Program Rules for our Students

The purpose of Global Insights is to provide opportunities for people of diverse cultures to come together to learn about different points of view and ways of life. Cross-cultural understanding is, we believe, a fundamental step in promoting friendships and world peace. Global Insights expects the highest standards of behavior from program participants at all times. In turn, the staff of Global Insights and Area Representatives in local communities work together to ensure that the student’s stay in the United States is as successful, safe, and secure as possible. The following Standards of Conduct have been established for that purpose. Violation of these rules will lead to disciplinary action and possible termination from the Global Insights Exchange Program. Violations of local, state, or federal laws or serious misbehavior in the host family or the community will result in an early return to the home country at the expense of the student’s parents and with no refund of program fees.

LOCAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL LAWS

If a student is arrested, or if it is reliably confirmed that the student has acted illegally, program sponsorship will be revoked, resulting in early return as soon as legally possible to the home country at the expense of the student’s parents.
 

1. Drinking of alcoholic beverages, including beer and wine, is not permitted while on the program and is illegal in most states for persons under 21 years of age. The only exception to this rule is to partake of beer or wine as part of a meal with the host family.

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 non-smoker, 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, any public, or private venue, and state laws.

3. The student must not buy, sell, possess, or use illegal drugs of any kind or use any controlled drugs, unless prescribed for him/her by a physician or other health professional. If the student is taking prescription drugs, the name, dosage, and length of time of use for each drug must be listed on the Global Insights Medical and Dental Information Form. The student must not associate with any person involved in illegal drug-taking or drug trafficking.

4. Students must not commit or take part in any act of violence against another person or property.

5. Shoplifting and theft are illegal and may lead to criminal charges.

6. Driving a car without a driver’s license is illegal in all states.

7. It is illegal for the student to take regular employment while in the U.S. The only exceptions are occasional odd jobs, such as yard work or baby-sitting. Any such jobs must not interfere with school work, and the student must have host family permission.

HIGH SCHOOL AND INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORTS PARTICIPATION

High schools expect exchange students to maintain high academic standards and to participate actively in school life. U.S. high schools believe that the presence of exchange students enhances the learning environment. Therefore, a student who is deficient at school due to problems with attendance, attitude, discipline, or failing grades will be terminated from the Global Insights Exchange Program and returned home immediately.
 

1. The exchange student is not guaranteed placement in a certain grade level, or that transferable credit will be granted, or that a diploma will be awarded at the end of the academic program. All such decisions are at the discretion of individual high schools and/or districts.
 

2. No guarantee is made to the student with regard to participation in interscholastic sports. Eligibility is at the discretion of each high school and/or regional/state high school athletic association. Depending on local regulations, if a student has graduated from high school in the home country or has completed a certain number of years of high school, he/she may be deemed ineligible for interscholastic sports. Students who try out for high school sport teams are not guaranteed a place on the team.
 

3. The student must obey all school rules, attend classes regularly, and be responsible for assuming a full course load, (including an English and History course), for making a strong effort in all classes, and for maintaining at least a “C” average, with no “F” (failing) grades at the end of the semester.
 

4. The student is responsible for all school fees. Such fees may include but are not limited to: registration, books, lockers, laboratories, gym/physical education, yearbook, class ring, letter jacket, student activities, etc.
 

5. The student may choose one of the following options for lunch on school days; a) bring a sack lunch from home containing, for example, a sandwich and an apple; or at the student’s expense, b) buy a lunch at school (vending machines or cafeteria), or c) buy a lunch off campus, if the school permits.
 

HOST FAMILY PARTICIPATION

All American host families are volunteers and receive no compensation for hosting a foreign exchange student. Host families participate in the Global Insights Program because of their sincere desire to have a cross-cultural experience and learn about other cultures while sharing the American way of life. Fees paid are used for administrative and supervisory purposes.
 

1. No guarantee is made with regard to placement in a particular region of the U.S., nor in a town of a certain size, nor with a particular kind of host family (for example, with a teenager in the home).
 

2. A private bedroom is not guaranteed. Only a separate bed is guaranteed.
 

3. The student must comply with all reasonable rules of the host family (e.g. curfews, chores, visitors, phone calls/e-mail, etc.).
 

4. The student must keep the host family informed at all times of his/her whereabouts, with whom he/she is associating, and time of departure from and return to the host family’s home.
 

5. The student must not borrow money from the host family or from any other source. Natural parents must supply the student with an adequate amount of spending money at all times, normally $200-$300 per month, not to fall below $100.

