HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS 

STUDENT RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. Drinking of alcoholic beverages, including beer and wine, is not permitted.  It is also illegal, in most states, for persons under 21 years of age.

2. Smoking is illegal in many states for persons under 18 years of age. If the student has stated in the application that he/she is a nonsmoker, he/she must not smoke while in the U.S. If a student is found to be a smoker after having stated otherwise, he/she may be returned home. If the student is a smoker, he/she must comply with all smoking restrictions imposed by the host family, host school, public or private venue, and state laws.

3. If students are taking prescription drugs, the name and dosage for each drug must be listed on the ECI Medical and Dental Information Form. Students must not buy, sell, possess, or use illegal drugs or any controlled substances, unless prescribed by a physician or other health professional. Students must not associate with persons involved in illegal drug taking or drug trafficking.

4. Students should not make drastic changes in lifestyle while participating in the programs, including marriage or a change of religion. It is essential to wait until returning to the home country before making such fundamental decisions.

5. Students must respect the rules of the host family. Students will request permission before inviting guests to the host families’ home. Any serious breach of basic ethics (theft, physical or verbal abuse, inter-family sexual relations, etc.), will lead to expulsion from the program and immediate repatriation.

6. Travel away from the host community, except with members of the host family or another responsible person is prohibited. If a student contemplates travel during the course of the program, advance written permission must be obtained from his/her natural parents and the Regional Coordinator.

7. Hitchhiking is forbidden under any circumstances. Driving is also prohibited unless under professional supervision as part of a driver educational school. Students may not buy a car or any other motorized vehicle.

8. In accordance with American law, students must attend school every day, barring extreme illness. In case of illness, permission to remain at home must be obtained from the host family. If the student is absent from school more the two or three consecutive days, a doctor's excuse may be necessary. A prolonged absence from school because of illness, or an excessive number of absences, may result in dismissal from the program.

9. It is anticipated that students will return to their home countries shortly after the end of the program. If staying longer, a student must be engaged in full-time study in a recognized school and obtain a new visa. ECI, the host family, or the Regional Coordinator will not be responsible for students after the end of the program, nor will their insurance coverage be valid.

10. While in the United States, international students are under the jurisdiction of the American state and federal legal systems, even though they are citizens of another country. It is necessary that all laws be obeyed, since illegal activity will jeopardize any future entry into the U.S.A. Violating U.S.A. law will result in immediate expulsion from the country once the judicial process has been completed. Moreover, if destruction of property occurs, the student and the natural family will be responsible for compensation. ECI and its representative, including the host family, are absolved of all responsibility in such cases.