of classes at their college. A J-1 visa holder remains in valid
status for up to 30 days after the last day of classes. This
exact date will vary by college, but will typically be around
early to mid-July.
Under US immigration laws, YFU cannot grant waivers or visa
extensions to students holding J-1 visas. Students attending
college on a J-1 visa must return to their home countries
within 30 days of program completion in order to comply
with their visa’s two-year physical presence requirement.
The organization will not participate in the investigation of
visa extension or issue a “no objection” statement unless
there is demonstrated evidence of a medical or special
emergency requiring such an extension.YFU students
holding F-1 visas assume responsibility for maintaining valid
visa status should they decide to continue their education
in the USA after the YFU program ends. YFU will not provide
assistance on visa issues to students who elect to stay
or return to the United States independently of the YFU
Community College Program.
Health
All YFU students must have a physical examination before
coming to the United States. A YFU Health and Dental
Certificate is required in the application.
Some students are accepted with minor health problems,
such as allergies, if their conditions will not prevent them
from having worthwhile exchange experiences. YFU will
advise each host family of any special medical problem a
particular student may have before the family agrees to host
the student.
Immunizations.
The availability of specific immunizations varies around the
world. In the US, immunization requirements differ from
college to college. If a student arrives without the shots
needed to officially enroll or participate in sports activities
at the college, s/he must get the shots soon after arrival.
The cost of immunizations is the student’s responsibility.
Insurance.
All YFU college students are insured. Students are covered
by medical insurance from the date of their arrival in the
United States until June 30th or December 31 (for Spring and
Winter departures, respectively).
Copies of the basic insurance information, claims sending
procedures, and claim forms are sent to each YFU partner,
international students, and Campus Coordinators. Host
families can obtain this information from the Campus
Coordinator.
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The host family and student should read the information
carefully. The policy has definite limits and exclusions.
Host families are encouraged to help their YFU students to
understand clearly what is not reimbursable and, therefore,
the student’s liability. The YFU college student, however,
is ultimately responsible for filing claims and for all nonreimbursable costs.
In filing a claim, the claim form should be completed with
all required information. All papers (the original physician
and hospital bills, prescription receipts, etc.) should
be submitted with the claim. Bills must state diagnosis,
treatment, and charges. If the bills have already been paid
and reimbursement is being requested, include the receipt.
The claim form is mailed to the claims administrator,
not to YFU. Keep copies of all claims and related
documents.
Medical treatment (including emergencies).
Before a student arrives in the USA, YFU obtains written
permission from the young adult student (co-signature by
natural parents) to get emergency medical attention if it is
needed (Health and Dental Certificate). YFU, the community
college, its representatives, and host families are not
responsible for a student’s medical bills, no matter who
signs a hospital admission form, or for any negative results
of emergency treatment. For more details, host families
and students should refer to the current insurance policy
regarding emergency medical attention and coverage.
Legal Status
A YFU community college student is subject to the national
and local laws of the United States of America. Neither YFU
nor a student’s embassy or consulate can arrange free legal
advice, provide bail, or get him or her out of jail.
Marriage
Married students are not permitted on the YFU program. If
a YFU student marries while on-program or is discovered
to have married before becoming a YFU participant, the
student will be immediately dismissed from the program.
YFU will establish departure dates and specific travel
itineraries for students found to be married.
Natural Disasters
In the event of any natural disaster emergency, students
should call his or her natural parents as soon as possible
to relieve concerns about safety or to notify them of any
arrangements to provide emergency services to students.
YFU also asks the host family and student to contact the
Campus Coordinator as soon as possible to report their
status.