NATURAL FAMILY VISITS AND STUDENT TRAVEL WHILE ON THE PROGRAM

1. Visits by members of the student’s natural family or by friends from his/her home country can be very disruptive to the adjustment of the student and an inconvenience to the host family. Therefore, visits during the first six months of the program are not permitted. All visits are discouraged until the very end of the program. Any visit during the program must have the prior permission of the Global Insights’ main office.
 

2. The student is not permitted to travel outside the local area by him/herself or with peers.
 

3. The student is not permitted to hitchhike, whether alone or with companions.
 

4. Overnight travel with the host family, another family, a responsible adult (at least 25 years of age), approved groups (e.g. church, school, etc.) is permitted if prior consent is given by the host family and Area Representative. The host family and Area Representative must be informed of all such trips and have a phone contact to reach the student in an emergency.

5. If a student travels outside the United States, he/she must always carry a passport. Before departing, the student must check with the Area Representative regarding re-entry procedures.

DRIVER’S EDUCATION AND DRIVING A MOTORIZED VEHICLE

Because of the danger and liability involved in driving, the student may not drive any motorized vehicle - this includes, but is not limited to, any car, truck, motorcycle, All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), boat, farm equipment, snowmobile, etc. Participation in high school Driver’s Education courses or the acquisition of a driver’s license while on the Global Insights Program is not guaranteed.
 

1. Driving while accompanied by a qualified instructor as part of a Driver’s Education course in high school or a private driving school may be permitted. The cost of any driving course must be borne by the student.
 

2. If the student obtains a driver’s license while on the program, the license must be surrendered to the Area Representative until the student departs the U.S. It is illegal to drive a car in the U.S. without a driver’s license.
 

3. The student may not use the host family’s car for driving or driving practice under any circumstances. The student is not allowed to rent or purchase a car for his/her use while on the Global Insights Program.

LIFE-CHANGING DECISIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS RULES

1. Students will not be permitted to make life-changing decisions, including but not limited to marriage, religious conversion, other decisions with legal, political, religious, and/or social ramifications.
 

2. Students are to refrain from sexual behavior and activity. Students found to be pregnant or responsible for a pregnancy will be sent home immediately.
 

3. The student may not withdraw from the program at any time without the permission of Global Insights. If the student leaves the program for any reason other than a legitimate emergency (death or serious illness in his/her immediate family), he/she may not return to the program and will not receive a refund.

4. If the student is transferred from one host family to another, any transportation costs incurred are the responsibility of, and shall be borne by, the student and the natural family.

RETURNING HOME AT THE END OF THE GLOBAL INSIGHTS PROGRAM

1. The student must return to the home country at the end of the program (i.e., 1-2 weeks after the end of the academic term for which the student was enrolled) unless prior permission has been granted by the Global Insights main office for adult-supervised travel.
 

2. Unsupervised travel or travel with peers is NOT permitted at the end of the program. Adult-accompanied and - supervised travel may be permitted at the end of the program only if permission is given in writing by the natural parents and the Global Insights main office. A detailed itinerary of travel plans, including modes of travel as well as addresses and telephone numbers for emergency contact during the travel period must also be submitted. Students must also extend insurance coverage, if necessary. Students MUST depart the United States prior to the expiration of their visa status.
 

3. If a student leaves a host family or the U.S. and has any outstanding debts (such as medical bills not covered by insurance or long distance telephone calls), the student’s natural family will be responsible for payment of these debts in addition to a $25.00 surcharge to cover the administrative costs to Global Insights for collection and payment.

AGREEMENT TO ABIDE BY THE GLOBAL INSIGHTS STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

We, the undersigned (student and parents/legal guardians), have read and understood all that is stated above in the Global Insights Standards of Conduct (pages 14-16). I, the student, agree to obey the Standards of Conduct and all conditions of participation in the Global Insights High School Exchange Program. We, the parents/legal guardians, agree that our son/daughter will obey the Standards of Conduct. We understand that violation of these Standards of Conduct may lead to disciplinary action and possible termination from the Global Insights Program, which may result in an early return to the home country at the parents/legal guardians’ expense and with no refund of program fees.

TRAVEL RELEASE/AUTHORIZATION

We, the undersigned (parents/legal guardians), authorize our child to travel within the guidelines as established in the Global Insights Standards of Conduct and accept full responsibility for our child’s participation in any approved travel activities and to indemnify and hold harmless Global Insights, its Overseas Representatives, and their designated agents/representatives from any claims and/or liabilities to third parties arising from our child’s participation. (See NATURAL FAMILY VISITS AND STUDENT TRAVEL WHILE ON THE GLOBAL INSIGHTS PROGRAM and RETURNING HOME AT THE END OF THE GLOBAL INSIGHTS PROGRAM). We also understand that our child must return to the home country on or before the expiration date determined by U.S. Immigration authorities upon entry into the U.S. It is understood that this Travel Release/Authorization is signed in advance and eliminates the necessity of obtaining our signatures at the time of any Global Insights-approved travel for the duration of our child’s participation in the Global Insights High School Exchange program.

