Rotary District Information Book for Club Counsellor s of Inbound Exchange Students. Youth Exchange Program

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1 Rotary District 9650 Information Book for Club Counsellor s of Inbound Exchange Students Youth Exchange Program

2 Table of Contents Role of the Inbound Club Counsellor 3 Bank Account 4 School 4 At Rotary 5 Helping Students settle with Host Family 6 Moving to a new Host Family 6 Establishing the Rules 7 Reports 7 Communication 7 Telephone, Internet, Mobile 8 Regular Contact with the Student 8 Your Commitment 9 Calendar of Events for Host Club Counsellor s Checklist for Inbound Students 11 Travel request and Reporting Guidelines 12 Student Travel Request Approval Form 13 Change of Student Exchange Program Details 14 Student Agreement 15 District WEB site All forms displayed in this handbook can be found on the WEB site under the heading Downloads-Club and Counsellor Support Kit D9650 Inbound Counsellor s Handbook July

3 The Role of the Counsellor of an Inbound Student The role of the Counsellor is very important and cannot be overstated. The student should be helped to settle in quickly, feel at home, participate fully in the life of the club and form a good relationship and friendship with you. Being a Counsellor for an inbound exchange student is a personal task, which each Counsellor will handle in his or her own individual manner. However there are many important points to bear in mind. The student should feel comfortable discussing any matter with the Counsellor particularly in times of need and stress. You should be their support person even if they are in the wrong remember they are a child alone in a strange country with no family support you are it! It is important to establish a good rapport as quickly as possible. The Counsellor is effectively the student s guardian, friend and confidante. Counsellor s should host the student in their home or take the student to lunch within the first weeks the student is here and at least once per month thereafter. This helps form the bond that is really essential between Counsellor and student. It is important that the Counsellor: be a person who has a rapport with young people and is committed to the student s well-being and happiness but who is also a person able to see that the student and host families abide by the Rotary rules be of the same sex as the student, and the Counsellor s partner should be happy to also be involved in caring for and getting to know the student must not be a member of one of the student s host families or close to a family to the degree that he would be unable to be impartial if a situation arises between the student and the host family be prepared to greet the student on arrival and organize their settling in at school and setting up of their bank accounts has the time and commitment to talk with the student at least every three to four weeks and see that the student is involved with the host Rotary club. It is best that the counsellor meet with the student in person monthly other than club meetings. be prepared to take whatever steps are necessary to ensure the student is protected and treated kindly and fairly be prepared to see the student obeys the rules and is fulfilling his/her obligations as a family member, school member, and is involved in the Rotary activities D9650 Inbound Counsellor s Handbook July

4 First contact Make contact with the student by prior to his/her departure from their home country and provide some details about yourself and your family, as well as the club, the city or town and the immediate surroundings. Give appropriate information to assist in the student s final preparations and obtain details of the intended date of arrival and flight. This information may be provided by the hosting club s Chair or the student s country contact. Welcome It is suggested that the Counsellor be at the airport for the arrival of the student and to make him/her feel as welcome as possible. Make sure that the student gives a quick call to his/her parents to advise of their safe arrival. Please be aware that the student may feel strange and a little homesick. Bank Account The Club Counsellor should help the student set up a bank account and the bank account should allow for direct deposit of the monthly allowance if the host club desires. The required emergency fund ($500) may also be setup at this time with the students and the Club Counsellor as joint signatures. If emergency funds are needed during the year (for medical care etc.) the balance must be immediately replenished by the student s family. The emergency fund will be returned to the student at the end of the exchange year. This emergency fund may not be used for spending money on the end of year bus trip since emergencies may occur on that trip. The Club Counsellor should arrange and insure safe keeping of the student s passport and plane ticket. It will be important to arrange for another form of ID (school ID) so that the student will not have to carry his/her passport. It is important for you to copy the student s passport (all pages) and visa details. School The decision on the school the student attends is made by the Club and Counsellor but must take into consideration where the first host family resides. Most school districts require the hosting family reside within the catchment area of that school. The student will be required to purchase the school uniform this can normally be from the school uniform shop and on completion of the exchange the student can sell the uniform back to the school. This cost is the responsibility of the student and the student has been advised of this before they have left their home country. D9650 Inbound Counsellor s Handbook July

