REGULATIONS ON PARTICIPATION AND COMMUNICATION
Policy on the Participation of Non-Enrolled Individuals
Our organization is committed to creating an enriching learning environment for participants enrolled in our cultural exchange program. To maintain the safety and well-being of participants, as well as to preserve the integrity of local host communities, we have implemented the following policy regarding the participation of individuals not enrolled in the program (including family members, friends, and other acquaintances). This policy is designed to ensure that participants can fully immerse themselves in the cultural and educational experience without external interference.
COMMUNICATION
Communication to Enhance Cultural Immersion and Independence
Communication Plan: Students are encouraged to establish a communication plan with their families before departure, agreeing on the frequency and duration of calls or video calls.
Frequency of Communication: It is recommended to limit communication between students and their parents or other family members to one call per week, lasting no longer than 30 minutes, to foster autonomy and cultural immersion.
Prohibition on Communication: It is strictly prohibited for family members, partners, or friends of the student to contact or communicate by any means with the host family, Spanish teachers, tutors, or mentors at the professional practice sites. All communication must be conducted through the local team or the relevant university department.
Communication in Emergencies: In emergency situations, immediate and unrestricted communication between students and their parents or family members is permitted. Students or parents must inform the program coordinator of any emergency situation.
Importance of Cultural Immersion: Cultural immersion is a vital part of the exchange experience. Constant communication with family and friends from the student's home country can limit the student's ability to fully engage with the new culture and society. By reducing contact with their familiar environment, students are better able to integrate and understand the customs, language, and daily life in the host country.
Use of Electronic Devices: Students are encouraged to use electronic devices responsibly and limit their use to avoid distractions from their professional responsibilities and cultural experiences.
PARTICIPATION OF NON-ENROLLED INDIVIDUALS IN THE PROGRAM
Prohibition of Non-Enrolled Individuals: Individuals not enrolled in the program are prohibited from participating in program activities, including visits to program sites, accommodations, professional practices, language classes, and social events organized by the organization, unless there are justified exceptions that are previously authorized.
Prohibition of Visits during the Program: Visits from family, friends, or other non-enrolled individuals during the program period are prohibited. Such visits are allowed before the program begins or after it concludes.
Exceptional Circumstances: Only in exceptional situations, such as serious personal emergencies or health issues, will participation or communication with non-enrolled individuals be allowed. These situations must be approved in advance and in writing by the program team.
Preparation and Pre-Departure Communication
Participant Autonomy: All participants are adults and, as such, are responsible for their participation in the program. All official communication will be conducted directly with participants, who are responsible for relaying any relevant information to their families or emergency contacts.
Role of Family Members: Family members are encouraged to support participants by helping them complete pre-departure training and reminding them of the importance of personal responsibility and autonomy during the program. Family members should encourage participants to read all provided materials and proactively communicate with the program team.
DEVELOPMENT OF INDEPENDENCE AND AUTONOMY
Emotional Dependence: The experience of living in Argentina offers students a unique opportunity to develop independence and autonomy skills. Maintaining constant communication with family and friends from home can lead to emotional dependence, which may prevent students from facing and solving problems on their own. The ability to handle challenges without immediate intervention from loved ones is a valuable skill that is strengthened during the exchange.
Encouraging Independence: Students are encouraged to resolve their problems independently and to consult program coordinators first, before contacting their parents or family members.
Guidance and Support: Program coordinators will be available to provide support and guidance to students if they need assistance with personal or academic issues.
INTERFERENCE WITH THE LEARNING PROCESS
Immersion: Constant communication with people from the home country can distract students from their academic and professional responsibilities. This can result in less participation in local activities, fewer interactions with local people, and, consequently, a less profound understanding of the language and culture of the host country.
Limiting communication with the home country gives students more opportunities to establish new friendships and connections within the host community. These relationships not only enrich the cultural experience but also provide emotional and social support during their time abroad.
Practical Recommendations: It is suggested to establish a moderate communication plan with family and friends, limiting calls to once a week. This helps create a balance between staying in touch with loved ones and making the most of the experience abroad.
These recommendations can be useful for raising awareness among students and their families about the benefits of limiting communication with the home country and how this contributes to a more enriching and formative experience abroad.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Health and Safety Policies: The safety and well-being of participants are our top priorities. We have strong procedures and on-the-ground support to ensure the safety of all participants. The accommodations and services of the program are rigorously vetted to meet high safety standards.