Global Insights, its agents, principals, sponsors, affiliates, directors, officers, employees and attorneys (collectively “Global Insights”), the undersigned parent(s) or legal guardian(s) (“Guardian(s)”) and student (“Student”), understand and agree to the terms and conditions stated in this agreement (“Agreement”) relating to Student’s participation in Global Insights’ student exchange program (“Program”). Guardian(s) and the Student are referred to collectively as the Participants (“Participants”). Adult(s) and their resident children who volunteer to host a Student for the Program term are referred to as the Host Family (“Host Family”).
 

A. Admission and Placement: Global Insights considers such criteria as Student application packet materials, academic background, high school transcripts, age, education level, physical and mental health, references, essay, and personal interviews in determining whether to admit the Student into the Program. Global Insights has the sole discretion to determine whether the Student will be admitted into the Program and such determination is final. All preferences and characteristics of the Student may not be accommodated in the placement process. Further, Global Insights relies solely on volunteer Host Families to select a student. Once the student is selected, a Host Family devotes considerable time, effort, and resources to hosting the student. Global Insights cannot control or guarantee student selection nor the timing of the selection and placement.
 

B. Dissimilarities or Differences Abroad: In addition to learning the host country’s language, the Student is expected to adapt to the culture and lifestyle of the Host Family and host country. There may be significant cultural, economic, and lifestyle differences between the Student’s home country and host country. The host country may have different health care services, living condition, road and transportation systems, educational approaches and systems, criminal justice systems, civil liberty laws, customs and values. Some host country services, living conditions, or systems may be relatively inadequate, unsafe, or unreliable in comparison to the Student’s home country. Other host country services, conditions, or systems may be superior to the standards in the Student’s home country. Living conditions vary from one Host Family to another even in the same community. Participants must be aware of and accept these differences and the risks associated with traveling and living in another country. The Student’s level of maturity must be adequate to recognize and cope with these differences and risks. The Guardian(s) must take responsibility to educate and prepare the Student for the risks associated with foreign travel and living abroad. Program Representatives are available by telephone to provide assistance on an ongoing basis during the Student’s participation in the Program. However, the Program cannot and does not provide constant direct supervision of the Student and does not act in the capacity of loco parentis. The Guardian(s) retain all rights and duties relating to the welfare of the Student. As a condition of acceptance into the Program, the Participants agree to hold Global Insights harmless for all injuries and/or damages incurred during the Student’s participation in the Program resulting from any risks associated with international travel and living abroad, and any negligence and/or intentional acts caused by any third party, including but not limited to any member, guest, employee, or agent of the Host Family or other persons in the host country.

While under the sponsorship of Global Insights, the Student may not participate in hunting, use of firearms or air/spring powered guns, skydiving, hang gliding, glider riding, parachute jumping, parasailing, jet skiing, hot air ballooning, scuba diving, mountaineering, rock climbing, bungee jumping, horse jumping, and/or any activity that Global Insights defines as high-risk activity.

ride tractor or any other farm equipment
ride in private planes
ride snowmobile
ride horses
ride motorboat/or other power-driven water vessel
fishing (in accordance with local law)
sail/ride kayak/canoe/sailboat/surfboard
wind surfing/swimming/diving/snorkeling
ride dune buggy/All Terrain Vehicle (ATV)
mountain biking
water/snow skiing/snow boarding
other activity, please specify_____________________

B. Information Release: The Guardian(s) and/or Student consent and authorize the U.S. high school, legal, government, and/or law enforcement authorities to release to Global Insights and its representatives, or any adult Host Family member, any records or information necessary to provide the student with appropriate supervision and guidance.

C. Use of Student’s Name and Likeness: The Guardian(s) and/or Student consent to the use of Student’s name, photograph, film or video likeness of the Student, or any comments or statements of the Student in materials or publications utilized to promote the Program.

