General Language Immersion Program Rules

Each of our programs has a clear set of rules and expectations.  These rules are appropriate for the age range and supervision level of the program and are essential to the overall success of your experience.

Failure to respect the program rules could result in being expelled from the program. In this case, your parents must arrange for your immediate return home, at their expense, and with no refund.  Thankfully, this rarely happens and if you understand the importance of making good choices while away from home, it likely won't happen to you.

On the first day of the program, you will receive a full orientation from staff along with a welcome pack that includes a written copy of the rules.  It is your responsibility to make sure you understand all program rules. Staff are more than happy to answer questions if anything is unclear.

In most cases, if you break a rule, you will be given a warning by the program director.  This, of course, depends on the rule in question; a serious infraction (drug use, alcohol abuse or inappropriate behavior towards another student) will result in immediate expulsion, whereas missing curfew or skipping a mandatory activity will usually result in a warning. Minor infractions are generally not reported to us but major or repeated infractions will definitely be reported to us by the program director and we will, in turn, inform your parents.   

The vast majority of students have no problems with program rules. Unfortunately, we occasionally have a few students who struggle with the rules of the program and either ignore them altogether or resist staff attempts to enforce them.  If you have experienced difficulty with rules and authority in the past, our immersion programs may not be the best choice at this time.  Our programs are intended for students who are able to self-manage and make responsible choices at an appropriate level for their age.

An important note about drinking alcohol: In many European countries the drinking age for wine and beer is 16.  However, all of our regular teen programs (this excludes Mature Teen Programs) strictly forbid the purchase and/or consumption of alcohol for students regardless of age (this would also apply to an 18-year old who is enrolled in a regular teen program). Even if you enjoy alcohol under parental supervision at home, you are not permitted to purchase and/or consume it will under the care of program staff.  This will be strictly enforced.

Students who are enrolled in Mature Teen or Gap Year Programs (Paris, France Homestay; Malaga, Spain Residence; Florence, Italy Homestay; Rome, Italy Homestay; St. Petersburg, Russia Homestay; Kanazawa, Japan Homestay) are permitted to drink alcohol as per the local laws.

Questions about program rules? Call us toll-free on 1 888 386 1411