1. Area Representative Training

2. Purpose of meeting Explain who MyEducation (UK) is
Explain the role of Area Representative
Being an Area Representative for a student
Managing issues and support

3. MyEducation Established in Denmark in 1995
Our mission is to promote the cultural and linguistic understanding of young people and give them an opportunity to learn more about other people and themselves.
Established in Denmark in 1995
MyEducation opened a Norwegian office in November and in the UK in June 2013
We have partners around the world who make these programmes possible
Area representatives and host families across the UK host exchange students

4. What is an Area Representative?
An Area Representative who is someone who offers local support to students and families and acts as a volunteer representative of MyEducation (UK).
A friendly face and a source of information
Someone who can discuss concerns without bias or prejudice
Someone who can offer sound advice
Someone who enjoys working with young people and hopes to help make their exchange a positive one
A source of information about the local area

5. Benefits of an exchange for a student
Live like a local with a host family
Attend a local high school
Make new friends
Learn a new language
Become more confident, mature, responsible and independent
Opens up opportunities for you in the future
Have a lot of fun!

6. Host Families
Host families come in all shapes and sizes and are volunteers who are reimbursed for hosting – a modest amount
Students should be welcomed into their home and family
They are expected to help at home e.g. Do the dishes, empty the bins
Follow the family rules – curfews, homework, TV etc.
Show gratitude to the family for hosting
House and programme rules are very important
They will have a room at the house and meals
Some families choose to host more than one exchange student
Families can be based anywhere in the country, usually suburban or rural

7. Host Families How do we find host families?
Interested families are visited in their homes by staff and discuss why they wish to host, what they hope to gain from the experience and what they can offer a student
References and criminal background checks are completed
When the family is approved they work with staff to choose a student based on interests, family background, nationality etc.
Family and student contact details then shared

8. School in the UK
Students are enrolled into Year 12 at a local high school or Sixth Form college
Expected to attend full time unless ill
Focus on good grades and excellent participation
All students have proven to be strong academically in their home country
Study several subjects but first choice is not always available
Expected to try your best to make an effort with the language and homework
They are enrolled for free at the school so please join clubs and show gratitude for them accepting you

9. Programme Rules
No alcohol, smoking or drugs (use, purchase or possession)
No driving of any motorised vehicle
Students must make a genuine effort to assimilate to their host family and follow the host family rules
Students must abide by the school rules and make an effort at school and maintain equivalent grades when in an English speaking country
No independent travel
Abide by the decisions of MyEducation and the partner organisation and Area Representative

10. Disciplinary Procedures
There may be cases in which a student is immediately disqualified from the exchange programme without following the procedure outlined below or where one of the steps is omitted. Such cases would involve serious infractions of MyEducation (UK) rules, or overseas laws. Disciplinary decisions are made by our overseas partners in consultation with MyEducation.
The normal disciplinary procedure is:
Warning (behaviour contract)
Probation
Dismissal

11. Releases and forms Travel Release Form
Needed for any overnight travel without someone who is related to MyEducation or the school
Signatures needed from HF, natural parents, overseas partner, AR and MyEducation (UK)
Hazardous Release Form
Needed for any activity that might not be covered by their insurance – skiing, rock climbing, horse riding etc.
All forms can be secured from office staff.

12. Support Structure
The primary contact person for the student and family is the Area Representative
We stress the importance of using the local contacts as they are the best people to help and give rapid advice
Students and families receive your contact details once their placement is confirmed
Natural parents should not contact the Area Representative directly
Students and families can contact the main office and speak with staff
Bi-monthly progress reports are requested from the students

13. Support Structure Student Area Representative Natural Parents
Host Family
MyEducation staff
Partner Office

14. How to manage your role
Area Representatives are given a level of freedom in how to manage the role.
Minimum requirements are:
a face-to-face meeting with the student every other month – recommend in a place away from HF home
Contact between these meetings on a monthly basis by phone
Monthly contact with host family in person, by phone or
This can be agreed with the family as to what they believe is needed
If a student or family is experiencing issues then contact will need to be more regular than this
Bi-monthly update requested from the office on each student

15. Common Issues Student spending too much time online/phone/Skype
Student not helping around the home
Student not talking much and spending time with the family
Family are too strict
Family not involving the student in activities
Student not bonding with family or siblings
Student not able to find local clubs/groups
Student not making friends at school
Student feeling homesick or experiencing culture shock
Families expecting too much from the student

16. How to deal with a complex issue
Speak in a confidential manner with the student/HF member who has raised the issue
Contact the office for support and guidance on how best to proceed
Based on advice it is likely that you will need to speak with the other party confidentially
Often bringing both sides together can help to talk through the issues calmly with your presence
Agree at the end of the meeting on changes and suggestions to help solve the concern
Report back to the office about the meeting and monitor progress

17. Serious concerns
If it is reported to you that a student is being abused or if their safety and welfare is in question then you must immediately contact the office. You should use the emergency phone number if it is out of hours.
If you have concerns for the safety of the student do not hesitate to contact us. We will respond and advise on the best course of action.

18. Arrival of a student
Either you as the local Representative or a MyEducation staff member will conduct the arrival orientation. These should be completed within 2 weeks of arrival. It is best to complete the session as a group if you have more than one student.
Topics covered include:
Support Structures
Living with a host family
School
Rules and discipline
Homesickness
These are fun sessions that help you get to know the students. All documents are provided

19. Other roles for an Area Representative
Representatives may be asked to complete other tasks for the organisation and these are entirely optional.
Host family interviews
Host family recruitment
Outbound interviews
School enrolments
Marketing of MyEducation programmes

20. Reimbursement
Reimbursement is offered for all activities. The aim is to cover the costs involved in carrying out the role.
Reimbursement paid on 15th of month for the previous month, eg. payment on January 15th is for tasks completed in December
Reimbursement only paid when reports are submitted to the office
AR should complete a reimbursement request form for additional activities outside of supervision
Paid directly into your bank account

21. Thank you for listening.
Any questions?