D. Problem Notification and Resolution: As the Student is living as a member of a Host Family and not under continual supervision or control of Global Insights staff, it is the responsibility of the Student to advise Global Insights of any significant problems, including but not limited to the health, safety or welfare of the Student, adjustment to school, culture, language, etc. In addition, the Student must notify Global Insights of any misunderstandings or problems with the Host Family. Global Insights will intervene and attempt to resolve the problem. If necessary, Global Insights, may in its sole discretion, seek a replacement Host Family, if possible within the same community. If the Student does not make a good faith and substantial effort to resolve the problem, Global Insights may return the Student to his/her home country. If the Student violates any terms of this Agreement, Global Insights, in its sole and absolute discretion, may terminate the Student’s participation in the Program and immediately repatriate the Student to his/her home country.
 

E. Agreement between Participants and Overseas Exchange Organization: Participants understand that Global Insights is not a party to any agreement between Participants and the overseas exchange organization through which the Participants enrolled in the Participant’s home country (“Overseas Exchange Organization”). Participants acknowledge and agree that the laws of their home country shall exclusively govern any dispute or claim arising out of any agreement with the Overseas Exchange Organization. Participants acknowledge and agree that the Overseas Exchange Organization is solely responsible to the Participants for injury or damage from a violation of any such agreement. Global Insights assumes no duties or responsibilities for any acts or omissions of the Overseas Exchange Organization.
 

F. General Release, Indemnification, and Hold Harmless Provisions: As a condition of the Student’s participation in the

Program, Participants agree to release and hold harmless Global Insights, its Officers, Staff, Board of Directors, Agents, Regional Directors, Area Representatives, American host families, and American high schools from any and all current and future claims, charges, costs, and/or causes of action for loss of property, delay, personal injury, illness, accident, or death sustained by the Student during the time he/she is a participant in the Program, whether covered by current insurance or not, or any other damage and expense incurred by Participants due to (i) any incident beyond the reasonable control of Global Insights, including, without limitation, acts of God, acts of war, or government actions and restriction, (ii) any events directly or indirectly caused by intentional or negligent acts or omissions by any third party, including but not limited to any member, guest, employee or agent of the Host Family or other persons in the host country, (iii) risks associated with foreign travel and living abroad, including but not limited to risks associated with health care services, living conditions, sanitation conditions, road and transportation systems, criminal justice systems, civil liberty laws, customs, and values, (iv) any differences in the living conditions and standards between Participant’s home and home country and the host home and host country, and (v) any act or omission of the Overseas Exchange Organization. As a further condition of Student’s participation in the Program, Participants agree to indemnify and hold harmless Global Insights, its Officers, Staff, Board of Directors, Agents, Regional Directors, Area Representatives, American host families, and American high schools from any liability (including liabilities to third parties) or expense (including court costs and attorney fees), resulting from any

injury, loss or any other damage or expense cause by the Student during his/her participation in the Program.

H. Authority of Parent/Guardian: Each parent/guardian who signs this Agreement represents and warrants that he or she, together with the other parent/guardian who signs this Agreement, if any, is the custodial parent/guardian of the Student and has full authority to sign this Agreement on behalf of the Student as his/her legal guardian without the consent or approval of any other person, and agrees to indemnify and hold Global Insights, its Officers, Staff, Board of Directors, Agents, Regional Directors, Area Representatives, American host families, and American high schools harmless for any liability or expense, including court costs and attorneys’ fees resulting from any breach of claim of this representation.

I. Ratification of Agreement: In the event the Student is under the age of 18 at the time of execution of this Agreement, and the Student attains 18 years of age while participating on the Program, the Student agrees that continued participation in the Program after he/she attains 18 is deemed a ratification and adoption of all the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
 

J. Global Insights Program Agreement Controls: Where there are any differences between this Agreement and any other program materials, the Agreement shall control. Global Insights cannot be legally bound or committed by any person other than a duly authorized representative. Parties are required to follow this Agreement and cannot vary from its terms.
 

K. Modification: This Agreement shall not be modified except by a writing that is executed by all the parties hereto.

L. Severability: In the event any clause, sentence, term or provision of this Agreement shall be held by any court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable for any reason, the remaining portions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

We, the Student and Guardian(s), certify that all information provided in the Global Insights Student Application is correct and complete, including medical and inoculation history. We understand that withholding information and/or providing incorrect information is grounds for possible termination from the Global Insights Program and repatriation at the Guardian(s)’ expense with no refund of program fees. We further attest that we have have read and fully understand the program materials and agree to adhere to the Global Insights Standards of Conduct, Travel Authorization, Program Agreement, and Consent Agreements. If we, the undersigned, do not sufficiently understand English, we have requested from the Overseas Exchange Organization a translation of these documents in our native language to ensure that we understand the information stated herein. This Agreement covers the period from the time the Student boards transportation scheduled by the Overseas Exchange Organization until the Student leaves the United States.