5 At Rotary The Counsellor is an important part of the student s safety, which the District Committee sees as being vital for the well being of the student. The safety net extends to members of the District Committee, with a Country Coordinator being appointed for each geographical area The Counsellor should inform the student about Rotary International's objectives, the host club s objectives, and also the projects and fundraising activities in which the club is involved. The student should be made aware of the structure of the Rotary club and the names of the officers. The student should be aware that not all Rotary clubs conduct their meetings in the same way as does the host club, and that some do not have the same level of interaction. The student should have a close relationship with you their Counsellor, and should to be taken to all Rotary meetings, if possible. Where some clubs are holding breakfast/lunchtime meetings, these meetings may be difficult for a student to attend all the time. Common sense needs to prevail. Exchange students should attend all club functions/events/community service projects whenever possible. At every meeting the student should give a verbal report to the club as to their activities during their week. This can vary from club to club some clubs like to have a report weekly others may require a monthly report. The Counsellor should assist the student to build a rapport with all Rotarians in the club. The Counsellor should encourage Rotarians to invite the student to their home for a meal/outing/weekend the student belongs to, and is the responsibility of the club. The Counsellor should ensure that the student is receiving their monthly allowance of $120. D9650 Inbound Counsellor s Handbook July

6 Helping the Student settle in with Host Families As Counsellor you should hold a meeting of all host parents before the student arrives to explain the club guidelines and to give 'new' host families an idea of what to expect and how to handle a new son or daughter in the household. Families that have hosted before should be reminded that each student is different and comparisons should not be made between the newcomer and their predecessors. When the student arrives, hopefully members of the first host family will be present to welcome the student at the airport. During the first few days, whilst he/she is with you, try to take the student around the area and show where he/she will be living for the next 12 months. Each time the student moves to a new home remind them that the rules of the house may be different and they need to adjust accordingly. Ensure with each move that they go through Inbound Students 1 st Night Questions' Moving to a New Host Family Ideally all host families and the dates the student is expected to move should be well planned and known to: All host families The Student s School The Rotary Club Country Contact Inbound Student Chair Additionally, when your student moves to his/her new host family, you must fill a Change of Student Exchange Program Details and to the District Youth Secretary at secyepd9650@gmail.com. This form can be found on the District Youth Web Site Make sure your student gives their school the contact information of the new host family! D9650 Inbound Counsellor s Handbook July

7 Establishing the Rules Perhaps the most important aspect of this settling-in period is establishing the rules. Outline the club's rules regarding the exchange, and what is expected of the student throughout the year gently but firmly. Remember, you should establish a caring, friendly relationship set the guidelines now! Be aware of district rules (page 17, the student has signed these forms) and make sure that the student is also aware of and understands them. Ensure that the student understands that the consumption of alcohol, unless within the household of their host parents during special celebrations, is strictly forbidden. Every student is different and the Counsellor, host parents, and the club and its members should bear this in mind when greeting and assessing the student. The students are growing up fast and becoming more independent. They are typically year olds, and their hormones, like our own teenagers, are working all the time. For some it is great fun and for others a little daunting. For us, it is great fun observing, and a challenge to assist! Orientations and district conference are all compulsory so get the student to mark his/her diary on arrival. Counsellor s and host parents should be aware of all mandatory dates and requirements for their student. Reports Monthly, Travel and the Yepper report are to be sent to their district Coordinator by the 7th of each month. Make sure that your student sends his/her required reports to their respective Rotary District and Rotary club back home. Such contact is important, especially when the student returns home. Everyone is impressed with the commitment by the student to Rotary and their exchange year. Sometimes students forget those back home. Communication In this day of easy world communication by , Facebook, Skype, and telephone, it is important to discuss with the student the use of these facilities to avoid conflict with the host family. Ensure that the student establishes the rules of communication with the host families at the outset of each stay. Tying up phone lines, payment of the costs, when and how, etc. should be discussed and agreed upon during the question and answer period on day one in each new home. Counsellor s should also be aware that excessive communication with family and friends at home can make the student s settling in period more difficult. This is particularly the case with internet (i.e. Skype) contact, which may be difficult to monitor. D9650 Inbound Counsellor s Handbook July

