AYA Program Rules

Any infraction of the rules below will result in immediate dismissal from the program and termination of your visa:

1. Students must abide by all foreign laws.
2. The use of drugs for non-medical reasons by AYA students under any circumstances is strictly forbidden. Examples of non-medical (illegal) drugs are cocaine, LSD and marijuana.
3. Regarding alcohol consumption, students must abide by laws governing their host country.
4. AYA students are not permitted to hitchhike. AYA students are not permitted to purchase, carry or use firearms under any circumstances.
5. AYA students are not permitted to hold part-time jobs. The visa does not allow it.
6. Students are not permitted to drive any motor vehicle (including motorcycles, mopeds and cars).

Any continuous failure to abide by the following rules may result in dismissal from the program and termination of your visa:

1. Students must always be aware of their responsibility as exchange students and make a determined effort in their school, host family and host community.
2. Students must attend school daily unless sick and under a doctor’s care or with special permission from host parents. Students must complete all homework and assignments.
3. Students must carry a full course load and maintain a “C” average or better in all classes. Students must also enroll in an appropriate overseas language or literature course.
4. Students are not permitted to visit such places as pornographic shops, adult theaters, drinking establishments or any web sites related to pornography.
5. Students must show respect for their host families and act as a member of the family.
6. Students must abide by all host family rules and must voluntarily help with household chores.
7. Students are not permitted to talk about the family’s private affairs with others.
8. Students cannot change families and schools at will.
9. Students are allowed to travel only if accompanied by a responsible adult (21 years of age or older), if:
   a.) the overseas partner has received a Permission-to-Travel Form signed by their natural parents,
   b.) their host family approves, and
   c.) the trip does not involve missing any school.
   The exception is a school-sponsored trip. Students must notify their Local Coordinator of all travel plans at least one week prior to the trip. Students may not return to the U.S. for Christmas or for any reason other than an emergency.
10. Students must show respect for their Local Coordinators and obey their instruction.
11. Students must not participate in any sexual contact or sexual activity that is culturally inappropriate in their host country.

Other guidelines to consider

• Students should limit contact with other exchange students and U.S. citizens during the program and make all necessary efforts to have contact with citizens of their host country.
• On special occasions (Christmas, birthdays, etc.) the student’s priority must be to spend this time with the host family.
• Students should limit international phone calls to parents or friends and should promptly pay for all calls.
• Parents and friends may not visit the student during the program. If relatives and friends would like to visit, they must wait until the end of the program.
• No student may enter into any contractual agreement, be it business, marital or religious, while on the program.

It is your responsibility to know the rules outlined here, which are for your safety and well-being. We expect you to cooperate with these rules, and we encourage you to ask your AYA Program Administrator directly to explain the rules if you do not understand them.

Termination from the AYA program
Any student who fails to comply with the AYA rules, the host family rules or local, state and federal laws may be terminated from the AYA program and sent home. All costs for any expenses involved in doing so will be the student’s responsibility, and no refund of program fees will be issued.

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