Travel Code of Conduct

This Travel Code of Conduct is designed to ensure all Fellows have a safe, stable and fun international learning experience. We always keep in mind students’ welfare, parents’ expectations of the program, and our educational goals. We expect Fellows to adhere to these guidelines. Your group leaders may modify these guidelines in order to adapt to elements of the host culture or for special circumstances.

During orientation and throughout the Program, you and your group will be staying at a hotel: However the in-country Program liaisons establish policies and guidelines in keeping with the host culture which will apply:

• During city stays, trips/excursions, and other times in public accommodations:

• During the day, Fellows must be with the group leader at all times.

• During evening hours, students must be with a group leader. (The group leader may set a curfew time if s/he feels a particular situation warrants doing so.)

General Rules
Fellows are responsible for their own behavior. The Program’s Code of Conduct has been established for our Fellows and is appropriate for their summer experience. However, a participant’s conduct must be consistent with and respectful of what is expected by host families and others in the program’s host country. The Program group itself is multicultural, so each member’s conduct must be sensitive to and respectful of all others in the group. Fellows’ conduct must reflect favorably on the Program. The following activities are prohibited for reasons relating to safety, health, and legal liability: hitchhiking, driving any motorized vehicle, riding in a private aircraft, scuba diving, bungee jumping, body piercing, and/or tattooing. Engaging in these behaviors may lead to dismissal from the program.

Note: Please also see the Conditions of Participation and the Code of Conduct below for more on the subject of inappropriate behavior that could lead to dismissal. The Program’s Alcohol and Drug Policy Program Fellows may not consume, buy, or possess alcohol at any time or for any reason during the program. Any alcohol infraction or suspected infraction while in the Program will be subject to an administrative review process. If it is determined that a violation of this policy has occurred, the result will be disciplinary sanctions, up to and including dismissal from the program. Prohibition of the consumption, possession, or purchase of alcohol is in effect for the duration of the program, regardless of legal drinking age or cultural norms/expectations. All program Fellows shall abstain from any alcohol use throughout this program and are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with this policy. Program Fellows are not permitted to buy, sell, use, or possess illegal drugs. Any drug infraction while in the Program will be considered a violation of policy and will result in dismissal from the program. While in a foreign country, US citizens and third-country nationals are subject to that country’s laws and regulations, which can differ significantly from those of the United States or home country and which may not afford the protections available elsewhere. The Program will not assist in legal matters arising from a participant’s involvement with or use of alcohol or drugs.

Conduct Procedures
While enrolled in any Program, participants are representatives of the United States and The Program at all times and must abide by the following Code of Conduct for the duration of the program. As a result, anyone enrolled in the program who engages in conduct unbecoming of a Program participant will be violating this code and will be subject to appropriate review and disciplinary sanctions, up to and including dismissal from the program. Participants and parents must acknowledge and accept that The Program has the authority at all times to establish rules of conduct necessary for the operation of the program, which includes participants’ free time. They must also agree to accept the disciplinary action deemed appropriate by The Program, which may include but is not limited to dismissal from the program.

Attendance Policy
Program participants are expected to attend all scheduled orientations, activities, and excursions. In the case of illness, it is the participant’s responsibility to notify Program group leaders. Any unauthorized violation of the attendance policy will result in disciplinary sanctions, up to and including dismissal from the program.

Technology
Program participants are expected to be mindful of the role technology plays in their experience as well as the experiences of participants, host families, and staff members. Cell phones, iPods, personal gaming devices, or other technologies that may distract a participant from group activities or engagement are not permitted to be used during those times. Group leaders will ask students to surrender technology used inappropriately and will complete behavior contracts outlining appropriate use. Devices will be held by the group leader until the end of group activities for the day. Group leaders may permit use of cell phones for academic activities related to curriculum and will notify students when this type of use is authorized.

Prohibited Behavior / Reasons for Dismissal
Violations of the Program Code of Conduct that can result in dismissal from the program include, but are not restricted to, the following:

• Violation of any of the Program Conditions of Participation including leaving the scheduled program at any time without express written permission from the program director and, because of the possible danger involved, driving motor or motorized vehicles; riding in noncommercial airplanes, any type of aircraft, or motorized motorcycle; hitchhiking; bungee jumping; scuba diving; and any other activity designated by the Program as dangerous

• Violation of the alcohol or drug policy

• Criminal behavior or violation of local laws

• Violation of host family guidelines and/or rules

• Self-endangerment, including involvement in activities/behavior that could result in personal harm, including (but not limited to) frequenting dangerous places, associating with criminals, being intoxicated, etc.

• Abusive language toward Program staff, host families, or other participants • Any form of sexual harassment

• Disorderly, indecent, or obscene conduct, gestures, or actions

• Violent behavior directed toward others

• Theft or vandalism

• Participation in strikes, demonstrations, or other political gatherings

• Property damage to any of the following: Program/partner facilities and/or hotels

• Conduct unbecoming an Program participant, including (but not limited to) violation of any Program policies Procedures for the Violation of the Program Code of Conduct and Other Program Policies In the event of a violation of the Program Code of Conduct or any other Program policies, there will be an investigation of the circumstances, and the participant(s) involved will be subject to an administrative review process.

The procedures following a violation include:
1. Incident Reporting: If a participant violates the Program Code of Conduct, the group leader(s) or in-country partner will contact the Program which will complete an on-site incident report outlining the details of the incident. Involved participants will be provided with the opportunity to give any additional information pertaining to the incident. Any additional information (police reports, photographs, etc.) will be sent to Program headquarters in Miami, Florida, for the administrative review process.

2. Administrative Review Process: The incident report will be reviewed by The Program’s directors. During this review, disciplinary sanction(s) may be taken against the participant(s). If the participant(s) denies involvement in the Code of Conduct violation, the review will focus on the available reports and other pertinent information. Participant(s) and parents/ guardians will be notified in writing as soon as possible after a decision has been reached. Disciplinary sanctions for violations are in effect as soon as the participant(s) and parents/guardians have been notified either verbally or in writing.
3. Disciplinary Sanctions: Disciplinary sanctions include, but are not restricted to, the following:

• Restitution: Charges to be paid for damages or theft

• Loss of privileges: Use of facilities, participation in activities or excursions.

• Disciplinary probation: Violation of probationary terms and conditions will result in immediate dismissal from the Program.

• Immediate dismissal: The immediate removal of a participant from the Program 

4. Consequences of Dismissal: Parents and/or guardians of a dismissed participant are responsible for purchasing a one-way return airline ticket and for covering all transportation fees to the airport for their child and accompanying Program staff. Dismissed participants are responsible for all non- recoverable costs incurred by The Program.