8 Use of home telephone and Internet This is one of the biggest problems raised with the Youth Exchange Committee. Counsellor s please ensure that host parents tell their exchange student when they can use the home computer and/or internet and for how long. Any costs incurred by the student must be paid for by the student. The student is responsible for any computer costs or internet charges they incur, and host parents should decide, in advance, how the student will pay for such usage when it is permitted. It is a privilege, not a right, for the student to use the home computer and/or internet. Host parents must make sure there is a mutual understanding of this usage. Students must have access to their natural parents and family by telephone and . Use of Mobile Phones If a student wishes to have a mobile phone they must purchase and pay for it themselves. This is not the responsibility of the host family or the Rotary club. In the first few days Counsellor s may help the student with their selection and purchase of a phone and a prepaid startup kit where credit can then be replenished as required to suit the needs of the student. Regular Contact with Student Call your student on a regular basis to see how he or she is settling in. Make sure that they attend Rotary regularly (this is determined by the club and the student s school schedule). The student can become involved in fund-raising as well as other activities: the more involved they are the more your club will get out of the program. Your student should get to know all club members, please help them to do this. If the club is arranging a night at the theatre or other function, remember to include the student. Club members should be encouraged to take the student for weekends, on theatre outings, picnics, short trips etc. You should invite the student for dinner with your family occasionally, and any appropriate outing. In this way, you maintain a good relationship, and remind them of their responsibilities, as required. Make sure you remember your student s birthday, it is often around this time that students feel really homesick and miss their families. The Counsellor should stress to host families the need for immediate contact in the event of any problem or even suspicion of a problem. 'A problem shared is a problem halved' D9650 Inbound Counsellor s Handbook July

9 Your Commitment If by chance, you are unable to meet the commitment of being Counsellor due to a move, workload or an extended holiday, please discuss this with the student, don't just disappear make sure that your deputy or successor takes over with these guidelines to guide them, and is aware of what you have done to-date. Remember - It is a great program and it is a privilege to be involved in it. D9650 Inbound Counsellor s Handbook July

10 Rotary Youth Exchange D9650 Calendar of Events for Inbounders Event Dates Location Attendance Orientation Camp 5-8 September 2014 Bonville Compulsory 2 nd Briefing November 2014 Port Macquarie Compulsory District Conference March 2015 Inverell Compulsory Rock to Reef Safari TBA Highly recommended but not Compulsory This calendar is on the District Youth Web site and will be updated as dates become available D9650 Inbound Counsellor s Handbook July

