New Opportunities Throughout Your Exchange Year

Throughout the exchange year, you'll have many new opportunities for...

• New relationships

Amicus (a-Me-cus) is a Latin word meaning "friend." We have carefully chosen this name because it represents a central theme of your Young Life Amicus year. As you reach out to others to make new friends and family, you'll discover the value of relationships in a new way, and in the process, you will learn more about yourself. What adventure could be greater than that! Friendships and family are treasures that last a lifetime. You'll have the opportunity to establish such relationships while you are in the US.

• New learning opportunities

You will encounter new classroom experiences as American high schools are unique, but even more than that, you will learn some lessons that can only be learned by living in another culture for an extend­ed period of time. You'll be challenged to try new activities and to think about things you may have never thought about. It is very important that you lay aside specific expectations and be open to learning new things.

• New appreciation and insight into family life

We believe the family is so important that our placements are based on relationship, not on geographical location. Amicus students and host families are carefully chosen. Some of our families have teenagers, some have young kids, some don't have children, or their children are grown and out of the house. All Amicus students should enter the U.S. feeling grateful that both their natural and host families are sacrificing to provide them with the opportunity to have this exchange experience. Your Host is not paid or compensated in any way, but is looking forward to having you be a part of their family. However, as in every family, you will have fun times and challenging times. There will likely be joy and some sorrow. Sometimes you will feel distant from your Hosts and sometimes you will feel close to them. These are all normal aspects of Amicus. We hope that living with your Hosts will also help you appreciate your family of origin even more, and even prove helpful when you have your own family.

• Improved communication skills

While in the US, your English and your ability to communicate with others will improve. If you are willing to step outside your comfort zone, you will have many opportunities to learn new ideas and different ways of thinking. You will expand your worldview! You will have the opportunity to become a better listener, and as a result, a better communicator.

• New opportunities to give

It is as we learn to give that we truly receive. Look for ways and times that you can give during your exchange year. You can give in simple ways by expressing gratitude, doing assigned chores promptly and having a positive attitude.

You can also give as you volunteer to serve in your local school, neighborhood and community. Sharing the culture and values of your country in a respectful manner will give others a bigger picture of the world. Later in your exchange year you will identify a special project or charity to be involved with. When you return home, you can promote understanding by helping people in your home country appreciate what you learned from living in America. We hope you will learn the value and joy of giving in a much deeper way because of your new experiences.

• Opportunities to develop personal qualities

Take some time to think seriously about your year ahead. What are some personal characteristics you want to develop this year? For example: courage, flexibility, self-confidence, patience, etc.

Young Life and Amicus

Amicus is one of the programs of Young Life. Young Life is an international youth organization that began in 1941 and is now active in all 50 states and more than 100 countries. Young Life is open to all students regardless of their religious interests or background.

Many Amicus students enjoy the local Young Life group. There are weekly clubs, small groups and weekend camps. All are fun events and perfect situations to get to know other teens from your high school. Participat­ing in Young Life could very well be one of the highlights of your exchange year.

Amicus provides a $100 scholarship for you to participate in a fall Young Life weekend camp (optional). We highly recommended you attend. Contact your Amicus Mentor for more information.

At the end of the year all Amicus students attend a resort-quality, week-long, high-adventure Young Life camp with several hundred other teenagers. Many former students say "it was the best week of my life." The summer camp is not optional; it is part of your Amicus exchange year and program.

In most families, everyone shares the household chores. You will want to help out by doing your part. Do the chores they assign to you (e.g. taking out the garbage, mowing the grass, folding laundry). Remember to complete them regularly without being reminded. Making your bed and keeping your room clean are expected. We have asked your Host to talk with you early in the year about what they expect in order to prevent misunderstandings. If you have any problems, call your Amicus Mentor.

High School

High school in the US will be very different from your school in your home country. In the US, all students receive a broad education with exposure to many areas of study.

The school will determine your class placement. Neither Amicus nor your home-country school can decide your class placement.

Along with the required courses, consider participating in a class or two that you would not be able to take at your school at home. We encourage you to enjoy the oppor­tunity to experience a different educational style. Extra-curricular activities are also an important part of American high school life. By participating in school activities, you will increase your opportunities to develop friendships with other students and experience life more fully in an American high school.

Athletic eligibility or participation in any school sport or activity is not guaranteed. The State Athletic Association and the local school district where you will be enrolled determine who is eligible to participate in any sport. Amicus can not and does not guarantee participation in any sport.

