Pan Atlantic Foundation J1 Student Orientation
Student Handbook
All students should have received the student handbook at their pre-departure orientation in their home country. The student handbook contains all information pertaining to the program and the Department of State regulations.
Program Rules
If you do not follow the Program Rules, your Area Representative will work with their regional director to determine the appropriate disciplinary action, which could be the following:
Warning: This can be written. We encourage you to adjust your behavior in a timely manner after receiving a warning. If the behavior continues, or additional concerns arise, a written probation may be issued.
Example: Student is staying out late past the host family curfew and receives a warning to come home on time in the future.
Probation: This is a written notice to you, the student, with clear guidelines to improve during a specific timeframe. A copy of the probation is given by the PAN ATLANTIC head Office and to the organization in your home country. This document will also be shared with your natural parents. A student can receive probation without a warning in some cases.
Example: Student is getting a “D” in a class, and is given 1 month to improve the grade
Early Termination of Program (which means being sent home early): The PAN ATLANTIC head office and the international sending partner, determine if/when a student is sent home early from the program. The final decision is not made by the Area Representative or the host family.
You could skip the warning and probation stages for drinking alcohol, using drugs or driving while on program.
Warning: This can be written. We encourage you to adjust your behavior in a timely manner after receiving a warning. If the behavior continues, or additional concerns arise, a written probation may be issued.
Example: Student is staying out late past the host family curfew and receives a warning to come home on time in the future.
Probation: This is a written notice to you, the student, with clear guidelines to improve during a specific timeframe. A copy of the probation is given by the PAN ATLANTIC head Office and to the organization in your home country. This document will also be shared with your natural parents. A student can receive probation without a warning in some cases.
Example: Student is getting a “D” in a class, and is given 1 month to improve the grade
Early Termination of Program (which means being sent home early): The PAN ATLANTIC head office and the international sending partner, determine if/when a student is sent home early from the program. The final decision is not made by the Area Representative or the host family.
You could skip the warning and probation stages for drinking alcohol, using drugs or driving while on program.
Culture Shock and Adjustment
All students adjust in different ways and some quicker than others.
Simple Safety Tips
Being an international student is an exciting experience that offers endless possibilities to learn more about another culture and yourself. As an exchange student, there will be times where you are confused by American culture and your surroundings. Please know that your host family and Area Representative are there to help you feel comfortable and “at home” during your stay.
Scenarios and Discussion
Use this handout to guide discussion about program situations and scenarios.
Travel While on Program
While you are on program, Pan Atlantic is responsible for knowing where you are. If you would like to travel while on program you just need to submit a travel request form 30 days before you depart on your trip.*
When you need a travel request form:
-If you are flying.
-If you are traveling without your host family, church or school.
-If you are traveling outside of the US or on a cruise ship it is VERY important that you submit a travel request form. There are additional steps that need to be taken so that you can re-enter the US.
Download Travel Request Form
When you need a travel request form:
-If you are flying.
-If you are traveling without your host family, church or school.
-If you are traveling outside of the US or on a cruise ship it is VERY important that you submit a travel request form. There are additional steps that need to be taken so that you can re-enter the US.
Download Travel Request Form
Community Service
While you are on program it is required that you complete 8 hours of community service per semester. Community service is any type of work you do for free to help someone or an organization.
Ideas for community service:
-School
-Church
-YMCA
-Organizations that your host family may be involved in such as Girl Scouts / Scouts
Download Community Service Form
Ideas for community service:
-School
-Church
-YMCA
-Organizations that your host family may be involved in such as Girl Scouts / Scouts
Download Community Service Form
School Safety in the USEvery school is different but most schools in the United States have implemented preventative measures and programs to help students feel safe at school. This video shows a typical high school and how they have prepared for a worse case scenario. Being proactive can eliminate risk for students and teachers.
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Sexual Harassment, Assault and Misconduct
Sextortion Crimes Affecting Secondary School Students
There is an increasing trend known as sextortion. Minors are being manipulated into sending explicit images online, followed by demands for money. This issue has notably affected several exchange students in the J1 Secondary School program.
In this scheme, a student may “meet” someone on social media who appears to be a fellow teenager but is a predator. Eventually, the predator will suggest exchanging explicit photographs or will request that the student send explicit images of themselves. If the student sends such images, the predator will then attempt to extort the student with threats to send the images to the student’s friends, family, or social media accounts unless the student agrees to pay them. Indications are that the initial payment requested can be up to $500 and is sometimes requested as an online gift card. Should a student send any sort of payment, additional payment may be demanded.
Please note that sextortion and other crimes can be reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigations by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or online via: https://tips.fbi.gov/home.
In this scheme, a student may “meet” someone on social media who appears to be a fellow teenager but is a predator. Eventually, the predator will suggest exchanging explicit photographs or will request that the student send explicit images of themselves. If the student sends such images, the predator will then attempt to extort the student with threats to send the images to the student’s friends, family, or social media accounts unless the student agrees to pay them. Indications are that the initial payment requested can be up to $500 and is sometimes requested as an online gift card. Should a student send any sort of payment, additional payment may be demanded.
Please note that sextortion and other crimes can be reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigations by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or online via: https://tips.fbi.gov/home.
Sick and need to see a doctor?- See our Student Insurance Page!
Confirmation of Completion
or scan the QR code to complete on your mobile device