11 Host Club Counsellor s Checklist for Inbound Students Visa, Passport & Flight Tickets Ø Photocopy & send to District Coordinators. Originals to be stored in safe custody. Bank Accounts Ø Open two accounts. One for personal use & the second for a Contingency Fund of $ (with two to sign, held until the Month of departure). Monthly Allowance Ø By way of information the recommended monthly allowance is currently $120. Please set this up with your Club Treasurer. OSHC/Medibank Private Ø Students must keep this Medibank card with them at all times in Australia. Keep it safe! (This Medibank Private Insurance pack has been sent to your Club Secretary or Club Counsellor). School Ø Enroll student in School & help with subject choices. Ø Take Letter to Principal from YEP District Committee and original A.A.S.E.S form (student will have this form). Ø The School Principal will complete Part D. Ø Request the original AASES form when completed. (Schools may keep a photo copy) Ø Scan the completed original AASES form & a copy to the District Coordinators within 7 days of enrollment. Ø Post the original signed AASES form to District Coordinators with other documentation. Ø Advise District Coordinators of enrolment date. Arrange school uniform, at student s parents or your clubs expense. Mobile Phone Ø Assist with pre paid (at student s expense) & advise District Coordinators of phone number. Family Changes Ø Advise District Coordinators of names, dates & contact details ASAP. Travel outside of District 9650 Ø Refer to Student Agreement # 12, 13. Please complete and return required information within two weeks of student s arrival. Students Compulsory Reports YEPPER Reports To be sent by the student by the 7 th of each Month (as a word document, minimum one page, maximum two pages of writing). Please, use spell check, so we don t have to correct them (they may include two or three photos, maximum one page) & forwarded to the following: District 9650 Coordinators Host Club Counsellor & Sponsor Club Counsellors To view Yeppers Private & Confidential Report & Travel Reports To be completed online and sent to us by the 7 th of each month. Students go online and follow the links, (don t forget to answer all fields including your name). D9650 Inbound Counsellor s Handbook July

12 Travel Request & Reporting Guidelines Please ensure these reports are sent and on time. District 9650 YEP Committee have two different types of travel reporting and travel request procedures. They are in place for the safety and security of the students entrusted in the care of Rotary clubs in District 9650 for the 12 months of their stay. The Travel Report is to be completed by the student online through our website for the following types of travel and at least monthly by the 7 th of each month. Ø School Trips (trips taken with the permission of the host family and the school) Ø Rotarians (For weekends away, or holidays approved by the club) Ø Host Family (normal family activities including holidays and weekends away) The travel request approval form is completed by the student and relevant authorities when travel is to be requested under the following circumstances. Ø Any unaccompanied travel within District 9650 Ø Any unaccompanied travel outside District 9650 Ø Any travel outside of Australia The students have signed a student agreement with our District committee prior to arrival in Australia and after being briefed by the YEP Committee they now have a full understanding of the agreement they signed. Please see below for the travel agreement. 12. Travel: I will not travel outside the area of my host District unless I am accompanied by an adult, and unless I have permission from my host parents, host Rotary Club President & Club Counsellor and send to the District Counsellor of the Youth Exchange Committee the Travel Request Form at least seven days before departure for any independent travel during the exchange year for approval. I understand that excessive travel is not allowed. If I am offered an opportunity to go on a trip or attend an event, I will make sure I understand any costs I must pay and my responsibilities before I go. I understand that backpacking and hitch-hiking are prohibited. I understand that all travel requiring absence from school is discouraged and requires the permission of the school principal, other than Rotary organized trips all other trips/tours will be undertaken in school holidays. D9650 Inbound Counsellor s Handbook July

13 Rotary International District 9650 Youth Exchange Program Inc Student Travel Request Approval (to be completed by the Student and Relevant Authorities) Please allow 7 days to have this form completed and approved Student's Name Present Address Town Host Family Phone No: Student's Mobile Phone No: I will be away between and I will be travelling with** I will be staying with** Purpose of travel Destination Contact Phone (if travelling on an Bus//Train/Aircraft by yourself) Depart Date Flight/Ticket No Destination Depart Time Arrival Time Return Is this travel leaving the District? Mode of Travel Car Bus Train Aircraft (approval must be obtained from HF, Club President, Club Counsellor and District Coordinator to leave the District) Host family (HF) Approval Date Club President (CP) Approval Date Club Counsellor (CC) Approval District Coordinator (DC) Approval Date Date School Approval (if away during school term) Natural Parents (NP) Approval (attach letter or ) Date Date Examples of the Level of Approval required 1 night HF 2 or 3 nights HF CP and CC More than 3 nights HF CP CC DC Leaving the District (even if 1 night) HF CP CC DC Leaving NSW by yourself HF CP CC DC NP Leaving Australia HF, CP, CC, DC, NP (approval depends on Visa and legal requirements) ** Must be a Responsible Adult or Approved Volunteer THIS FORM IS TO BE ED TO DC AT LEAST SEVEN DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE Revised July 2014 D9650 Inbound Counsellor s Handbook July