Even though your grades may not transfer back to your home school, we expect you to do your best work. Amicus is an academic exchange program. You are required to maintain the minimum "C" average in every class. "D" and "F" grades are not tolerated and are a violation of the Policy Agreement you and your parents have signed. We will check your progress regular­ly. Amicus has the right to require tutoring if the "C"average is not maintained. If tutoring is needed, you are responsible for the cost. You are also expected to behave in a respectful manner toward all school personnel. Your behavior can affect whether or not Amicus can enroll students there the following year.

Many high school campuses are "closed," meaning that when you go to school in the morning, you must stay on the campus until your classes are over for the day. An "open" campus allows students to leave during lunch and return later for their remaining classes. American public schools are supported by the tax­ payers of the local community. You will not have to pay tuition to attend school, but there will be school expenses at the beginning of the year, and additional expenses at the end of the school year (explained below in Spending Money section). Please be appreciative of the opportunity to attend the local school because the property taxes which enable the school to operate are paid by your Host and the other members of that community.

Church Relationships

The religious heritage of the US strongly influences American life. Many people attend church regularly and consider their faith an important part of their lives. Church is often an important gathering place for teenagers and provides another place and opportunity to make friends.

Most Amicus Host Families are active church mem­bers. Regardless of your background, as a member of the Host Family, we encourage you to attend as this is part of American family life and culture.

The DS-2019 Certificate

With the written notification of placement with your Host Family, the Amicus office will send you a DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. You must present that original DS-2019 certificate to the American Consulate or Embassy when you apply for your visa. When approved and the certificate is signed, the con­sulate will return the certificate to you, becoming your J-1 visa. Some countries also add a stamp or visa form to a pass­port page.

Keep the signed DS-2019 with your passport. You must bring both to the United States and keep them with you throughout your exchange year.

Any travel you are considering needs to first be approved by your Amicus Mentor. Do not book flights or purchase tickets until you have spoken with your Amicus Mentor. All major holidays (Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter) are to be spent with your Host Family as these are important times to be with family and experience cultural traditions.

Whether you are traveling with your Host Family or a group approved by your Amicus Mentor, you must provide your Mentor with the trip dates, location, and your contact information while trav­eling. When you travel with someone other than your Host Family, Amicus requires a letter of permission from your natural parents. While traveling, carry a copy of that letter as well as a permission letter from your Host Family and your insurance information.

When you plan to travel outside the U.S., you must contact the Amicus office so that your DS-2019 certificate can be validated by the Amicus office. In order to re-enter the United States you will need your validated DS-2019, a permission letter from your natural family and your passport. If this travel is without your Host Family, a permission letter from your host parents specifying the exact dates of the trip and location is also required. Carry your insurance card and medical information.

Spending Money

Your Host Family will provide room and board, but you are responsible for your personal expenses such as school and activity fees, sports physicals, special events, entertainment, clothing, toiletries, gifts, souvenirs and postage. Please budget 250-300 USD per month for routine expenses.

The amount needed will vary from student to student, and from month to month, depending on your needs, desires and personal shopping habits. Any tutoring is also a personal expense.

Many Amicus students use an ATM debit or credit card for purchases and access to cash. Others open a checking or savings account at a local bank enabling easy withdrawal of cash when needed. We suggest you discuss your plans with both sets of parents to arrange for a mutually beneficial sys­tem. Remember to budget your money for the entire year. At the beginning of the year, you will likely have extra school expenses such as supplies, activity passes, sports fees, a yearbook, etc. or expenses for specific classes such as photog­raphy or biology. If you plan to purchase a major item such as a camera, you'll need extra funds that month. In the Spring, you might have expenses for prom, graduation and other special end-of-year events.

Friends and Family Visiting

Amicus does not allow visits from parents, siblings or friends during the exchange year. This is for your benefit and that of your Host Family. It is the standard practice of most exchange programs as such visits affect the new relationships you are establishing with your Host Family and community. If family or friends want to visit you, tell them they should plan to do so after the conclusion of the program which is in Washington, DC in late June.

When you leave your Host Family for Washington, DC in June, your Host Family's responsibilities end. Amicus students are not to return to the host home after Washington, DC. Please do not ask or exert any pressure on your Host Family to provide lodging or meals for family or friends who want to come to the U.S. Although many Host Families and biological families form a close relationship during the year, your Host Family needs to be able to make their own summer plans without feeling pressure to extend additional hospitality.

The U.S. Department of State grants a 30-day grace period from the end date listed on your DS-2019 for the purpose of travel within the USA.

