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Student orientation

Dive into American culture with this comprehensive orientation program! Understand American values, adapt to social norms, and enhance your academic experience for a successful year ahead. Learn about stereotypes, values, and customs that shape American life. Get ready for an enriching journey of cultural immersion and personal growth as you navigate through the American academic landscape.

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Student orientation

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  1. Student orientation Academic Year in America

  2. Orientation Agenda • American Culture • Adaptation & Adjustment • Expectations • Rules • Social Media • The Gold Standard: Giving Back to Your Community • Staying Connected

  3. AMERICAN CULTURE

  4. WHO ARE AMERICANS? • There’s lots to learn about American culture, and we will talk about some of the important things today! • American Stereotypes • Here’s a great video • It’s important to be aware that stereotypes are generalizations that are not always true. • Here are some common ones: • Friendly • Hardworking • Loud! • Are you aware of any others?

  5. STEREOTYPES • Stereotypes are different within the U.S as well

  6. AMERICAN VALUES Values are what a country thinks is acceptable versus unacceptable, important versus not important, or right or wrong. So, what are some American values?

  7. AMERICAN VALUES • Direct • Honest • Speak our minds • We use many words in verbal communication.

  8. AMERICAN VALUES • Competitive • Bigger, better, faster • American business & economy • You may not see this in your day-to-day interactions, but you may with sports!

  9. AMERICAN VALUES • Individualism • Uniqueness is valued. • So is independence! • Huge focus on "I". • "I want to live the way I want."

  10. AMERICAN VALUES • Freedom • "Land of the free, home of the brave.“ • Goes with individualism, but Americans like to do what they like to do, and have the ability to do it: buy a specific home, go to a particular restaurant, choose who they want to be president, and more! • Value of freedom is rooted in our history (politics, economy).

  11. AMERICAN VALUES • Timely • Americans like to be on time, and like others to be on time. • You'll see this everywhere, especially in school, going to the movies, going to a doctor's appointment, and even sitting down with your family for dinner.

  12. AMERICAN VALUES • Informal • While there is a respect for hierarchy in the USA, you can still communicate openly with everyone! • It's okay to speak to your teachers, ask them how they are, and even speak to your principal (just don't use their first name)! • Desire to treat everyone equally.

  13. AMERICAN VALUES • Patriotic • Love for the USA and a respect for its history. • You will find many Americans with flags outside of their home, and in front of schools, businesses, and on cars. • On the 4th of July, Americans celebrate their Independence Day. • There are other holidays that honor those who served our country: Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Patriots Day. • Very sensitive to 9/11, especially in the NY area.

  14. AMERICAN VALUES • Religion • This isn't technically a value, but many people associate their personal values with their religion. • Approximately 95% of Americans are religiously affiliated. • For many Americans, going to church or another place of worship is also a huge part of their family and social lives! • You do not have to go to religious services with your family if you choose not to.

  15. AMERICAN VALUES • Proximity • Everyone is a little bit different, but American typically like about 4 feet of personal space. Check out the image to see how others cultures (typically) compare:

  16. AMERICAN HOMES • Homes across America are very, very different. You will notice some similarities. Most homes have • a yard • Living room • Dining area • Several bedrooms • One or more cars • Barbeque grill • Pets • Let’s check out some photos!

  17. AMERICAN HOMES

  18. AMERICAN HOMES

  19. AMERICAN high school • Grade level is assigned by school administrator • Registration: on-line, few days prior to school start • Receive a course schedule – classes at the discretion of school • Must take English and U.S. history • Transportation to school: school bus, city bus, carpool, HF, walking, friend (HF permission) • Lunch alone? Approach another student • Every school is a little different, so keep an open mind and see what your school is like in person! • You must get a C+ average or higher in each class (in most schools, that’s about a 76 out of a possible 100 points).

  20. AMERICAN high school • Take a look at a day in the life of an exchange student at a typical American high school. • Ever wondered what prom is like? Check this out!

