<strong>NW</strong>S STUDENT HANDBOOKDear <strong>Student</strong>,EXAMPLE PROBATION LETTERAs the Supervisor at <strong>NW</strong> <strong>Services</strong>, I am aware of the behavioral and academic problems that have developed overthe course of your exchange. I would like to take this opportunity to discuss some of these issues and explain to youthat we expect positive changes from you for the duration of your exchange. I realize that living in a new country canbe quite difficult, and you have encountered many challenges during your program. This is the reason that <strong>NW</strong><strong>Services</strong> has established rules and guidelines for its students to follow. Although, at times, you may not agree withthese rules, they are in place to help make your experience a positive one.As a result of your recent behavior, I have decided to place you on behavioral probation. This means that I will closelymonitor your progress for the remainder of your exchange. In addition, if you do not make improvements in thefollowing areas, I may consider dismissing you from program. Following are the reasons for this probation:Speaking badly about your host family.Not speaking with your host family about changing classes.Not listening to your coordinator and manager.Trying to move yourself to a Spanish speaking family.Not following the rules of the program.Not being respectful.Not participating with the host family.I recommend you review your student handbook, paying particular attention to the Host Family Bonding and Makingthe Transition from Guest to Family Member, and Chores and Household Responsibilities. Most importantly, pleaseread your handbook where it addresses your relationship with your host family, stating, "A participant must treathis/her host family with respect. Follow all rules, curfews, and guidelines established by your host family." Finally,please read where it addresses the purpose of your program.For the remainder of your program, you will adhere to the following rules: Be respectful towards all family members at all times (this family and your new family). Offer to help with household chores. Do all chores and requests asked of you. Clean up after yourself. Ask host family for permission to go places and do things. Provide host family with name, phonenumber, and activity. A written apology will be given to your host family and coordinator by April 10, 2007. A copy of both willbe given to your Manager. Listen to and obey your host family and coordinator when it comes to rules and expectations. Participate in all host family activities. DO NOT use the computer except for school work. DO NOT change classes again. Speak to your host family and/or coordinator if you have problems or concerns. Do not speak badly about your host family again. Maintain a ‘C’ grade in EVERY class throughout your program.As an ambassador from your country, it is important that you make every attempt to reach out and act in a positiveway with your family, school, and community. Actively participating in and listening to the recommendations of yourhost family will ensure that the remainder of your time here will be a positive one. A very important part of yourexchange is making friends and learning about American teens. Participating in their activities will help you have anenjoyable exchange.<strong>Student</strong>, it is important that you read your student handbook. In it, you will find that we recommend you have ONEcontact every TWO weeks with your natural family. This needs to be by phone using a calling card or calling collect.This contact includes incoming and outgoing calls. If you are unable or unwilling to follow this recommendation thenyou are telling us that you are unable or unwilling to adjust, to adapt to a new culture. Your inability or unwillingnessto follow the guidelines, to improve your behavior, will suggest that you are not capable of successfully completingyour program.We realize that things may be very different from what you are used to in your home country, however we expect youto do your best to adapt to your new life in America.If you have any questions regarding the issues discussed in this letter, please contact your local coordinator, or youmay contact me directly at 1-866-846-3977.Sincerely,Teresa KnappProgram ManagerRevised December 200958
<strong>NW</strong>S STUDENT HANDBOOK<strong>Student</strong>s who break the law are automatically subject to dismissalwithout benefit of a probation warning.TERMINATION FROM THE PROGRAMYou can be dismissed from the program for breaking any of the <strong>NW</strong>S rules orterms of participation in this handbook. You can be dismissed for not successfullycompleting your probation. You can be dismissed for any of the followingunacceptable behaviors: Persistent dissatisfaction and rudeness towards the host family. Refusal to follow host family rules regarding curfews and householdresponsibilities. Poor grades with no visible effort made to improve them. Being expelled or suspended from school. Consistent negative attitude or behavior. Violation of city, state or federal laws. Refusal to follow <strong>NW</strong>S lines of communication. Excessive gossiping that is determined to be hurtful to others.Only a few students are dismissed from the program each year. Don‟t be one ofthem. Follow the guidelines and suggestions given in this handbook and you will havea rich and rewarding experience during the program. We believe that <strong>NW</strong>S has themost supportive staff in the exchange field. After all, we have the best students –YOU!RETURN TRAVELYour airline ticket is a round-trip ticket and is an extremely important document.Keep it in a safe place. You should make a photocopy of your ticket and keep it in aseparate safe place. If you lose your ticket, the photocopy could help you replaceit.LOST TICKETS (If you lose your ticket) If your airline ticket was purchased by an agent in your home country, youare responsible for obtaining a replacement ticket. You will need to contactthe airline directly to learn their procedures and fees for replacing tickets.In the event of a lost or stolen ticket, contact your LC immediately.Revised December 200959
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