Program Regulations
CIEE Program Rules
1. Obey the regulations of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa and US State Department.
2. Abide by the federal, state and local laws of the United States and host town. Under these laws, consumption of alcoholic beverages by anyone under the age of 21, and the use or possession of illegal dugs is prohibited. These laws may also include local curfews. Be aware of these laws, and be mindful that they may be different from laws in their home countries and that the violation may lead to serious punishment.
3. Attend the arrival orientation.
4. Accept placement with a family of any race, creed, or color. Live as a member of their Host Family, and accept the responsibilities given to you.
5. Consider personal health and safety needs when applying for or accepting a place in the Program. If you suffer from any health or other condition that would create a risk for you while being abroad you should not apply.
6. Read and carefully consider all materials made available that relate to safety, health, legal, environmental, political, cultural and religious conditions in your host town. Be aware of local conditions that may present health or safety risks when making daily choices and decisions.
7. Respect the host high school's guidelines and policies, including those with regard to conduct, delinquency, grade levels, participation in graduation ceremonies, and issuance of a high school diploma.
8. Maintain a C+ average or higher in all courses at the host high school. Courses must include English (other than English as a second language) and an American History course and two other academic courses. Attend school everyday that it is in session and follow school policies with regards to absence.
9. Travel with adult members of the Host Family, the Local Coordinator, official school or group organized trips. Students must obtain written permission from CIEE's national office if traveling by air and/or if travel results in school absences. Travel with or visits from natural family members are not permitted before January of the ten month program and not at all during a five-month program. Travel your home country is not permitted during the program year.
10. Driving or purchasing a motorized vehicle (car, motorcycle, boat, or any other vehicle requiring a driver's license) is prohibited. Driving is permitted with the instructor of an official driver's education course and only during class hours. This is solely for the purpose of obtaining a driving license and does not allow the student to drive after a license is obtained.
11. Have access to a minimum of $150 to $200 US dollars per month to cover personal expenses. You should not borrow money from your Host Family.
12. Students who indicate that they do not smoke on their application may not smoke during the program year. Students who indicate that they smoke on their application must follow all guidelines their family and community may have in regards to smoking. In some States, communities and schools, it is against the law under a certain age to smoke or possess tobacco or tobacco related items.
13. The program terminates within two weeks after the last day of school, and arrangements must be made to return home within this time.
14. Acknowledge that CIEE reserves the right to dismiss any student who fails to uphold any and all of the above rules. In the event that a student is dismissed from the program, the parent or natural guardians are responsible for all additional expenses incurred above those of the regular program costs. In the case of a dismissal, program fees will not be reimbursed.
15. Acknowledge that CIEE is not acting in the capacity of in loco parentis with respect to you, and that your natural parents still retain all of their rights and obligations and are expected to maintain regular frequent (once or twice per month) contact via telephone, electronically or in person (if possible after five months of your program start date).
16. Student should not have previously participated in an academic year or semester high school program in the US in either the J-1 or F-1 category.
17. Participation in extra-curricular activities or athletics is not guaranteed.
18. Employment is not allowed on either a full or part-time basis while on the J-1 visa high school program. However, students may accept sporadic or intermittent employment such as babysitting or yard work.