Airline Tickets: Incoming students to Rochester have a round trip ticket. For the protection of the student, upon arrival the incoming student will give the Program Chair his/her return ticket. The Program Chair is responsible for the ticket during the student’s stay, and will return the ticket at the time the student returns to his/her country. No student is to keep the return ticket during the stay for any reason.

Alcohol: The legal drinking age in the U.S. is 21 years of age. Therefore no ATAD student can legally drink while in the U.S. Students are expected to observe Host Family guidelines. Dismissal from the program may be considered on the basis of the student’s overall adjustment and inability to control his/her continued use of alcohol.

Communications Home: Use of the telephone for long distance calls or E-mail for "chatting" is discouraged. Students are encouraged to write letters to family and friends in the home country. Frequent telephone or E-mail conversations with natural family and home country friends may cause difficulties in the student’s adjustment to the Host Family and school. Lack of adjustment may be cause for dismissal from the program. Before placing a long distance telephone call, the student should ask permission of the host parents. ATAD students should also understand that when they conduct conversations in their native language it may cause distrust or discomfort in the Host Family

Dangerous Activities: Some activities are considered too dangerous for ATAD students and are not permitted. Examples are hang gliding, hitchhiking, parachute jumping, piloting a private plane, bungee jumping, driving a car or motorcycle or an all terrain vehicle (ATV).

There are other activities judged to involve some danger (hunting, snowmobiling, scuba diving, mountain climbing, travel in private plane, white water rafting) or some medical risk (body piercing, tattoos). For these activities and any for which you are uncertain, first consult the ATAD Program Chair. Prior written permission must be given by the natural parents and Program Chair authorizing the student to participate. This permission must release Association for Teen Age Diplomats and the Host Family from all responsibility during the time the student is engaged in that activity.

For participation in any activity, the student must follow all laws and practice reasonable safety precautions. Furthermore it is the sole responsibility of the student and natural parents to ascertain whether the activity is covered under their current insurance policy, and to obtain additional insurance as necessary.

Diplomas: No student should ask for or expect to receive a high school diploma. (Note: A US high school diploma is not necessary for a foreign student’s admission into a US college or university.)

Driving: ATAD students are not permitted to drive any car for any reason, even if they possess an international drivers license. ATAD students may not take driver education courses. Violators of this policy will be considered for dismissal from the program.

Drugs: ATAD students may not buy, sell, possess or use drugs that are illegal. Violators of this policy will be considered for dismissal from the program. If the student is arrested for a drug related incident, please refer to the section on Violations of the Law.

Employment: In the United States, participants in the ATAD program are not permitted to take full-time employment during their stay. They are not permitted to obtain work permits in order to secure jobs. However they may hold informal part-time jobs such as baby sitting, grass cutting, snow shoveling, yard cleanup, etc. as long it does not interfere with school or Host Family obligations.

Extension of Stay: Under US immigration laws ATAD is not allowed to grant waivers or visa extensions. All students will travel to and from the Host Family as arranged by ATAD. Travel plans are made in consultation with the ATAD Program Chair in Rochester and the student’s Program Liaison in the home country. There is no extension of stay. ATAD students are not to ask for, nor receive an extension of stay. In the event of violation of this policy, ATAD’s responsibility ends with the return flight to which the student has been assigned.

Health: All students must have a physical examination before coming to the United States. Some students are accepted with minor health problems. If medication of any kind is needed, that must be reported on the medical form. All medical problems should be reported to the ATAD Program Chair.

Host Families: Students are assigned to Host Families by ATAD. Each student is expected to adjust to the lifestyle of the Host Family, to follow Host Family customs and participate in family activities. If there are adjustment problems, consult with your ATAD Program Chair. Usually these problems can be resolved successfully.

Immunizations: New York State has specific immunization requirements. A student who arrives without the necessary immunizations needed to enroll in school must obtain these soon after arrival. The cost of these immunizations must be paid by the student.

Income Tax Deduction: Some of the expenses a Host Family incurs for hosting an exchange student are deductible on the federal tax form as a charitable contribution. The present limitation is $50 per school month. ATAD will mail the appropriate form to the Host Family.

Marriage: Married students are not permitted on the ATAD program. If an ATAD student marries or is discovered to have married before becoming an ATAD participant, the student will be dismissed from the program.

Medical Insurance: ATAD will assure that all International Students are covered by the minimum required level of medical insurance.

Money: The volunteer Host Family provides housing and food. The International Student and/or natural family provides spending money for personal expenses - postage, telephone calls, clothing, gifts, trips, movies, recreation , etc. Payment of airline charges for excess baggage is the responsibility of the student.

Political Expression: Students must be cautious when expressing personal views. Exchange students are diplomats and should be aware that some people may interpret their statements as being representative of their government.

Pregnancy: If a student is found to be pregnant or to cause a pregnancy while on an ATAD program, the natural parents will be notified, and the student will be returned home and dismissed from the program.

School Attendance: If the ATAD student is in the US for a half or full year, attendance at a secondary school is required. A normal course of school work should be maintained; non-attendance will result in dismissal from the program.

School Course Schedule: ATAD students are expected to take a normal academic course. This should include at least one course in social studies (American history, civics, or government) and one in American literature or language arts. Two additional academic courses such as math, science, or foreign language should also be taken. School counselors are helpful in selecting electives such as art, music, business, or speech which will round out the student’s schedule.

School Performance: Students are expected to do their best in school. They must go to school each school day, do homework on time, take all tests, and participate in class. After a reasonable adjustment time, failure to meet school expectations or requirements, underachievement, or inappropriate behavior may result in dismissal from the program.

Student Travel: ATAD is a program designed to provide a family living experience, NOT a travel program. International Students agree to travel directly to and from the Host Family as arranged by ATAD. While living with the Host Family the student may travel with Host Family members after notification of the ATAD Program Chair. Travel without the Host Family must meet the following requirements:

Unauthorized travel may result in dismissal from the program.

Supervision: The Host Family is responsible for the health and safety of the student. To assist in safety, all ATAD students must have adult supervision for overnight stays.

Visits from Natural Family and Home Country Friends: Natural families and home country friends are strongly discouraged from visiting the International Student during the program stay, especially during the initial adjustment period. The interruption breaks the continuity of the student’s relationship with the Host Family and may diminish the exchange experience for the student and Host Family. This sometimes leads to adjustment difficulties so serious that ATAD may have to consider dismissal from the program. Natural families and home country friends who consider such visits must receive approval from the ATAD Program Chair and the Host Family.

Violations of the Law: ATAD students must abide by all local, state and US laws. When a student admits to or is convicted of a criminal law violation, the student will be considered for dismissal from the program. Theft/shoplifting may become cause for dismissal. The payment of fines and/or restitution of property or stolen funds must be made by the student and natural parents. Failure to pay the required restitution or compensation shall be considered grounds for dismissal. When an arrest is made, or court appearance scheduled, the student must be represented by a lawyer. Legal expenses are the responsibility of the student and natural family.