Orientation Program for Host Families Welcome Thank you for agreeing to volunteer for the 2017-18 Rotary Exchange Student Program

You’re Expecting a New Arrival Orientation Program for Host Families Congratulations! You’re Expecting a New Arrival

Orientation Agenda Part I Part II Part III Part IV What is Rotary and its purpose? Rotary involvement & Support system Who are Rotary exchange students? Part II Expectations – families, students, clubs Arrival and settling in Insurance, Finances, Travel, School, Other Part III Student Protection Part IV Being the first, second, last host family Activities and calendar End of the year

Part I – About Rotary Upon completion you should: Have a basic understanding of Rotary, its goals and objectives Know what you can expect from Rotary Know the purpose of the YE Program Know where you can get support Have a basic definition of an exchange student

What is Rotary International? World’s oldest and most international service organization 1.2 million Rotarians, in 200 countries Celebrated 100th anniversary in 2005 32,000 clubs, in 520 districts Rotary Motto: “Service Above Self” “The Four Way Test” - Rotarians ask: Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all concerned? Will it build GOOD WILL and better friendships? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? The Rotary Foundation provides funds for Ambassadorial Scholarships & Group Study Exchange Alleviate Polio Plus other diseases worldwide Other International need for help

What is Rotary District 7170? Our District is 7170, Our District includes the Binghamton and Cortland area, and stretches from Trumansburg to Waverly, to Hancock, to Stamford. Includes major cities of Ithaca, Binghamton, Oneonta, and Owego 45 Rotary Clubs Approximately 1,400 Rotarians Youth Exchange: annually 22 clubs participate in our district’s program 30 inbound exchange students (from 24 countries) 30 outbound exchange students (to 24 countries)

Purpose of the RYE Program Provide high school students an opportunity to spend a year studying in another country, learning the language, discovering the culture, developing skills and maturity Bring the world into our local communities through friendship Promote Rotary’s goal of world peace and understanding, one person, one exchange at a time

Purpose of the RYE Program International District-to-district program 8,000 exchange students per year worldwide Open to children of Rotarians and non-Rotarians alike Operated completely by volunteer Rotarians as part of Rotary’s commitment to international and community service Accreditation and Approvals: Rotary International US Department of State

Responsibilities of Rotary Select qualified host families Provide a counselor & monthly allowance Help with school arrangements Be an advocate for the student Counselor/YEO “supervise” student Communicate & Support host families & schools Help with transportation for “special events”

Responsibilities of Rotary Counselor should: Maintain contact once/month (min.) Assure student attends Club meetings once/month (min.) Encourage involvement by Club members Help with school issues during year Arrange transition to each new host family Maintain student’s Emergency funds Available 24/7/365 for support

Support System You will receive a list of Club & District Committee representatives to contact We are here to support you and help assure a meaningful exchange for both you and your new son/daughter Club Level Counselor Youth Exchange Officer President District Level Country Counselor In-Bound Vice-Chair Chairperson Student Protection Officer

Who are Exchange Students? Outstanding young people Age 15-18½ upon arrival Carefully selected and well prepared Most speak English well Anxious and excited to: Learn our language Discover American culture Represent their countries Become part of your family

Part 1 - Review As a host family, you may be asked to answer questions about Rotary. What could you say about Rotary, its goals and objectives? What is the purpose of the Youth Exchange program? As a Rotary host family, you are taking on a great responsibility in caring for a student, in return, what should you expect from Rotary? What types of communications will you be receiving?

Part II - Expectations Completion of this part should: Provide you insight into our expectations of you What you can expect from your exchange student Information on adjusting to your new son/daughter Specifics on various aspects of the program

Expectations of Host Families Provide a home away from home Be parents: Give love, support, encouragement, understanding, and discipline Treat student like your own child – assign chores & set house rules Clearly communicate your family expectations to your student

Expectations of Host Families Provide room, board, & guidance Provide opportunities to participate in family, school & community activities Help them with challenges Language School (Homework, Activities) Culture shock (try to understand theirs & help them adjust to ours) Homesickness (Keep them busy) Provide an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, a hand to depend on

