YFU USA 2019 PreDeparture Orientation Parent Session Agenda

YFU USA 2019 Pre-Departure Orientation Parent Session

Agenda • Welcome & Introductions • YFU Mission Statement • Pre-Departure Logistics • Travel information • On Program Support for your student • YFU Policies • Questions

Welcome to YFU’s Pre-Departure Orientation! • Name • Where are you from? • Where is your son/daughter going on exchange?

YFU Mission Statement YFU advances intercultural understanding, lifelong learning, global competencies, mutual respect, and social responsibility through transformational educational exchanges for generations of youth, families, and communities, supported by dedicated volunteers and professional staff.

Pre-Departure • Packing: Check with the airlines on baggage limits/weight • Budget: Discuss this before departure • Money: Do country-specific research • Visas: Your responsibility to research the process • Documentation for School Credit: Talk to guidance counselors

Pre-Departure • Prescriptions: Get them filled before departure • Cell Phones: Do local research • Medical Insurance: Dr. Walters • School Uniforms: Varies by program • Gifts for Host Family: Something local

Travel • Itinerary and travel packet • International flights have YFU staff at the gateway • YFU travel assistance : • 1. 800. 705. 9510 and Twitter: @yfu_travel • Wear YFU t-shirt while traveling

On Program

In Country Support • Host Family • YFU Volunteer • YFU International Partner

YFU USA Support: • Tynesha Sherman-Campbell and Molly Forrest • Non-emergency vs Emergency • Emergency Line: 800 -424 -3691 (keep line open for true emergencies)

YFU’s Support Flow Chart Student/ Host Family YFU Volunteer YFU Partner Office in Host Country YFU – USA Engagement Managers Natural Parents

Typical Challenges while on Program Remember: Challenges promote personal growth and build resiliency! • Host Family: miscommunications, misunderstandings & changing host families • Culture Adjustment: homesickness & adjusting to new social norms • Making friends • Academic difficulties and learning a new language

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

Tips for Parents To Let Go • Communication • With student • With host family • Visits- contact YFU USA Support Host Country

YFU Basic Standards • Students must follow local laws and partner country policies • YFU Basic Standards: • • Driving Drugs Employment Dangerous Activities Travel School Attendance Medical Insurance

Re-Entry: • Returning home can be harder that the leaving the home country • Reverse culture shock • Stay involved with YFU!

Questions?