General Rules & Guidelines

General Rules & Guidelines for Underage Students

We expect that all underage students observe and respect all school rules while participating in a study abroad program from Teenagers Abroad. Furthermore, students must obey all instructions given by their teachers, monitors and/or campus administrators.

Warnings will be given to students for a first offense of breaking the rules. Depending on the severity of the violation, parents/guardians may be contacted by school’s staff and will then have to speak with their child about their misbehavior. If, after the warnings, the student continues to misbehave and disobey the rules then we reserve the right to expel the student from our program and send them home at their own (parent’s) expense. In this case, no refund will be awarded for the uncompleted program.

Arrival

Students and their parents/guardians must arrange for their own travel plans to and from the program’s location. Teenagers Abroad cannot be held responsible for missed flight connections or travel delays. We are happy to give recommendations and suggestions about travel plans, if you talk to one of our representatives. Advice that we give all students is to only book direct flights to the airport closest to the school.
This makes travel and airport transfer easiest for all parties involved. Also, we ask that at least 2 weeks before the program begins that students or parents/guardians inform us about the exact travel details (arrival date/time, airline, departure date/time, etc…). Without this information, we cannot make any guarantees that the student will be picked up at the airport upon arrival.

Student Behavior

Aside from obeying all rules and guidelines set by Teenagers Abroad, students must also obey all local laws. It will not be permitted for students to use illegal drugs, smoke tobacco, or consume alcoholic beverages. Furthermore, abusive behavior will not be tolerated and students are to be courteous and respectful to the other students, staff members, and local citizens while studying in a program. Also, students are expected to attend all classes and be cooperative with teachers and monitors. Any violations of the rules stated above will result in the parents/guardians being notified and possible expulsion from the program.

School & Activity Attendance

All students must punctually attend all language courses and planned events, exceptions can be made with legitimate forewarning. As soon as the student realizes that he/she cannot participate in an event, he/she needs to contact the on-site staff. Teachers and camp monitors will be taking attendance before classes and activities, the office will be informed of all student absences. Of course, students that are sick/ill mustn’t participate in activities or class as long as they have permission in advance from the activity or school coordinator.

Leaving School Campus without Permission

The purpose of this program is to have the students live on a secure campus under the supervision of our program staff; therefore, it is not permitted for students to leave the campus without an adult escort at any time. If relatives or family members come for a visit and wish to take their child off of the campus, two days notice is required. Students will be permitted to leave the campus for authorized summer camp activities, but in this case our staff will be with the students at all times.

Exceptions can be made, as long as the proper documents are submitted and approved by the school prior to the program’s start date. In order to be granted authorization to take a child from campus, we must be given full disclosure of who is coming to visit, when they wish to take the student, for how long, where they are going with the student, etc…

The further in advance visits are scheduled, the better the chances are that the student will be available. Most of the student’s time is already accounted for through classes, activities and excursions. It is best that you contact one of our on-sight staff members directly if you wish to arrange a visit.

Phone Calls

Students will be very busy throughout the day; therefore, it would be impossible for students to be available to talk on the phone. We suggest that you set up a schedule with your child and have them call home during his/her free time. Be sure that your child is capable of using a calling card before departing for one of our language programs

If you send our school a fax with attention to your child, we will be happy to give them the message. This is done quite often by parents and the students are always happy about receiving these.

Students living with a host family are not permitted to make long distance phone calls from their accommodation. Parents are permitted to call the students at the accommodation if specific dates and times are scheduled. When calling, it is best to keep calls as short as possible.

Mobile Phones

During language classes, workshops, sports and activities, mobile phones are not permitted. Students may only use their cell phones during breaks (snack time, lunch, dinner, excursions, etc…). Students staying on campus will give in their cell phones at night and they will be returned in the morning.

Accommodations

Regardless of which accommodation choice the student makes, he/she must follow all house rules. Students should make his/her bed every morning, help keep the room neat and clean, and do their best to keep the bathroom, shower and toilets clean.

When staying with a host family, students must obey all rules and appointed curfew times. Host families will set a reasonable curfew time for students during the week and perhaps one that is a bit later for the weekends. Whenever a student wishes to leave the host family’s home, they must notify an adult family member of where they are going and when they’re coming back.

Students who wish to have guests visit them at their accommodation must have this visit approved prior to the visitor’s arrival. Permission must be given in writing by our camp staff and an adult member of the host family (if applicable).

Responsibility & Insurance

Teenagers Abroad is not liable for any losses of property on the school’s premises or at the host family accommodation. We recommend that all students enroll in an insurance plan that protects them against fees that may be enforced due to student’s non-arrival to the program, absence, or unexpected termination of the course. All valuables (jewelry, electronics, etc…) should be left at home so that there is no risk of robbery or loss. Furthermore, it is a requirement for students to have medical and personal travel insurance in order to enroll in one of our programs.

Spending Money

Each of our campus locations have a school bank, which the staff/monitors manage. We recommend that students deposit his/her money in this bank upon arrival to avoid losing it or it being stolen. Students should only have minor weekly expenses of $50 - $60. It would be preferable for students to have the local currency with them when they arrive, as it is not always simple to exchange currencies.

Our campuses may have shops or stands where the students can buy refreshments and snacks during their leisure time. If the student deposits his/her money in our bank, the school’s monitors can help control the student’s expenses. Transferring money from your bank account to ours is generally possible; however, we suggest that you do this as far in advance as possible. Transfers to a foreign country can take up to 2 weeks for the process to be completed.

Weekend Excursions & Optional Activities

The following conditions apply to students that wish to participate in weekend excursions and other optional activities: No alcoholic beverages are permitted, students must have written permission from their parents/guardians allowing them to leave the campus for the excursions, and there must be a minimum number of students interested in participating in the activity or excursion before it will take place.

Additional Sports, Activities & Excursions

Any activities that are not included in the basic camp fees must be booked by parents/guardians before the program’s start date. Once students arrive at the campus, it is too late to enroll in extra lessons or activities.

School/Camp Uniforms

At some of our locations, we offer uniforms that students may optionally purchase. Uniforms are typically a t-shirt, sweatshirt, shorts and a cap with the emblem of the summer camp. Purchasing uniforms will save space in your child’s luggage, as well as give them a great keepsake upon completion of the summer camp. The prices of the uniforms vary based on location, size and availability. In order to guarantee your child a camp uniform, payment must be received at least one month before the program’s start date.
For more information about camp uniforms, please see your pre-departure information packet.

School Waiver

There is a separate camp or school waiver that must be completed by the student and their parents/legal guardians. You will receive this waiver form, along with other necessary documents, after the child is confirmed to be in a Teenagers Abroad program.

Contact us with any further questions about our rules and guidelines.

Teenagers Abroad - Parent Zone

Teenagers Abroad - Teen Zone