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

2. 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

3. 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

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

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

12. Budget
Personal Funds
$300 – Cultural activity

13. 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

14. Make memories that
last a lifetime!