Expectations of Students Adapt to host family Learn our language and learn our culture Perform well in school – they must attend Communicate (do not withdraw) Represent country and Rotary Participate in Rotary, school, and community activities Return home within 2 weeks of end of school, or 1 week after USA Tour

Expectations of Students Accept Program Rules & Guidance No Driving, Drinking and Drugs No Smoking School attendance and participation required Choose friends carefully Do some Community Volunteering Can not get a paying job – Work as babysitter, around house encouraged Visits from home only at end of exchange year Limit phone calls, e-mails, Cell phones, Internet. Here to learn culture

Arrival and Settling In Welcoming your student Notify us of any flight changes YE Committee member will Check-in at airport Assist with lost baggage reports Let their parents know they arrived “First Night” Questions in Handbook Introduce them to family & friends Encourage their involvement Do not let them retreat to their room

Medical Insurance & Care All Inbound students are Insured CISI/Bolduc policy unless waived Check with country contact to verify Belgium, Australia, and others have own Medical per Accident/Illness - $500K Repatriation - $50K Medical Evacuation - $100K Deductible - $100 One time Liability - $100K - $250 deductible

Medical Insurance & Care You should receive an Emergency medical release from the Host Rotary Club before they move in In the event of illness/accident Stabilize student first Call Rotary Contact as soon as possible Use Family doctors – Check with club they may know of Rotarian Physicians & Dentists Notifying student’s family Let Rotary do the contacting once details are known

Student Finances Emergency Fund Most have a Credit/Debit Card $300.00 maintained by Host Club For true emergencies – medical, etc. Most have a Credit/Debit Card Telephone bills: set home rules Students in D7170 receive a minimum monthly stipend from Rotary of $70.00 Help them to be Accountable

Host Family Finances Extraordinary expenses Support day to day routine expenses Room and board Laundry detergent, toothpaste, soap etc. Regular family activities: movies, out to eat, family trips etc. Extraordinary expenses Clothing and postage are student responsibility Telephone: Long distance costs are student responsibility Family vacations: discuss expenses, establish cost share long before departure

Student Travel This is a Cultural & Educational Program NOT a Travel program Written Approval from Parents Required Students not allowed to make own travel plans – must be pre-approved by Rotary Refer to Handbook for details Unauthorized Travel will result in student being returned home

School Educational program - student visas require attendance Visit school with Rotary Counselor ASAP to set schedule – must be a full academic course load English Language Proficiency Evaluations is required. NO Driver Education allowed Encourage participation Sports Music, Drama, etc. Interact Help with Homework

Other Topics Dietary Issues The Exchange Cycle Get Connected May be religious based or other - ask Many variations – discuss with the student Try to accommodate but student ultimately responsible for good nutrition The Exchange Cycle Exchange students have varying mood swings – recognize them Refer to back cover of handbook Get Connected Establish contact with student’s parents Send them newsy letters/e-mails about their son/daughter

Part II - Review Describe the “typical” exchange student and what his role should be – as a family member, as an ambassador, as a student, as a member of his new community. What are your responsibilities as the Host Family? Rotary has certain expectations in relation to the student that we ask you to support. What are those expectations? When your student arrives, what should be among your first tasks? If there is any medical emergency, what should you do? As host family, what are your financial responsibilities? What are the student’s financial responsibilities? What is Rotary’s financial responsibility? What is your and the student’s school responsibilities? Explain Rotary’s policy relating to the student’s travel.

Part III – Student Protection This part will provide you: Rotary and our District’s policy Definitions of the types of abuse that may be encountered How to identify an abusive situation The Do’s and Do Not’s What to do if a concern arises What you can expect Rotary to do Who to contact

Statement of Conduct Rotary International and District 7170 are 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 in contact.” Adopted by RI Board of Directors, November 2003

Definitions Sexual Abuse Physical Abuse Neglect Intercourse, Masturbation, Oral sex, Fondling Viewing pornographic materials Taking part in making pornographic materials Physical Abuse Hitting, shaking, squeezing, biting or burning Excessive training Neglect Failure to meet basic physical needs Constantly leave alone or unsupervised Failure or refusal to give affection or attention Left in an unsafe “at risk” environment

