YFU USA 2016 PreDeparture Orientation Parent Session Minimizeexpand

YFU USA 2016 Pre-Departure Orientation Parent Session

Minimize/expand your control panel Mute/unmute yourself Full screen Raise/lower your hand Expand/minimize sections 2 12. 06. 2021

Agenda • Welcome and Introductions • Youth For Understanding History • Student Support Services • Tips for Letting Go • On Program (Pre-Departure, Exchange, and Re-Entry) • Q/A and Discussion

Key Objectives • Answer questions and build trust; address concerns about sending your child abroad • Understand key YFU policies, procedures, and structure • Talk with peers about “letting go” • Discuss strategies to support your child for a successful exchange experience

YFU Mission Statement Youth for Understanding advances intercultural understanding, mutual respect, and social responsibility through educational exchanges for youth, families, and communities.

In Country Support • Host Family • Area Representative • YFU International Partner

Student Support Services • Paid staff of 10 • Sonja Bienert, Director of Support Services: sbienert@yfu. org • La Sia Brown, Support Services Manager: lbrown@yfu. org • 24 Hours Emergency Support: 1. 800. 424. 3691 • Emergency vs. non-emergency

On Program

On Program • Pre-Departure and Travel Logistics • Tips for Letting Go • Exchange Period (includes Adjustment Cycle & YFU Policies) • Re-Entry

Pre-Departure • Talk about expectations and prepare for the journey • $$$$$, budget and banking • Paperwork • Packing- Check with airlines • Prescriptions • Gifts for Host Family

Travel • Itinerary and travel packet • Packing- Check with airlines on luggage limits • YFU travel assistance 1. 800. 705. 9510 • International flights have YFU staff at the gateway

Tips for Letting Go • Communication • Adjustment • Visits Host Country

On Exchange • Adjustment Curve & Homesickness • YFU Policies

Adjustment Curve & Homesickness 1. Honeymoon: Everything is amazing! 2. Confusion: What? This makes no sense. 3. Culture Shock: How can they live like? 4. Adapting: My French is getting better! 5. Adjusted: I have friends here; I belong.

Key YFU Policies • Study Abroad Parent Handbook – http: //www. joomag. com/magazine/yfu-handbooks-2015 -familyhandbook-study-abroad/0305414001444407038? short • The Guide (for students)https: //issuu. com/yfuies/docs/the_guide_student_edition • 3 Ds: Driving, Drugs, and Dangerous Activities

Policies to Review • ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO • BREAKING THE LAW • CONFIDENTIALITY • MONEY • DANGEROUS ACTIVITIES • DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES • DRIVING • DRUGS

Re-Entry: • Returning home is harder that the leaving the home country • Reverse culture shock • Reactions from home country friends & family can be a challenge • Miss host country family and friends • Stay involved with YFU

Questions & Discussion