1- I agree to follow all of the laws of the United
States, the Rotary International and District 6440 rules, the rules of my host
families, my school, and my community. I agree that by following these rules I
have the best possibility of having a great exchange year. I understand that if
I do not follow this Code and the rules, I may be put on probation, restricted
from District events, and/or sent home, before the end of my exchange year. I
understand that being placed on probation cautions me that some of my behavior
has not been good, and that this period is the time I will be given to correct
my behavior.
2- I understand that I represent my family, my
sponsoring and hosting Rotary Clubs, my community and country while I am living
in District 6440 on my Exchange. I will not intentionally do anything to
disgrace any of them or myself.
3- I will treat the property of my host families,
my school, and the community with respect. I understand that if I damage or
lose any property belonging to someone else that I will have to pay to have it
replaced or repaired.
4- I will do my very best to adapt to my school and
my host families ways of life. I understand the purpose of the Rotary Youth
Exchange program is to give me the opportunity to learn about another culture.
I realize that the people of the United States are free to express themselves,
but I will not make any negative or cruel comments about anyone who is
different from me, such as people who have a different skin color, religion, or
national origin. Nor will I disrespect people who are disabled, or homosexual.
I promises not to display sexist behavior and will always respect all women and
mothers.
5- I realize that each of my host families is to accept
me as a part of their family. I understand this means that I will join in
family activities and will always try to communicate with them. It also means
that I will be expected to do chores and have household duties. I agree to
utilize the First Night Questionnaire with each family. I promise to ask my
host family for help if I do not understand what is expected of me. I agree to
ask permission to go places and to do activities. I understand that I may have
3 families during the year, but if fewer are all that is available I will adapt
and make the best of the situation. I agree to move families as directed by the
Club YEO. I understand that I will receive a monthly allowance and school costs
from my Rotary Club. I will pay for my own clothing and telephone usage. I
understand that my allowance may be different from other students and I will
accept what my club offers me.
6- I understand that culture shock may occur and I
will communicate with my host parents and YEO to adapt quickly and learn how to
handle this problem. I agree to limit my contact, by email or telephone, with
home to limit homesickness and spent my time adapting to my new culture and working
through culture shock.
7- I will not expect my host families to be tour
guides or to take me on expensive trips around the country. I agree to accept
my host community whether it is a city, suburb, or rural area. I will make the
best of each opportunity to immerse into the culture of my families and
community. I agree to spend the time with my host families as they request and
will abide by their time schedules and curfews.
8- I agree to learn English as quickly as possible
and will avoid speaking my native language with my friends so I will adjust
more quickly to life in District 6440. I will obtain a tutor at my parents cost
to accomplish this if needed. I agree to make presentations to schools, clubs,
and Rotarians when asked.
9- I understand that attending school is a privilege and I agree to make every effort to succeed in school. I agree to attend school every day and will not be truant or late for my classes. I agree to explain and positively express my culture with other students and teachers. I agree to complete all homework assignments on time. I agree to ask my teachers and counselors for help if I have any academic problems. I understand that if I do not earn at least a “C” average or make an effort acceptable to the school, I may be placed on probation and possibly returned home. I agree to become involved in the life of the school by joining clubs, teams, and attending school events if available. I agree to accept my schools’ decisions and they may place me into any grade level and class that is appropriate to the school and my language ability. I understand that I am not allowed to obtain a drivers license. My school may not permit me to earn a diploma or participate in graduation ceremonies. I will not be allowed to participate in a varsity sport if I have graduated at my home school before coming on this exchange. I am not allowed to attend college classes outside of the high school.
12- I understand that if I use alcohol or illegal drugs, if I drive a motorized vehicle, if I steal or shoplift, or if I behave in a sexually inappropriate way, I may be dismissed from the Rotary Program immediately and sent home at my own expense. I will not receive a probationary period for these offenses.
13- I understand that the District has rules about travel and overnight stays. I agree to honor those rules and to submit a travel form to the Inbound Coordinator each time I want to travel indicating where I will be, with whom, and when I will be gone. I understand that this policy is to help keep me safe and to allow my parents to locate me in an emergency.
14- I understand that I must contact the District Inbound Coordinator immediately if I feel there is the possibility that I have been the victim of assault or abuse. My safety is very important to Rotary, and they can only help if they know that I have a problem. Your information will be kept confidential and limited to only those who need to know. You will not be sent home for reporting.
15- I understand that visits from my natural family and friends are strongly discouraged. The Inbound Coordinator must approve any visit at any time. No visits from family or friends will be approved during the first six months of the program. I know that I may not leave school to travel with my parents.
16- I agree to mail or email a Monthly Report to the Inbound Coordinator keeping him updated on my progress with school, host families, and discuss any problems that I may encounter during my exchange year. I understand that Rotary volunteers are here to assist me in every way they can to help me have a great year and to protect me from harm. If I have problems with my host families and school I will approach the problems with a positive attitude and the desire to continue my exchange year and resolve the problems.
17- I agree to make every effort to complete the full term of my exchange. I agree to stay and attend the CSRYE Summer Conference in July to give the program my experience and knowledge, helping prepare new candidates and parents to have an exchange even better than the one I had. Only with the permission of the District 6440 Chair will I be allowed to return at a date earlier than this conference. Winter Inbounds are expected to share Christmas in their host communities before returning home.
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Printed Student Name Signature of Student
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Witness Signature Date