There may be times when unsolvable problems arise, a student becomes too distressed for the exchange to continue, or a student breaks the agreed-upon rules. In these cases, the host Rotary club may decide that it is best for the student to return home early. While this is a difficult decision for a Rotary club to reach and students will naturally be anxious about the reactions of family and friends at home, it is usually in their best interest. In these instances, it is vital that students and Rotarians cooperate and keep the lines of communication open. The host and sponsor clubs/districts, Rotarian counselor, host family, and student’s family back home should all be kept fully informed of the circumstances surrounding an early return. The host Rotary club and the student’s family should establish a mutually agreed-upon route for the student’s return home, before his or her departure.
Discipline Process
Goal: To provide a discipline process for students and Rotarians.
Understood: It is understood that rules and expectations are clearly communicated at both inbound and outbound orientation training. To ensure compliance with those expectations, regular contact between the student and host club is required. Additionally, regular check in with the school and host families will confirm that expectations are being met and students are on the right path to success.
Rotarians involved with YE realize that many students have challenges. Many are able to work through these and finish the year fully embracing the opportunity. They are wonderful ambassadors of their homes and Rotary. Their positive interactions with host families, friends, at school and with all others result in trusting supportive relationships.
However: Rotarians also receive students whose attitudes and behaviors present major challenges. Sometimes the student is ill suited or unable to adapt despite best efforts to support. It’s unfortunate but appropriate for early and firm intervention up to and including the possibility of an early return. Using a soccer analogy, we categorize yellow card or red card behaviors. With the yellow card the student is put on notice that their behavior is unacceptable and must change within a certain time frame or there will be consequences. With the red card, the behavior is so serious that it warrants an early return home.
Yellow Card Behaviors
These behaviors are problematic but don’t warrant an immediate early return. At risk situations can be completely turned around when identified and properly dealt with in a timely fashion
- Disregard of host family rules
- Inappropriate computer content/usage
- Smoking/vaping
- School related attendance/lack of effort
- Romantic relationships
- Disrespectful behavior
- Natural parent/family interference*
- Borrowing money/failure to repay debts
- Bullying
- Too much time spent in isolation
- Lack of effort at relationship building
- Lying with host family, counselors, others
*If this issue has resulted from misrepresentative communication between the student and parents
After confirming that the problem is not solely the result of language, intervene at the earliest possible opportunity with a documented oral warning or as appropriate a written warning. The written warning in the form of a Behavior Contract needs to be clear, concise and acknowledged by the sponsor district, student, natural parents, host club/District Chair/ Country Officer /District Governor.
Red Card Behaviors:
These are behaviors that are totally unacceptable and warrant an immediate return home after consultation with the sponsor district. Examples might include:
- Driving any motorized vehicle
- Sexual assault or molestation
- Illegal possession, distribution, use of drugs
- Conviction of any criminal offense
- Illegal possession, distribution, use of alcohol
- Impregnation/pregnancy
- Expulsion from school
- Serious violation of Host District Travel Policy
- Sexual relations
- Under the influence of drugs or alcohol
(Note: Some behaviors may be viewed more or less seriously dependent upon the cultural mores and laws of a host country. However, a consistent participant experience throughout the program would be a worthy goal.) An early return is not taken lightly as it has a lasting impact on all concerned, however with some students, it is unavoidable.
Steps to Eliminate Problem Behaviors:
Rotarians support participants’ success in many ways. They realize that young people make mistakes or are challenged at certain times. Patience can be appropriate, however, ignoring or treating problems lightly can delay redress and have undesirable consequences for all.