or MyEducation – you do not have to tolerate it

Student Case Studies Please read the handout and consider the student situations and the related questions. AIM: To understand situations you might face and the role that your area representative will play in managing and resolving any difficulties.

Issue Resolution If a problem arises we will only know if you tell someone The student must take responsibility in alerting someone to the issue If you do not speak to someone within the organisation, we will not be able to help you

Summary Open your mind Take responsibility Express yourself Understanding Patience & perseverance Have a sense of humour Have fun

Quiz Are you allowed to drink alcohol while on exchange? Where can you get a release form? What will happen if you are suspended from school? What should you do if you will be home later than you told your host parents? Who should you call or speak to if you are feeling homesick or struggling with culture shock? What should you do if you say something incorrectly in English? Who should you contact in an emergency situation?

London trip - 26th – 27th November 2016 COST: £120 + return travel to London Ride on the London Eye Take a river cruise on the Thames See the Christmas lights Take a bus tour See the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace Visit Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Oxford Street and Covent Garden Overnight accommodation a stone’s throw away from St Paul’s Cathedral Booking required by September 23rd

Will you have an incredible time overseas in the UK?

Thank you so much for your time and attention Any questions? Thank you so much for your time and attention