will email this information to students and parents as soon as it is received . It is natural to be curious about the family make-up , so YFU encourages your child to call or write to his / her future family ! You are also welcome to contact your child ' s host family ( see page 18 ).
Re-Entry Orientation . Re-Entry Orientations preceding students ' return to their home countries are offered either at an appropriate orientation site or , at a minimum , through written materials . The Re-entry Orientation addresses the psychological pressures involved in readjusting to one ' s home culture . It also emphasizes the opportunities for ongoing intercultural educational activities .
YFU ORIENTATION
YFU offers several orientation programs for students and families before , during and after the exchange .
Local Pre-Departure Orientation . At local Pre-Departure Orientations students and families are provided with information pertaining to the students ’ adjustments into a new culture . With the help of trained orientation facilitators , you and your child will develop realistic expectations , and will participate in skill building activities designed to make the most of the exchange experience . Your family will have the opportunity to discuss concerns and share ideas with other families getting ready for the exchange experience .
Country Specific Pre-Departure Orientation . Some scholarship recipients attend a second pre-departure orientation that provides country specific information . They are generally overnight programs that occur just prior to the students ’ departure from the US and are in addition to the local pre-departure orientation , not in-place of . Attendance at the Country-Specific Pre-Departure Orientation , which is funded through the scholarship benefactor , is often a requisite to receiving the scholarship . Details about these orientations will be sent out closer to departure .
National Pre-Departure Orientation . Students studying abroad for a semester or year , are required to attend an orientation which focuses on preparation for an extended time period . The National Pre-Departure orientation is an overnight program which occurs during in mid-July for fall departure programs and mid-November for spring departure programs . Details about these orientations will be sent out closer to departure .
Post Arrival Orientation . Upon arrival in the host country , the YFU hosting organization offers a Post-Arrival Orientation , at which the host country ’ s volunteers and staff provide information specific to your child ’ s new home . It may , where appropriate , be coupled with an intensive language training program in the language of the host country .
Mid-Year Orientation . Year students will receive a midyear orientation which provides additional support mid-way through the exchange .
EDUCATION MATERIALS
Former YFU Students and Families . Talking with someone who understands the excitement and fears of living abroad will help your child feel more confident and relaxed . And likewise , you may appreciate the opportunity to correspond directly with other YFU parents .
Names and contact information of YFU alumni and parents are available on the YFU USA website , yfuusa . org .
While not all receiving countries have recently returned American alumni , hearing about the common experience of living in a foreign culture can be valuable .
What ' s Up with Culture ? This online resource , developed by the School of International Studies ( SIS ) is designed to support and enhance a student ’ s ability to make successful cultural adjustments both before going overseas and upon returning home . It was produced primarily for undergraduate college students , though nearly all of it is applicable to high school exchange students as well . The focus is generally on the concept of culture and how it impacts one ’ s ability to understand and function in a new and unfamiliar environment .
There is also a What ’ s Up with Culture ? page with notes to the parents of international exchange students : pacific . edu / sis / culture / index . htm .
Study Abroad Family Handbook - 13