Honor Code

The Indiana University Honors Program in Foreign Languages (IUHPFL), as an "honors" program, outlines clear norms of conduct for its students to follow and relies upon the individual student's sense of responsibility and honesty to understand and abide by this Honor Code. In order for a student to participate in the program, they must agree to and abide by the following terms. The strength of the program as a whole is determined by its individual students. Pledging to uphold the Honor Code is as much a pledge to one's team as to oneself.

1. Throughout the program, students are expected to demonstrate the
   8 Core Values of IUHPFL through their words and actions:
   • Appreciation - Acknowledging the qualities and kind acts of others
   • Diligence - Focusing with enthusiasm on academic and personal goals
   • Discovery - Being open to new ways of looking at the world and oneself
   • Empathy - Choosing words and actions that express compassion and create connection
   • Encouragement - Helping others to reach their goals and to see their unique talents
   • Honor - Acting with integrity and adhering to the Honor Code
   • Respect - Treating others with dignity at all times
   • Unity - Fostering team spirit and trust
2. Students must respect the Four Pillars of IUHPFL, which make it such a unique and prestigious program for high school students:
   1. Language Commitment: The student's commitment to speak only the target language during the program, except in cases of emergency, is the first pillar and is key to his or her success.
      • Communication with U.S. family and friends is limited to one hour per week using written (typed) media. No phone or video calls (or spoken communication) is permitted, except in cases of emergency and only with instructor permission. 
      • All personal cell phones and electronic devices with Internet capability are prohibited during the program (including all smart devices, laptops, and tablets), because such use proves detrimental to the student's ability to fully immerse in the language and culture and to engage with those around them.
      • A pay-as-you-go program cell phone will be provided to each student upon arrival at the program site to be used solely by the student for local calls and text messages to fellow students, instructors, and host family members in the target language. The program will pay an ample amount toward minutes for each phone, and if a student should exceed that amount, the student is welcome to pay for additional minutes. Misuse or loss of the program cell phone will result in additional costs for the student.
      • No books or music in English are allowed during the program. If students have summer reading assignments, these need to be completed before or after the program, unless the student can acquire them in the target language. Students may also freely listen to music in the target language, as long as the listening device does not have Internet capability.
   2. Academic Excellence: This second pillar of IUHPFL requires that students give their best effort in all their program coursework, maintaining the highest level of academic honesty and refraining from academic misconduct, which is defined by Indiana University's Code of Student Responsibilities as “any activity that tends to undermine the academic integrity of the institution,” and in which human, hard-copy, or electronic resources are misused.
   3. Host Family Experience: Students are to treat their host families with respect, keep their space clean, and make every effort to follow household norms like a member of the family. Specific policies and procedures described in the Student-Guardian Handbook are designed to ensure that students have an optimal relationship with their host families.
   4. Cultural and Community Engagement: This fourth pillar of IUHPFL requires that students be excellent representatives of IUHPFL and the U.S. in their host communities. Each program site will offer several Cultural and Community Engagement Activities that allow students to engage with their host communities in various ways. Students come to understand and experience yet another later of the culture. They have the opportunity to use their language skills in new and different ways and to see themselves as members of their host communities. 

3. No Romantic Relationships: IUHPFL students may not engage in romantic relationships with anyone in the host country during the program, including other program participants at their site. This rule is in place both for safety reasons and because focusing on one person can be counterproductive to the unity of the student team, the student's interaction with their host family, and their overall learning experience.
   
   
4. Alcohol, Tobacco, and Prescription Medications: Even though the laws of other countries may differ from those of the US with regard to the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and other substances, IUHPFL students are to conduct themselves abroad as minors from the state of Indiana. This means that students are not allowed to purchase or consume alcohol, tobacco, or other substances at any time. Night clubs and other establishments whose primary business is serving alcoholic beverages are prohibited to IUHPFL students. It is also strictly forbidden to bring alcohol, tobacco, or other substances back to the US. Students may only purchase, possess, and use over-the-counter medications or prescription medications that have been prescribed specifically to them for current medical conditions, and these medications and conditions must be disclosed to the IUHPFL office before departure.
   
   
5. Risky Activities: Students are not permitted to engage in risky, high adrenaline activities or get tattoos and/or piercings during the program. Additionally, operating a car or other motorized vehicle is forbidden during the program, as is riding passenger on a motorcycle. Students are only permitted to ride as a passenger in a vehicle with an adult driver who is a member of the host family or has been authorized by the host family or the onsite instructor and coordinator team. 
   
   
6. Weeknight and Weekend Activities: It is expected and encouraged for students to engage with their host families during weeknights and weekends. During these times, students must be accompanied by a member of the host family. Any weekend travel away from the program site with the host family must have approval from the instructor team and must not interfere with classes and other program activities. Under no circumstances are students allowed to travel during the program dates without being accompanied by their host parents or program instructors.
   
   
7. Rule of Three: Depending on the program site, students may spend two (2) or three (3) hours in the town center after daily classes and activities. Whenever students are outside the classroom facility or the host family home and are not under the direct supervision of their instructors or host parents, they are required to stay in groups of at least three program participants at all times. The only exception to this rule is when students are commuting to and from classes.
   
   
8. Students are not to host or meet up with US or international friends or family while the program is in session. However, students sometimes travel with their families after the program ends. The official end date for each program is the day when students are scheduled to depart from the host country to the US; students may meet up with family members on that day or the night before after program activities have ended.
   
   
9. Honor Code, Handbook, and Orientation: Students are required to read and abide by this Honor Code, as well as the Student-Guardian Handbook. It is also mandatory for students to attend the Student-Guardian Orientation on the Indiana University Bloomington campus with their guardians before departure. Final acceptance into the program is contingent upon successful completion of orientation.
   
   
10. Terms and Conditions: Adherence to this Honor Code is of critical importance. Any infraction against it can and will result in repercussions, including communication with US guardians, disqualification from program honors, onsite consequences, and possible expulsion from the program.