Having the Time of Your Life in AMERICA ! Do Intros- Get them excited – Do icebreaker

Student Orientation Agenda Goals & Objectives Adjustment in America Expectations Responsibilities of Students Responsibilities of Host Families Local Coordinator’s Role American High Schools Rules & Regulations Student Safety Video Emergency Procedures Budget Volunteerism & Special Opportunities Briefly go over purpose of orientation and cover agenda

Goals & Objectives Interact with Americans Develop an appreciation of American culture Teach Americans about your culture and the citizens of your homeland about America Explain Goals in details

Adjustment in America Jet Lag Homesickness/Culture Shock Language Problems Budget American Culture Give examples and discuss techniques for adjusting

Expectations Realistic or Unrealistic Play a game List 10 expectation – some true and some myths Let the students take a side if they believe true or false Example- all teens have cars; all women stay at home; all men are business execs

Responsibilities of Students Serve as ambassadors from their countries and to teach Americans about their culture Follow all AYA, Host Family & school rules Adapt to Host Family and be involved with their activities and help with chores Perform well in schools Communicate openly in English Take care of personal expenses Be respectful and show appreciation to Host Family

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 with challenges School, Culture shock, Language, Homesickness Encourage the exchange of cultural ideas Realistic expectations

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 Coordinate activities

American High Schools Course Selection/Schedule Grade Assignment Transportation Extra-curricular activities Sports, Band, Clubs, Prom, etc. Graduation Tell them about the schedule for your local schools Explain classes, graduation, buses, activities

Rules & Regulations Lines of COMMUNICATION Basic AYA Rules Family Rules Expectation worksheet U.S. Department of State federal regulations Lines of COMMUNICATION Importance of American Rules – Define this cultural difference in a sensitive way

Emergency Procedures Seek Medical Treatment Contact Host Family and Local Coordinator Contact AYA if you can’t reach your local support: 1-800-322-4678 Insurance Always call your LC ; prepare to pay co-pay No dental , vision, or mental health insurance

Budget Personal Funds $300 – Cultural activity

Take part in cultural activities Volunteerism & Special Opportunities Take part in cultural activities Conduct presentations about your country Participate in AYA contests and activities Volunteer when possible Important : International Education Week – November Global Youth Service Day – April

Make memories that last a lifetime!