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New Hope Christian Schools
International Student Handbook
Education With Eternal Benefits
| Welcome! |
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I would like to welcome you to the New Hope Christian Schools International Student
Program. While you are in the United States your education and interests will be taken care of by the staff at New Hope and your Host family. These people desire to make your stay in the United States a good experience for all.
Your decision to become a International Student will be one of the most rewarding decisions of your life. As a International Student, you will have the opportunity to live in the home of an American family and learn first hand about the American cultures and life-styles.
You have also made a commitment. A commitment to experience another culture, another way of life. You have also committed yourself to do your best as a student and as an ambassador for your country. You may be the only representative of your country your host family will ever know, so be a good example.
We are excited about your decision to join us and come to the United States. We want to assist you in any way possible so feel free to call whenever you have a question or need assistance.
Congratulations and welcome!
Mr. Alan Main
Administrator
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| Introduction |
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The International Student experience begins with the decision to spend a semester or an academic year in another country away from family and friends. As an exchange student you will have many interesting and educational experiences. It will be a growing time for you as you are away from your family. It will also be an opportunity to extend your family as you become a member of your host family.
As you prepare for this adventure in your life you will experience many emotions and probably several questions. New Hope has prepared this booklet to help you during your stay in the United
States(US). It will provide you with information about what to expect in our part of the US, as well as explain the rules and procedures of New Hope Christian Schools. While you are in the US, you will be expected to follow these rules and procedures as a participant of this program.
This booklet is yours to keep. Please read the entire booklet carefully to make sure you understand all of it. You should keep it with you during your stay and refer to it when you have a question.
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| Your NHCS Authorities |
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New Hope Christian Schools is governed by a board of Directors, commonly known as the School Board. The Principal of the school receives direct authority from them and is in charge of all operations at the school. He will assign school personnel to be responsible for your stay here, co-operating with your host family to make your stay as successful as possible
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| Your Host Family |
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Host families are people who open their home with love. They are not paid for hosting, though they may receive a stipend from the school to help cover extra expenses. They host because they want to learn about you and your culture. They also want to help you learn about their culture as they include you in their family.
Be aware that each family is unique and that your host family will have customs and traditions that seem strange to you. Try to find the unique quality and why it makes your experience more interesting.
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| Making Your Experience a Success |
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The success of your time here depends largely on your attitude. It is important that you make a commitment to do the best you can to make it successful. The key elements of a successful experience are a
positive attitude, an open mind and realistic
expectations.
- Positive Attitude: You should try to become involved in your host family, school and community. The more activities you become involved in, the more you will learn about the US and Americans. Your host family is excited about having you in their home and they want you to become a member of their family, therefore, you should try your best to communicate with them and participate in family activities. By becoming involved in your host family, you will show them that you are excited about being in the US and living with them. The same is true with your attitude towards school activities. The more you are willing to try and become involved, the quicker you will be accepted and make friends.
- Open Minded: Probably one of the main reasons you decided to be a student in a foreign country was because you wanted to experience something different. Regardless of the country you call home, the US will be a different experience for you. You should remember that this is a goal of yours when you encounter those differences. Having an open mind and a willingness to experience these differences will help make your time a success. Remember that the US is not your home country and that many things will be different. Remember also that you will only be in the US for 5 to 12 months and that you will be returning to your home country and to things familiar to you. Students who spend their whole exchange comparing life in the US to life in their home country miss out on what the experience is about and do not learn all that the program has to offer them. It is up to you….take advantage of this rare opportunity you have been given and grow from it.
“It’s not good. It's not bad. It's
just different."
- Realistic Expectations: What you expect is not always what you find. One of the challenges you may face during your time here is adjusting your ideas about what you expected about living in the US. You can learn and grow much more from your experience if you look for the unique aspects of your temporary home in the US.
You should also realize that your host family may have some expectations of you that are not accurate. That is why it is important for you to realize that the first month of two will be an adjustment period for both you and your host family. Patience and understanding are a must during your time
here.
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| Communication |
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Remember that it is vitally IMPORTANT to communicate with your host family about everything your are experiencing. As you share with them, and they with you, there will be many incidents where misunderstandings could cause problems but that open communication can prevent that. So, remember to talk, talk, TALK!
Let your host family, school representatives and friends know what you are thinking and experiencing. They can help you have a rewarding experience.
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| Cultural Adjustment Changes |
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There will be many changes in your emotions as you adjust to living in the United States. Many of these changes fit into known patterns. To understand them may make the changes easier to experience.
- Change 1: “Preparation” is the time in your own country spent getting ready for this move. Be sure to talk to anyone you can who has experienced being in a different country.
- Change 2: “Beginning” is the time when you first arrive and everything is new and exciting. Take this time to observe the “different” ways your new acquaintances do things and see how you can adapt to the differences. Even though you will be nervous take this time to learn the language and customs as quickly as possible.