  21. Current events • When you first arrive, be observant. Listen to what others are saying and "take it all in." • Be an objective observer! • Don't judge yet! • Be very thoughtful about the way you are bringing up these topics at school, work, and home. • It is recommended to wait to discuss anything about these issues until someone else brings them up. • If you are wondering how your family or friends feel about these issues, ask them if they are comfortable talking about them first. • Explain why you are asking, too.

  22. Adaptation & adjustment

  23. Your upcoming year/ semester? • How are you feeling? • Are you nervous? • Excited?

  24. What to expect • When you first get to your host family and new community, there is a normal process you will all go through. • Let's talk about this, and what you can do to adjust positively to life in the U.S.A.

  25. The honeymoon high • The first few days/weeks are usually very exciting. • Everything is new and different: the food, language, people, places, sounds, sights, smells, etc. • While your year will most likely be a positive one overall, this period will probably wear off, and you may start to experience some different emotions. Fear not!

  26. Culture shock • What is it? • It's that feeling of being disoriented when you are in an unfamiliar culture or way of life. • How do you know you're going through it? You may feel tired, frustrated with all the changes you need to make, homesickness, resentment, irritability, headaches, stomach-aches. • Honestly, almost everyone here will experience it in some way, so don't panic.

  27. Why is Culture shock important to experience? • "There is wisdom in turning as often as possible from the familiar to the unfamiliar. It keeps the mind nimble, it kills prejudice, and it fosters humor." -George Santayana

  28. Feeling Homesick? • You're lucky to spend a year or semester abroad, but there are also some challenges. • Put things into perspective: you're lucky to have things back home that you miss! Food, friends, places you hang out, family, your school, etc. • By the end of your stay here, you're even LUCKIER to have things you'll miss about America.

  29. Getting through homesickness and culture shock • Good news? It's usually temporary! (Be aware it does come in waves, though.) • Recognize & accept that's what you're going through. • Stay busy, avoid too much "down time" and negativity. • Learn something new. • Don't feel guilty. • Talk to your Host Family and Local Coordinator. Ask for help. • Create a routine. • Document your positive moments. • Take a break from Facetime/Skype/WhatsApp. • Make a bucket list!

  30. Cultural adaptation • This happens when life in America gets easier for you. • You've made friends, are used to the language, become involved in activities, and you feel more at "home".

  31. “can’t I just move?” • With the exception of emergencies, host family changes will not be considered during the first 30 days of arrival. • The adaptation process can take several weeks or months and it will take time to get adjusted to your new host family • You are expected to make an effort to adjust to your host family. • Students are not moved based on simple dislike of your location, style of housing, or host family. • Only when all other corrective measures have failed will a host family change be considered.

  32. Expectations

  33. Expectations: your host family • The Basics: • Welcome you as a member of their family • Provide you with own bed and place to study • Provide all meals except purchased school lunch • Provide transportation to and from school and religious services • Help you adjust Notify AYA/LC of any and all changes to status of family or student

  34. Expectations: your host family • Family Rules • You will most likely have a curfew (a time your family needs you to be home). • Your weekday curfew will probably be different than your weekend curfew. • You will have to ask permission before going anywhere and check in frequently with your host parents- this is very normal! • May need to get rides to/from activities. • Ensure you follow and are respectful of your family's rules. • Let’s Talk Dating • Americans are typically more conservative when it comes to dating and sex. • AYA discourages you from dating while on the program. • Why? It can interfere with and negatively impact program outcomes.

  35. Expectations: your host family • Family Time • You are not a guest, you are a family member! • Many families spend time together in the evenings and on weekends. • You can expect your host family to want you to spend time with them in common living areas of the house. • Family activities include, watching TV or movies together, going to church, cooking dinner, going shopping. • Please be aware that your family is not expected to take you on trips and vacations every weekend.