14 Change of Student Exchange Program Details This form is to be completed when the student moves host families or schools, please the completed form to: NSW International Secondary Student Exchange CHANGE OF STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM DETAILS STUDENT DETAILS AASES Form No: First Name: Family Name: Please indicate below only the sections where the relevant changes will be, or have been made to any of the above listed student s inbound program details. CHANGE OF PROGRAM DATES Previous Dates: Arrival/Enrolment: Cessation/Departure: New Dates: New Arrival/Enrolment: New Cessation/Departure: Reason for Change: CHANGE OF SCHOOL Previous School: New School: Date Changes: Reason for Change: Date of cessation from previous school: Date of enrolment in new school: CHANGE OF HOST FAMILY Previous Family: New Family: New Family Address: Reason for and Date of Change: New host family. [Date] ORGANISATION DETAILS (To be completed by the organisation coordinating the exchange program) Organisation Name: Rotary Youth Exchange Australia (NSW) Authorising officer: Frank Portelli Date: Complete return to secyepd96560@gmail.com D9650 Inbound Counsellor s Handbook July

15 Privacy Statement Protecting Your Privacy Rotary Youth Exchange Program Rotary District 9650 We are committed to protecting the personal information about you that we hold. We at District 9650 recognise the importance of your privacy, and are committed to protecting the personal information about you that we hold. This Privacy Policy describes how we manage your personal information and safeguard your privacy. Your relationship with us is that of a valued volunteer. We believe that in the spirit of cooperation as such volunteers do so with the best interests of themselves, Rotary and the students they will be caring for and hosting. The Privacy Act 1988 and the National Privacy Principles The National Privacy Principles ( NPPs ) set out in the Privacy Act strengthen the protection of your privacy. We will at all times comply with the NPPs. Collecting Personal Information About You We hold only those kinds of personal information that are necessary for us to perform our functions. These may include: Personal details Contact details If you do not provide us with your personal information, we may not be able proceed with students and other young people being hosted by you. We will not collect any sensitive information from you. Using and disclosing your personal information We respect your privacy. Any personal information which we collect about you will be used by us to: Comply with our legal requirements including the disclosure of information required by Rotary International, the NSW Department of Education and the Child Protection Laws to obtain a police Check Co-operate in the prevention and investigation of any crime and claims made in the case of child protection We will only disclose your personal information to external service providers so that they can provide the services we have contracted out to them. In addition, we may also use your personal information to provide you with information about any new opportunities in relation to volunteering for Rotary projects and service opportunities. We will not sell your personal information to any third party. D9650 Inbound Counsellor s Handbook July

16 Security of your personal information We will take all reasonable steps to protect your information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure. Retention of your personal information Information is held for as long as is required by law after which it is destroyed by means of a secure destruction service. Access to your personal information In most cases, you can gain access to personal information we hold about you. We will handle requests for access to your personal information in accordance with the NPPs. All requests for access to your personal information will be handled by our Privacy Access Officer who can be contacted by telephone or in writing at the telephone number and post and addresses set out below. We will deal with all requests for access to personal information as quickly as possible. In any event, we will make an initial response to your request within 30 days. Requests for large amounts of information, or for information not currently in use, may require some time before a full response can be given. In some circumstances, we may refuse to give you access to personal information we hold about you, for example, where to do so would be unlawful or we consider the request is frivolous or vexatious. If we refuse to give you access to the personal information you request, we will provide you with reasons for our refusal. Keeping your information up to date We wish to ensure that your personal information is accurate, complete and up to date. Generally, if you request us to do so, we will amend any personal information about you that is inaccurate, incomplete or out of date. Contacting us for further information You can get more information about the way we manage personal information about you, which we hold by contacting us at the telephone number, post or addresses set out below. If you are concerned that we may have breached your privacy and wish to make a complaint, please contact us via the details set out below. Changes to our privacy policy From time to time, it may be necessary for us to review and revise our privacy policy. We reserve the right to change our privacy policy at any time. If we do change this policy we will post amended versions of the policy on our website. Website: D9650 Inbound Counsellor s Handbook July

