Central Okanagan International Education Policies

For a complete copy of the Intenational Education Policies, please view the PDF document below.
Program Rules and Regulations
The International Student Program is an educational program based on daily life in a Canadian family, school, and host community. Its purpose is cultural exchange, which requires the willingness to become involved with a new culture and to adjust to different lifestyles. Students who participate in this program are Ambassadors of their own countries and do their best to represent their homelands with dignity. All participants and their natural parents or guardians must read the following rules and regulations carefully and agree to abide by them.


SECTION 1:
Any infraction of the rules below will result in immediate dismissal from the International Education Program in School District 23 (Central Okanagan) and termination of the Study Permit/Temporary Resident Status as a Visitor.
1. International Student Program Students must abide by all Canadian laws.
2. It is against the law in Canada for high school students under the age of 19 to buy or consume alcohol. This law also  applies to all International Students.
3. The use of drugs for non-medical reasons under any circumstances is strictly forbidden.
4. Students are not permitted to purchase, carry, or use firearms under any circumstances.
5. Students are not permitted to hold part-time jobs. An International Student who accepts paid employment is subject to deportation. Students are, however, permitted to perform small jobs such as baby-sitting, grass cutting and newspaper delivery.
6. Students are not permitted to drive while enrolled as an International Student.
SECTION 2:
Any continuous failure to abide by the rules of the International Education Program or The District code of Conduct may result in probation and subsequent dismissal from the International Student Program and termination of the Study Permit/Temporary Resident Status as a Visitor.
Any disciplinary action will follow these guidelines:

Step 1
If one of the rules below is broken, the student will be told verbally and written documentation of the conversation will be provided to the student, the International Education office, the homestay family, the local guardian and the parents.

Step 2
The second time the same rule is broken, the student will receive formal written notice that the rule has been broken. International Education, the homstay family, the guardian and the parents will also receive the same written documentation. A plan of action will accompany the formal written notice. This plan of action will outline the consequences to the actions as agreed upon by the school district, the student, international education, and the guardian.

Step 3
If the same rule is broken a third time it will result in immediate dismissal from the International Education Program in School District 23 (Central Okanagan) and termination of the Study Permit/Temporary Resident Status as a Visitor. There will be no refund of fees.
Rules for Participation in the International Education Program
1. The legal age for buying tobacco in Canada is 18. Smoking at home is allowed only with the permission of the Homestay parents and written permission by the legal parents. Smoking at school is permitted only within the guidelines established by School District 23 (Central Okanagan).  
2. Students must always be aware of their responsibility as International Students and make a determined effort at school, with their Homestay family, and in their host community.
3. Students must attend school daily unless sick and under a doctor’s care, or with special permission from their  Homestay parents. Students must arrive at class on time. Students must carry a full course load and complete all homework and assignments on time.
4. Students are not permitted to hitchhike.
5. Students are not permitted to visit such places as pornographic shops, adult theatres, drinking establishments or any websites related to pornography. Child pornography is a serious criminal offence in Canada and any student charged and convicted of this offence will be liable for immediate deportation or prison.
6. Students must show respect for their Homestay families and act as a responsible member of the family.
7. Students must abide by all Homestay family rules and must voluntarily help with household chores.
8. Students must respect the privacy of their Homestay families and not talk about their private affairs with others.
9. Students are not permitted to change Homestay families and schools without permission from the International Student Program.
10. Students are allowed to travel only if:
a. accompanied by a responsible adult (25 years of age or older)
b. a Permission to Travel form has been signed by the student’s parents
c. the Homestay family and custodian approve the travel
d. the trip does not involve missing any school (with the exception of a school sponsored trip)
SECTION 3:
Other guidelines to consider:
1.  Students should make every effort to communicate in English.
2.  On special occasions (Christmas, birthdays, etc.) the student’s priority must be to spend this time with their Homestay family.
3.  Students must pay promptly for all long distance calls made. Prepaid phone cards are the best option.
4.  If parents and friends are visiting the student during the study period, the Homestay family is not expected to provide accommodations.
5.  No student may enter into any contractual agreement, be it business, marital, or religious, while participating in the School District 23 (Central Okanagan) International Education Program.
6.  It is the responsibility of all students to cooperate with these School District and Homestay rules, regulations, and guidelines. This is to ensure their own safety and well-being.
7.  Students are encouraged to ask the Program staff and/or Homestay families to explain the rules and regulations if they do not understand them.
TERMINATION FROM THE PROGRAM:
Any student who fails to comply with School District 23 (Central Okanagan) International Education Program rules and regulations or School District code of conduct and policy may be terminated from the International Education Program and sent home. All costs for any expenses involved in doing so will be the student’s responsibility and no refund of the program fees will be issued
Payment of fees indicates that International Students, Parents, and Custodians understand and agree to follow all rules, regulations, policies, and codes of conduct of Central Okanagan International Education and School District 23 (Central Okanagan).