  36. Expectations: your host family • If your host family does not fulfill their responsibilities… • This could be a safety concern. • Notify your Local Coordinator or AYA immediately!

  37. Expectations: your high school • Be Fearless! • Try new things! • Getting involved in activities is the best way to make friends and develop a routine. • This helps to reduce homesickness • Be open to new and different experiences. • Introduce yourself!

  38. Expectations: your high school • Graduation & Grade Level • AYA does not guarantee being placed in a certain grade level, the ability to receive a diploma, participation in sports or graduation ceremonies. • Course schedule is at the discretion of your school. • You may or may not be able to choose your own classes.

  39. Expectations: your high school • School Rules • Do your homework! • You can expect to receive 1 - 2 hours of homework each night. • Homework and class participation count towards your grade. • Failure to complete assignments or turn in homework will result in poor grades. • Must take English and U.S. History. • Must attend school daily, unless ill or injured • Follow all school rules.

  40. Expectations: your high school • What if you need help? • If you need help with your classes, or are having a tough time understanding the material, talk to a teacher immediately. Don't wait! They are there to help you! • If you'd like to know what clubs or sports you can get involved with, are having a tough time making friends, you can always go to a teacher, a guidance counselor, the main office.

  41. Expectations: you • The Basics • Follow ALL AYA program rules • Maintain a C+ Average or better in all classes • Treat host family with respect • Help with household chores • Be involved in host family activities • Show appreciation • Personal expenses (phone, for example!)Act in a manner that positively reflects AYA, your country and yourself

  42. Expectations: you • Technology • You should be made aware (by your Host Family, when you review your Expectations Worksheet of appropriate and inappropriate times to talk/text on your phone. • For example, it is inappropriate for you to use your phone... • During class • At the dinner table • During religious services • Anytime someone is speaking to you • You are responsible for paying phone bills. WhatsApp, FaceTime, etc., are other alternative options to help save money. • You may lose privileges if you do not use your phone appropriately, and I know you don't want that to happen!

  43. Expectations: you • Communication • Try to limit your time talking to friends and family from home: • Talking too much to people in your home country may prevent you from getting to know your host family and making new friends! • We recommend about once per week, but every student is different. • May cause you to become homesick. • Your host family may have limits to how much time you can spend on your phone or the computer each day. • Again, this is normal!

  44. Expectations: you • The Comparison Trap • You should be careful of frequent or excessive communication with friends who are on the program, as this may alter your own experience. • Sometimes students base their expectations for their experience on that of someone else, rather than their own.

  45. Expectations: you • Your Culture • Share your interests, customs and information about your home country with your host family. • They want to get to know you and your culture!

  46. Expectations: you • Insurance • All students have travel insurance so that you may see doctors and receive any necessary medical care. • While your host family and LC can help point you in the right direction, you are expected to understand your policy, submit claims and pay any out-of-pocket medical expenses.

  47. Expectations: you • If you don’t fulfill your responsibilities: • Your HF, LC or AYA will speak with you about your behavior and any concerns • Not fulfilling your responsibilities will result in a formal guidance notice or disciplinary action. • Much more on this in the Rules section.

  48. Expectations: Your local coordinator • The Basics: • Select safe and suitable host families • Enroll students in an accredited high school • Supervise and support students and host families • Maintain monthly contact with students and host families • Submit monthly reports • Provide emergency assistance • If your LC is not fulfilling their responsibilities: • If you do not hear from your LC at least once a month or do not see your LC more than two months in a row OR • If you do not feel supported by your LC for any reason please notify the AYA office immediately. • Contact your Student Support Specialist or the Associate Director of Student Support.

  49. Expectations: The AYA national office How communication works at AYA:

  50. Expectations: The AYA national office • Your Local Coordinator • Select safe and suitable host families • Enroll students in an accredited high school • Supervise and support students and host families • Maintain monthly contact with students and host families • Submit monthly reports • Provide emergency assistance

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