17 Program Rules Student Agreement In your application for the Rotary Youth Exchange Program, you signed an agreement to follow the rules and conditions, which were set out in the application form. These rules apply in every Rotary District all over the world. Rotary International recommends that Districts adapt the rules to suit local conditions. The agreement, which follows, contains the rules and conditions for Youth Exchange with District 9650, which have been established for your safety and well-being. Violation of any of these rules may result in dismissal from the program and your immediate return home, at your own expense. You and your parents/guardians are asked to sign this agreement to acknowledge your commitment for a full twelve months to the Youth Exchange Program, to your host Rotary Club, Sponsoring Club and District 9650, to your host families, and to your host school. Please read these rules very carefully, and sign them only if you agree to follow them. If you are not prepared to sign this agreement, and abide by the rules, you should withdraw your application from consideration by Rotary District Agreement I,. agree that: Student s Name 1. Rotary International and District 9650 has established rules and conditions for my safety and well being while I am a participant in the Youth Exchange Program. Violation of any of these rules may result in my dismissal from the program and my immediate return home, at my own expense. 2. Ambassador: I will serve as an Ambassador for my family, my sponsoring Rotary Club, Rotary International and my country. I will be friendly, and show interest in my host countries lifestyle, and adjust to and be involved in the activities of my host family, my host Club, District, and my school. I will maintain a high standard of dress, grooming, behaviour and personal hygiene at all times. I agree that Rotary commitments take precedence over other activities. 3. Laws of the country: I will obey the laws of the host country, if I violate any law; I can expect no assistance from either Rotary or the government. 4. Authority: I will be under the authority of my host Rotary District while I am an exchange student and I will abide by these rules and conditions of exchange. My parents or legal guardians will not authorise any extra activities directly to me whilst on exchange. Any relatives I may have in my host or sponsor country whilst I am on exchange will have no authority over me while I am a member of the Youth Exchange Program. I will accept the supervision and discipline of my host club, host district and host parents. 5. Reports: I will submit regular reports required by both my host and sponsor District Youth Exchange committees by the 7 th of each month. I will keep contact with my sponsoring Rotary Club on a regular basis. D9650 Inbound Counsellor s Handbook July