Definitions Emotional Abuse Financial Abuse Persistent lack of love and affection Frequent shouting Taunting Over-protection Constant criticism, bullying or unrealistic pressure to perform to higher expectations Financial Abuse Misappropriation of student’s funds Overt illegal use of funds by other than student

Key Points Abuse & Harassment Can occur without physical contact Word, gestures, actions, images In the event of an Allegation - Determination of Abuse or Harassment must be left to local authorities

Cultural Differences Need to think Internationally – Not USA Be aware of cultural differences – refer to: State Dept country descriptions ProQuest CultureGrams Touching/Hugging is perceived by different cultures in different ways Body language means different things Be aware of your students culture and make sure family members and others are sensitive to potential pitfalls

Sibling Relationships The Good – Family members should: Set the example Be a protector and a listener Introduce student to friends & activities The Not-so-good – Family members may: Develop jealousy Withdraw from family & exchange student Become angry to point of harassment or physical abuse Relations can go beyond normal bounds of siblings

Abuse Experts report that sexual abuse/harassment should be considered as a possibility when a student is seen as “difficult” or “does not get along with the host family”. A student who exhibits this behavior may, in fact, have been abused by an adult or sibling or could be struggling with sexual advances by peers in the community. RI Abuse/Harassment Manual – June 2006

Student Protection Policy Rotary’s Role: Create and maintain the safest possible environment for all participants Safeguard welfare and prevent physical, sexual, emotional or financial abuse of exchange students Provide the means to address all concerns and indications of harassment or abuse

Student Protection Code Do Treat students with respect - be aware of your tone of voice & manner and their reactions OK to touch and hug students in a way that is not intrusive/disturbing to them or observers Control who they hang around with Communicate with Rotary D7170 Student Protection Officer (Michele Hughes, 607-745-0578) if there are any allegations or suspicions or if you have questions

Student Protection Code DO NOT Engage in rough physical games including horseplay Use physical force in any way, especially as a form of punishment Touch an exchange student in any way that could be interpreted as intrusive or sexual Make sexually suggestive comments, even as a joke Spend excessive time alone with a student, this may lead to misunderstanding

Student Protection Guidelines What to do if your exchange student tells you of Harassment and/or Abuse Listen attentively & let him/her know it was right to tell you Assure him/her that they are not to blame Remain calm and make sure student feels safe Encourage student to share with you what happened and who was involved Make detailed notes including date & time Don’t promise to keep secrets & explain the necessity of informing Protection Officer

Student Protection Guidelines Keep Communications Open Assure student that you can jointly address his/her concerns/problem With all of us working together, we can keep our exchange students safe and make this a meaningful and happy exchange experience for all of us.

Protection Officer Functions Student Protection Officer Must be a NYS “Mandated Reporter” Perform background check on chairperson Provide training to Inbound & Outbound students, Host Families and YE volunteers When an allegation of abuse is reported Gather facts on allegation Contact appropriate authorities Contact YE Chairperson immediately Serve as point of contact for all agencies involved Advocate for the victim to assure help is provided Act as link to the professional care agencies Document all details

D7170 Student Protection Officer Name: Michele Hughes – mhughes19@me.com               Address: 3 Copeland Street            Cortland, NY 13045 Telephone Numbers   607-756-4739 – home             607-745-0578 – cell

Part III - Review One of the most important responsibilities relating to the student is to keep him/her safe from ALL danger. What is Rotary’s policy on student protection? Abuse can happen at home, at school, with friends. Explain abuse and its signs. Should you see irregular behavior, what is your responsibility as host parent? What is Rotary’s responsibility should abuse be suspected? What are some issues that could arise in the family setting? What are some cultural differences that you should be sensitive to? What are some behaviors that you should avoid as host parent, host brother/sister? If your student tells you of harassment/abuse, what should you do? Who is the Student Protection Officer? What does she do?