Emergency Contacts: In the event of an emergency, our organization will contact the person designated as the participant's emergency contact. No information will be disclosed to unauthorized individuals.
PROMOTING INDEPENDENCE
Encouraging Independence: Students are encouraged to resolve problems independently and consult the local team or program mentors first, before contacting their parents or family members.
Evaluation of Independence: At the end of the program, students' ability to handle situations independently will be evaluated as part of their overall assessment. This evaluation will consider the participants' ability to manage situations without parental or family intervention from the home country.
These clauses are designed to promote independence and cultural integration while ensuring the well-being and safety of students.
STUDENT AUTONOMY POLICY
Recommendations for Parents and Family Members: Our organization strives to provide a cultural exchange experience that fosters personal development and student independence. In this context, it is essential that parents, partners, and family members understand the importance of allowing students to manage their own experiences autonomously. The following policy addresses the intervention of parents, family members, and partners.
Student Autonomy and Responsibility: Students are expected to take responsibility for their exchange experience. Constant intervention by parents, partners, and family members can undermine this autonomy, projecting an image of dependence and immaturity to peers, the workplace, and the local community.
Impact on Perception by Peers and Tutors: Constant parental intervention in the daily life and decisions of the student can lead to embarrassing situations, making the student appear less independent. This can negatively influence how other exchange students and local friends perceive the participant, giving the impression that the student is not ready to take on adult responsibilities or handle the challenges of an international experience independently.
Handling Situations and Decision-Making: It is crucial for students to learn how to manage their own problems and make decisions independently. Frequent parental intervention can hinder the development of these essential skills necessary for adult life. It is important to allow students to face and resolve situations on their own, seeking support only when absolutely necessary and through appropriate and authorized channels.
Creation of Emotional Dependence: Excessive emotional dependence on parents can interfere with the student's cultural immersion experience. It is essential for students to develop the ability to manage their emotions and challenges without constantly relying on their families, which is an important step toward becoming responsible adults.
Avoiding Unnecessary Intervention: Parents and family members are advised to respect the student's autonomy and avoid intervening in matters the student can resolve independently. This includes limiting the frequency of communications and refraining from directly contacting program staff or the student's peers, except in emergencies.
Fostering Independence: Parents should encourage students to be proactive and make their own decisions. This not only strengthens the student's confidence but also helps them establish their identity as independent adults.
Support from a Distance: It is natural for parents to want to support their children, but it is important to do so in a way that does not interfere with their personal development. Providing emotional support and advice in a discreet, limited, and respectful manner can be more beneficial than direct intervention.
Trust: To avoid these situations and promote a positive and enriching experience for all participants, it is important that parents trust their children's ability to manage the exchange experience and respect the limits set by the program regarding communication and intervention.
It is crucial that all students and their families understand that this program is neither a vacation nor a recreational experience. Moreover, the accommodation does not offer the characteristics or services of a hotel or resort. Instead, it is a cultural experience that requires a high level of autonomy, resilience, cultural adaptation, and acceptance of different ways of life and doing things. For the success of the experience, the development of various skills is essential, such as:
• Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of others.
• Emotional Intelligence: The ability to manage one’s own emotions and relate effectively with others.
• Resilience: The ability to recover quickly from difficulties and maintain emotional stability.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust to changes and new situations.
• Autonomy: The ability to work independently and make decisions without constant supervision.
• Interpersonal Skills: The ability to interact effectively with others and build positive relationships.
• Stress Management: The ability to handle pressure and remain calm in challenging situations.
• Effective Communication: The ability to express ideas and listen to others clearly and comprehensively.
• Teamwork: The ability to collaborate with others and contribute to achieving common goals.
• Problem Solving: The ability to identify problems, analyze possible solutions, and make effective decisions.
Allowing students to manage their exchange experience with minimal parental and family intervention is crucial for their personal and professional development. This not only helps them grow as individuals but also allows them to fully integrate into the host community, earn the respect of their peers and tutors, and fully enjoy the cultural immersion experience.
If you wish to discuss an exception to these statements or have any questions regarding this policy, please contact onix@onix.org.ar