- Change 3: “Adjusting” is the time when you start becoming familiar with your host family’s way of doing things and to your new environment. Be friendly and make friends quickly. If others seem reserved give them a little time. They’ll soon see what a nice person you are and will become more open with you. This is an excellent time to practice communicating and laugh at the differences between your understanding of English and what your new friends actually practice.
- Change 4: After about a month, you will be expected to know the rules of your host family, of the school and society. You will be expected to obey those rules whether you understand why they were made or not. This is an excellent time to start sharing more of your culture, cook a meal from your country or wear your country’s dress if different from the dress here.
- Change 5: “Let down” may be the next change you experience. This is the time when the differences between your culture and the culture of your American environment can become irritating. Because of homesickness, lack of understanding and other factors, you will find yourself feeling bad. You may find yourself becoming moody or irritable. Remember that this is normal and can be overcome. When you start feeling miserable remind yourself of these important
facts:
1. This is an experience you looked forward to and which you knew would be different.
2. Do no blame anyone for these feelings, yourself included.
3. Realize that these feelings will change as each day brings new situations.
4. Try to get plenty of rest, nutrition and exercise.
5. Plan things you enjoy doing and invite new friends to join you.
6. Remember to talk to your friends, host family or school staff. DO NOT ignore these feelings but let others know so they can help.
- Change 6: Holidays times will bring incidents which may make you feel homesick or depressed as you remember times spent growing-up. It is important that you become involved in your host families holiday activities, or those of the school. The busier you keep yourself the easier it will be for you. These times and feelings will pass.
- Change 7: The “Learning” time will make up most of your stay. This will be the time that you find you’ve settled in as a member of the host family and school. You have friends and are changing as you learn more and more about this culture. You should feel that you are at your home away from home.
- Change 8: Finally the time will come for you to depart this home and return to your country. You will leave friends and acquaintances you might never see again. Be sure to get all the addresses and phone numbers (and e-mail) that you can. Plan your farewell to make the break a happy one and to show your hosts how much you appreciate them.
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| Academics |
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A major part of your experience at New Hope Christian School will involve academics. You will be expected to attend full-time and participate in a regular course load during your stay. You will be expected to maintain a high academic level of accomplishment.
If you attend for only a portion of your high school experience, the school will issue grades and a normal transcript. Any credit transfer back to another school will depend upon their acceptance policy.
If you desire to graduate at NHCS, there will be a minimum of credit-level high school classes and grades required. If this is your desire, you need to inform the counselor at NHCS as soon as possible. He will develop a graduation projection program for you, which must be followed closely.
Should any of your grades fall below the “C” average there will be a review by the school administration. At that time it will be decided what course of action would be best for you. An Academic Warning letter would let you know that your grades are not what they should be. An Academic Probation letter informs you that you have 30 days to bring up all your grades to an acceptable level. Should your grades continue to fall you could be dismissed from NHCS and sent back home.
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| Living in the United States |
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- Personal Hygiene is an area where cultures differ. In the United States there are a few generally accepted practices which will help you to “fit
in”.
1. It is customary to bathe daily and change into clean under clothes.
2. Men and women use underarm deodorant.
3. Women generally shave underarms and legs.
4. Clothes are washed frequently but each house has its routine. Learn the one of your host family.
- Most host families will have chores for each person in the family. As a family member you will be expected to do your part of the household chores. It is a nice gesture on your part of offer to do more than your share.
- Most host families from NHCS will attend church on a regular basis. You will be expected to attend with them. Church is a part of our Culture and you should think of it that way.
- Dating is common among American teenagers. Usually a boy asks a girl to some activity or event. He is then responsible to pick her up at her home, take her to the event, and pay for the event as well. At other times teens will go on group dates where a number go together to an event and share expenses. Regardless of the type of date, transportation must be arranged and the event paid for. You will also need to clear each date with your host parents before going on the date.
While dating is permitted, you should not become involved in a serious one on one relationship. Engaging in sexual activities is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate expulsion from school and return to your country.
- Money concerns: While your living expenses are covered by your International Student Payment, there will be other expenses for which you will need to be prepared. These would include items such as eating out with friends, personal items such as deodorant, shampoo, makeup etc., clothing, telephone calls and other expenses.
When you arrive you should have some spending money with you. You should put this in a bank checking account, school staff will assist as needed to arrange this. Most banks require a social security number to open a checking account. You can get a social security number by applying to the Social Security Administration office for a “non-working” social security card. It usually takes 2-3 weeks to get your card. Many banks will require one of your host parents to be on the account since you are a minor. It will be your responsibility to keep track of your money. Do not depend upon your host parents to do this and please, do not ask to borrow money from them. If your spending money gets low you need to have your natural parents wire the money directly to your bank account.
