AFS Rules & Policies
Rules are important to ensure that the exchange students in Switzerland have a safe stay and to help them adjust to their Swiss family and school life.
You are expected to follow the rules of your host family and of your host school. To them, their rules might seem natural and self-evident but not to you. It is therefore important that you get to know the rules through questions and dialogue with host family members, teachers, classmates and AFS volunteers. Such discussions are not only important to avoid trouble, they are also a very good opportunity to learn a lot about the values and the beliefs in your host culture.
Furthermore, you have to respect the rules of AFS Switzerland. Students who violate any of these rules can be excluded from the program and sent home. It is therefore very important that you understand the rules and know what is expected from you.
Rules of AFS Switzerland
The rules will be discussed during the orientation camp in Switzerland, so you should seize the opportunity to ask questions if something is unclear. After the discussion, you will be asked to sign the rules to confirm that you have understood and will respect them.
- Respect the rules and guidelines from the host family and school.
- Maintain open and respectful communication with the host family.
- Actively participate in both school and host family life.
- Attend all classes regularly and be punctual, this includes the Flying Teachers courses and DaZ* (in some schools).
- Actively engage in academic activities and contribute to classroom participation.
- Commit to language progress and actively work towards improving your proficiency, achieving the required levels in the Busuu app and the Flying Teachers course.
- Respect the laws in Switzerland.
- Driving motor vehicles, hitchhiking and the consumption of drugs are strictly prohibited.
- Excessive alcohol consumption is forbidden. Hard liquor is not allowed while on the program. Never drink more than 2 glasses of beer or wine. Read and review the information on alcohol in the Safety Handbook carefully.
- It is forbidden to organize parties where alcohol or drugs are present.
- It is forbidden to organize parties in rented locations (scout's homes, etc.)
- It is forbidden to enter into or sign contracts during your stay in Switzerland (such as work contracts, mobile phone plans, rental agreements etc.).
- Exception: You are allowed to sign a contract in order to open a bank account.
- Follow the travel rules and the rules for visits from your home country as explained in the section on travel rules. Independent trips and visits from home must not interfere with your adjustment process, your obligations at school and the plans of your host family.