Part IV – The Host Family Part IV should Give you insight into being the the first, second or last Host Family Provide you the calendar of scheduled events as we currently know them Help to prepare your student to depart Some concluding comments

Being the 1st Host Family First Host Family Expect excitement – everything is new Deal with their and your Culture shock There may be major adaptations Read and discuss the Culture-gram with them Help them deal with Language struggles Oversee School arrangements Read and react to school progress reports First families are often the closest bonds You set the standards for the year

Being the 2nd/Last Host Family Second Host Family Transition issues may arise – address them early Establish New family practices & rules Language and culture begin to “click” Last Host Family Comfortable with language and culture Big events: prom, graduation, departure events Help them decide about going on the end of exchange “Tour of the USA”

The End of the Year Leaving for home will be hard for the student and the Host Families Help them to pack and check on return plans & tickets Help prepare them for Reverse culture shock “The more successful the exchange, the harder the leaving & re-entry” Maintain contact after they leave You WILL probably see them again

Activities and Calendar Host Family Applications must be arranged 30 days before student arrives Students arrive - Date and airport designated by the host Rotary Club Inbound Orientation Day, - Mandatory Arrive Friday or Saturday (varies year to year) Transportation by host Rotary Club Pick up day and time (varies year to year) District Conference, - Mandatory Transportation by Host Club

Activities and Calendar September First day of School September Inbound Orientation  October Foundation Dinner  November New York City Bus Trip December Holiday Party  February   Inbound Orientation March 1st Deadline - USA Bus Trip    Application & Deposit needs to be sent to Mike Wilcox April Albany Bus trip April Talent Show Rehearsal                  April District Conference  May Rotary International Youth Exchange Conference June Good Bye Picnic July 1 – 30 USA Bus Trip

Activities and Calendar Tour of USA - 30 days in July - Optional 9200 miles across USA & return Chaperoned & stay in hotels Est. cost $4000.00 Visit major National Parks & cities Depart for Home – July 15 or Aug 5 depending on tour participation

Contacts for ?? Or Concerns Rotary Club Level - Youth Exchange Officer or President in your local Rotary Club District Level – Chair – Vera Sosnowski – home..607-433-2207 C..607-435-9374 Student Protection Officer – Michelle Hughes C..607-745-0578 Country Contacts Shelly Bullock – Hungary – C..607-342-3302 Zoren Bullock – Brazil – W..974-481 C..342-3269 Tom Overbaugh – Mexico, India – H..387-5274 B..387-8881 C..592-2092 Jo Ellen Hedlund –Denmark, Taiwan – H..539-6871 C..327-0254 Mike Wilcox –Argentina, Paraguay, Thailand – H..656-7241 C..427-8520 Sarah Patterson – France, Belgium– H..432-6284 B..432-0566 Kimberly Winsor – Japan – C…910-265-1518 Dick Breuninger – Slovakia/Czech Repub, Switzerland– H..432-2234 C..437-3819 Kim Schenck – Poland – H..607-844-4143 C..607-423-9694 Vera Sosnowski – Germany – H..607-433-2207 C..607-435-9374

Part IV - Review What should you expect to experience as the first, second or third host family? Responsibilities change as the student moves from one family to another. Looking at your role as the first, second or last, what do you perceive as your challenge to address? What are the two mandatory activities your student must attend? (Mark your calendar with critical dates) Do you know who to contact when you have questions or concerns?

Applications due to District – mid-October Help us identify a student to be a 2011-12 Exchange Student Go to: http://www.rotary-youth-exchange.com/ Applications due to District – mid-October District Interviews – mid-Nov Selections & Placements – late Nov Placement letters out – Dec Acceptances Due back – Dec Orientation 1 – January Orientation 2 – March Orientation 3 – April Departure July and August

Summary We have assumed the legal and moral responsibility for someone else’s children We are here to help you and the student have a meaningful and safe year to learn and live our American culture We cannot help if we do not know

Summary Tried to provide the tools for success Rotary has zero tolerance policy on implementing and adhering to YE and Student Protection Policies State Dept. Regulations are US Law Rotary International policy applies worldwide Our District has agreed to enforce adherence.

Conclusion We hope we have given you the basics to host an exchange student in your home We encourage you to read the material you will receive from us and to contact us with any questions you may have

Questions ? ? Contact Us