18 6. Drugs: I will not use drugs, except those provided by a physician for valid medical reasons. Use of illegal drugs will result in my immediate return home. Driving: I will not operate any motorised vehicle, including but not limited to cars, trucks, motorcycles, aircraft, all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, boats, and other watercraft. I will not travel in a vehicle driven by an unlicensed or learner driver. Drinking: I acknowledge that illegal drinking of alcoholic beverages is prohibited. If I am of legal age I will refrain. I acknowledge that if my host Rotary Club or host family offers me an alcoholic drink, it is permissible to accept it under their supervision. Dating: I will not form a steady and serious romantic attachment. I understand that sexual activities will result in my immediate return home. Disfigurement: I agree that I will not radically change the colour, style or cut of my hair, or have any part of my body pierced during my Exchange Year. If I have piercing (other than ears) before my departure/arrival, I will remove any stud/ring, which is visible. I understand that jewellery is generally not allowed in school, and that tattoos are forbidden. Smoking: I understand that some countries have very strict laws governing smoking in public, and at school and that smoking is often socially unacceptable, and is discouraged at Rotary functions, whilst in school uniform or Rotary blazer. I will respect the preferences of my host families and of the members of my host Rotary Club and District. If I indicated that I was a non-smoker on my Application Form, I will not smoke during my Exchange Year. Travel: I will not travel outside the area of my host District unless an adult accompanies me, and unless I have permission from my host parents, host Rotary Club President & Club Counsellor and send to the District Counsellor of the Youth Exchange Committee the Travel Request Form at least three days before departure for any independent travel during the exchange year for approval. I understand that excessive travel is not allowed. If I am offered an opportunity to go on a trip or attend an event, I will make sure I understand any costs I must pay and my responsibilities before I go. I understand that backpacking and hitch-hiking are prohibited. I understand that all travel requiring absence from school is discouraged and requires the permission of the school principal, other than Rotary organized trips all other trips/tours will be undertaken in school holidays. Insurance: I will be covered by health, medical, accident and travel insurance acceptable to Rotary International and as directed by District The arrangements for this will be finalised before I arrive in my host country. I will not participate in dangerous activities such as hang-gliding, parachute-jumping, skydiving, and bungee jumping. D9650 Inbound Counsellor s Handbook July

19 School: I will attend all classes and take part in all normal school activities, including exams, as a fulltime student at a school arranged by my Host Club and I will attempt to succeed. I will comply with the rules of the school in all respects including dress code. I understand that school is the basis of my exchange visa: no school, no visa, and no exchange! Host Families: I will respect the members of my host families, and the wishes of my host parents. I will not act as a guest, but make a genuine effort to become an integral part of the host family, and assume duties and responsibilities normal for a student of my age or that of the children in the family. I will adapt to the family: I understand that the family is not expected to adapt to me. I will keep my room tidy. Telephone/Internet: I will seek permission with each of my host families on phone and internet use. I understand that I must pay for all international calls and internet access if requested. I will limit my use of the internet and mobile phones, as directed by my host district, host club, and host family. I acknowledge that excessive or inappropriate use is not acceptable. Accessing or downloading pornographic material is prohibited. Language: I will make every effort to learn the language of my host country, and may be responsible for any costs for tutoring, language camps, or other instruction. Rotary Events: I will attend regular Rotary meetings, Rotary-sponsored events and host family events, and show an interest in these activities. I will volunteer to be involved without waiting to be asked. I acknowledge that a lack of interest on my part is detrimental to my exchange and can have a negative impact on future exchanges. My Finances: I acknowledge that I must have sufficient financial support to assure my well-being during my exchange. I will arrange for AUD $500 to be paid into a local host club bank as a contingency fund for emergencies. As this fund is depleted, it will be replenished by my parents or guardian. I understand that unused funds at the end of the exchange year will be returned to me. I will arrange for all fees required by my host District (including Medibank Private Overseas Student Health Cover) to be paid when I arrive in my host country. I understand that I will be paid a monthly allowance by my host Rotary Club in recognition of my service as an ambassador for the program, Rotary and my country. Statements on my Application Form: I acknowledge that I am bound by the statements I made on my application form, that false statements are unacceptable and may have serious consequences for me. Visits by parents and friends: I acknowledge that visits by parents and friends from my home country are discouraged. I acknowledge that my parents or friends should not visit me in the first six months or the last month of my exchange, during the school term, nor at Christmas/New Year. D9650 Inbound Counsellor s Handbook July

20 I acknowledge that I must attend all compulsory District activities, regardless of whether my parents are visiting or not. I will not be permitted to travel with them and I will not be permitted to return home before my exchange is complete. I will not expect my host family to accommodate my family or friends. Return: I will return directly to my home country by a route mutually agreeable to District 9650 and my parents or guardian. I, or my parents or guardian will pay any costs related to an early return home. Signature Student s Name Date Signature Mother s/guardian s Name Date Signature Father s/guardian s Name Date D9650 Inbound Counsellor s Handbook July