Please note - all Amicus responsibilities, including insurance coverage, end the last day of the Wash­ington, DC session in late June. Travel insurance becomes a personal responsibility that day.

Early Departure

Amicus students are not allowed to return home unless there is a family or medical emergency AND you have been given approval from your U.S. Amicus Mentor and the Amicus Director.

Once a student (with his/her natural parents) makes the decision to return home for any reason other than an Amicus approved emergency, he/she may not return to take part in camp or the final events in Washington, D.C. No refund is given for early departure or dismissal from the program after arrival in the U.S.

Program Policies

The program policies are in place to protect you, your natural fami­ly, Host Family and Amicus. Violation of any Amicus policy will be addressed and can result in immediate termination from the program. The program policies stated here are consistent with program policies stated on the Policy Agreement form to be signed by you the student and your parents.

Drugs: Using or possessing illegal drugs is forbidden. Each state has laws concerning the possession and use of illegal drugs. You may use over-the-counter medicines and medicines prescribed for you by a doctor. The use of drugs for non-medical reasons by Young Life Amicus students under any circumstances is strictly forbidden. This includes, but is not limited to marijuana, meth, cocaine and LSD.

Alcohol: U.S. laws prohibit persons younger than 21 years of age from purchasing, possessing and/or consuming alcoholic beverages. This applies to all Amicus students as well. Though some American teenagers choose to break the law, you must obey all U.S. laws. Choose only safe and legal places to associate with other teens. Some American families object to drinking any alcoholic beverages at any age. We expect you to obey all laws and to respect your Host Family's values.

Sexual conduct: Students must not participate in any sexual contact or sexual activity that is culturally inappropriate in the U.S. including (but not limited to) contact with minors or with any members of the Host Family household. Amicus students are to comply with all federal and state laws (which vary from state to state) in regards to sexual conduct.

Research shows that sexual activity among teenagers increases both the risk of pregnancy and transmitting or contracting sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS. Amicus students should be aware that Host Families hold traditional values in regards to sex.

Students are not permitted to visit places such as pornographic shops, adult theaters, drinking establishments or any websites related to pornography. Doing so can also result in criminal charges, and being expelled from school. Either would mean termination from the Amicus program.

Information Regarding Sexual Abuse: The "No Means No in Every Language" online brochure (information about sexual abuse and strategies for resisting abuse) was sent to you with your Acceptance letter. Please read the online brochure.

Driving: Though obtaining a license in your home country may be more expensive than in the U.S., Amicus students are not allowed to participate in any driving program, even with permission or encouragement from their natural or Host Family. Driving, obtaining or attempting to obtain a driver's license, or participating in any type of driving classes is not permitted.

School Attendance and Grades: The Young Life Amicus program is an academic program. Students must be enrolled and attend high school. If a student is expelled from school for any reason, it is grounds for immediate dismissal from the program. School absences must all be properly excused by hosts. Absences must be kept to a minimum.

Students must respect and comply with the policies and guidelines of their local school, including all policies and rules pertaining to attendance, conduct, grade level, classes taken, school activities and/or any school function. Regular school attendance for all scheduled classes is expected. The school must approve any absences for illness or school-sponsored activi­ties. Failing to maintain a "C" grade average or failing to follow the policies of your school can result in early dismissal from the program.

Please also note there cannot be any testing for the GED (General Education Development or high school equivalency certificate) while in the Amicus program.

Smoking: Purchasing, use of, possession or dis­tribution of tobacco or tobacco products in any form, including vapor products and e-cigarettes, is expressly prohibited. In addition, American schools have strict policies forbidding tobacco use, possession or distribution. Any violation of a school's tobacco policy will likely result in suspension from participating in that sport/activity and can be cause for dismissal from Amicus.

Firearms: Amicus students may not at anytime handle, shoot, take a class or participate in any activity using firearms. This includes bow hunting.

Hitchhiking: Amicus students may not hitchhike.

Home Country Contact: Arranging your travel to the U.S. will require your parents and your Host Family to be in contact with one another to coordi­nate the arrival date, time and location. After this initial travel coordination, cordial communication is allowed, but we recommend it be very limited.

After you have arrived in the US, you must limit your contact with friends and family back home to once each week during the year. With social media and cell phones, this is difficult and will take discipline on your part and that of your natural fami­ly. However, limiting contact will enable you to develop relationships here more quickly, as well as improve your English. Relationships here will help minimize homesickness and ensure a more successful exchange year.

NOTE: Keep this Handbook bookmarked. Save it in a place where you can view it in the USA. It will be used in your student orientation in your home country and in your orientation in the USA after your arrival.