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Because International Students come to New Hope Christian
Schools to learn our culture and standards, they will not be
allowed to participate in sports for other schools, which may
not adhere to the same values.
- Travel during your stay: The United States is a very large country with many interesting places to see. While you are at New Hope Christian School there will be some opportunities for limited travel. Other than those, travel will be discouraged and perhaps forbidden. The times extended travel would be allowed are:
1. Travel with your host family.
2. Travel with your natural parents.
3. Travel on a NHCS trip.
4. Travel to visit a close family member over 25 years of age.
At no time would you be allowed to travel alone except if an approved adult put you on a plane and there were another waiting to meet you at point of destination.
Any travel plans need to be submitted to NHCS in writing 3 weeks in advance, for approval.
- Visits from your natural family: While you are in the United States, your natural family may wish to visit. We think this a wonderful opportunity for you and your family, however, we ask that you follow these guidelines if your natural family decides to visit:
1. Only close family members are allowed to visit (no girlfriends/boyfriends)
2. Obtain permission from your host family prior to inviting your natural family to visit.
3. Do not expect or ask your host family to allow your natural family to stay in their home. Your natural family should make plans to stay at a local hotel during their visit.
4. If you wish to travel with your natural family during their visit you need to arrange their visit during a school break so that you do not miss school to travel.
5. Remember that you are still a NHCS participant and must follow the rules and policies of NHCS during your family’s
visit.
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| NHCS Conduct Requirements for International Students |
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- Students are not allowed to consume or purchase alcoholic beverages while at NHCS.
- Students are not allowed to engage in sexual activity while attending NHCS.
- Students are not allowed to purchase or use illegal drugs while at NHCS.
- Students are not allowed to purchase or use tobacco products.
- Students must abide by the laws of the United States on all levels.
- Students are not allowed to purchase or use firearms.
- Students are not allowed to be employed in a competitive job.
- Students are not allowed to enter into contractual agreement.
- Students are not allowed to purchase a motor vehicle.
- Students are not allowed to drive a motorized vehicle unless in a Driver’s Education course.
- Students must give evidence of cooperation with all of the NHCS staff.
- Students need to make every effort to become involved with the host family.
- Students must obey the host family “house rules”.
- Students need to maintain at least a “C” average in every class.
- English and American History (or Government) are required of all International Students.
- NHCS does not guarantee a high school diploma. Each student must meet minimum academic credits to earn
a diploma.
- Students are not allowed to move from the host family without a conference and joint decision, involving the students, host parents, & administration. If a move is warranted the school administration will select a suitable family.
- Students must be submissive to the school administration, host parents and school staff members.
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| Behavioral Probation |
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A student can be place on Behavioral Probation for failing to comply with NHCS guidelines, policies or procedures, for failing to cooperate with the host family, teachers, administrators.
NHCS places students on Behavioral Probation as a second chance. This probation period allows the student an opportunity to correct the mistakes they have made that caused them to be placed on probation. There are some instances, however, that will result in immediate dismissal with no probation period and those cases involve such things as breaking the law (i.e. shoplifting, drinking alcohol, etc.) or other serious infractions of the rules, policies and procedures.
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| Dismissal from the Program |
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Should a student warrant being returned to his/her home country, NHCS
will provide a complete explanation to his/her parents. Any decision to
send a student home by NHCS staff will be considered final.
It is our wish that all students have a successful year in the United
States, so we hope that you will chose to work towards this goal also.
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| Summary |
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The staff and students at New Hope Christian School, as well as your
host family, are excited about you becoming a part of this “family”.
We look forward to communicating with you before your arrival, and to
meeting you in person. WELCOME to being a part of us.
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| Communication |
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The key to having a good relationship with your host family and the school students and staff, is communication. Like you, they are excited about you coming and may be a little nervous also. They will be making special efforts to make you feel a part and you should also make special efforts to cooperate with them.
Your first few weeks will be difficult for both you and your host family as you adjust to each other and as you begin hearing and speaking English on a regular basis. You should never make the decision not to participate in a conversation or activity because you do not understand something. Your host family and friends understand that you are from another country and that you have come to the US to learn about the American customs and culture and to improve your English. They will be very happy to answer your questions and explain things to you.
Never Be Afraid To Ask Questions! Your host family and friends would much rather explains something to you than think you are not interested in what is going on or what has been said. It is important that you always speak when spoken to. If you do not understand what has been said, ask them to repeat it, do not smile and say nothing or ignore the person speaking.
You should continue to practice your communication skills throughout your stay in the US. As a family member, you will probably experience a few conflicts with family members. You should never withdraw from the family member, this will only make matters worse. You should always try to communicate your feelings and ask the family member do the same. If you ignore the problem it sometimes grows into a bigger one, however, if you try to work through it with the family member, you may build a long lasting friendship.
If you practice these communication skills with your host family, you will find that you will feel more like a family member quicker and have a much more pleasant stay. |
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