Student Behaviour

As every parent knows, children of all ages - from toddlers to teens - tend to thrive when they are given clear parametres in which to operate.  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 child's experience.

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

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

In most cases, if a student breaks a rule, they 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 behaviour towards another student) will result in immediate expulsion, whereas missing curfew or skipping an 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 you.   

The vast majority of students have no problems with program rules. Unfortunately, we occassionally 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 your child has 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. While our programs can definitely be character developing they are not intended to shape or change the character of your child.

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 your child enjoys alcohol under your supervision in the family home, they are not permitted to purchase and/or consume it while under the care of program staff.  This will be strictly enforced.

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

Questions about student behaviour?  Call us toll-free on 1 888 386 1411