4 ) You will be notified of the advisability of the visit from YFU ’ s perspective .
There are instances when permission to visit is not granted to parents for a variety of reasons . YFU asks that in these cases , parents honor this decision . If they do not , their child may be dismissed from the program . If your child is dismissed from the YFU program , YFU is absolved from all obligations , legal or otherwise , to the student or his / her parents or guardians .
STUDENT SAFETY
YFU programs have exchanged more than 250,000 students since 1951 , many of these years coinciding with war or international conflict . As tensions and political uncertainties continue around the world , YFU ’ s top priority is student safety . On a daily basis , YFU monitors safety conditions issued through our partner offices overseas , the US Department of State , the Centers for Disease Control ( CDC ), and the World Health Organization ( WHO ). In the event of an emergency ( earthquake , coup , political instability ), students remain in the care of their host families , but should make every effort to contact their natural families , as well as their Area Representative and National Office , as soon as possible . In the event that circumstances warrant program changes , YFU will make such decisions on a case-by-case basis .
If there is any indication that it is not safe for students either to enter or remain in a country due to political unrest , public health problems , natural disasters , etc ., the program is subject to cancellation . If a program is canceled prior to the students ’ departure from the US , students are usually given the options of going to another country or receiving a refund . If students are already in the host country , they are moved immediately and usually given the choice of going to another country or returning home .
Students are young ambassadors of the United States and therefore should exercise tact and restraint in their expression of political beliefs , and are advised to not become actively involved in political activities or protests . Such involvement may be misunderstood , resented , or disliked .
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
In the event of a serious accident , illness or injury , treatment will occur immediately . You will be contacted at as soon as possible though there may be an instance when treatment needs to occur before a parent can be reached . It is important that your SSM has current contact information for you so that you can be contacted easily . Please refer to the Parent / Student Agreement in the appendices ( page 29 ) for more detailed information on YFU ’ s program policies and procedures .
In the event of the death or serious injury of a family member or friend while your child is on program , YFU asks that you notify your SSM before contacting your child abroad so that YFU is prepared to support your student when they receive the news . In the case of an early return related to a life event at home , both YFU offices , in the US and in the host country , will assist your child with making all travel and related arrangements .
THE US EMBASSY OR CONSULATE
US embassies and consulates have consular officers available to provide assistance to American citizens abroad . If your child needs help in case of an emergency , and is unable to contact a YFU representative ( volunteer or staff person ) s / he can contact the US embassy .
26 - Study Abroad Family Handbook