Welcome

We hope you are excited about coming to California. We are very proud of our state. It is beautiful, and a fun place to live. But, it is not like life on television or in the movies! Most of our small towns are quite conservative, with most activities for teens based in homes, schools and churches. There is little night life geared for teens, and very little public transportation. But, our students have found it quite enjoyable spending time getting to know people - and the beauty of the surrounding area.

About the Area and Weather

The Steinbeck Coast Area encompasses a large geography from Santa Cruz to Salinas, Monterey and Carmel, over to Gilroy and down to King City. It is a very unique area, primarily hugging the Pacific ocean on the central coast of California. Our area is perfect! We have mild weather, clean air, friendly people, a safe environment and an excellent standard of living. We are an area of mostly small towns and small cities with populations ranging between 3,000 and 25,000.

The weather in our region is moderate all year. The coastal cities have temperatures ranging from lows of 50 degrees Fahrenheit to 80F (10-27 degrees Celsius). In the mountains, the temperature during winter nights can be below freezing. When you arrive in August, it may be very hot in the inland towns. We have a dry heat, with low humidity, which makes it more comfortable. It almost never snows here and rain falls primarily between November and March. The ocean temperature is cold all year long (50 -60 degrees F or 10-15C) and wet suits are used for ocean sports.

Clothing

Central California is casual and comfortable. Students wear casual clothes to public schools, although private schools may require students to dress up or wear uniforms. Shorts and jeans are common for both boys and girls during warm weather. most schools will have guidelines (dress codes) which state what types of clothing are inappropriate. Less casual clothing will be needed for special events or religious services. Because it is typical to have 20-30 degree changes in temperature in a day, we all wear layers of clothing - so make sure you bring sweaters or sweatshirts.

Bring a warm jacket with you for the winter!

Your Host Family

Host families vary in their income. Your host family wants you to become part of the family, and will provide for your basic needs. Typically, they will not provide you with extra money. You will be expected to use your own money. You can set up a bank account while you are here or use an ATM card to access the money you need.

Each AFS host family is different. Some host families are traditional with a mother and father. Some families will be a single parent (either mother or father). Some families will have other children or young adults living at home and in other families, there are no children. In most families, both parents have jobs and are away from home during the day. Usually the children are expected to do chores, such as dishwashing and keeping their bedrooms clean. Each family has different rules about chores, being away from the house, and when and where and with whom you can go out. Americans feel that rules are a way of showing they care. Rules are not a sign of lack of trust! You may find parents here more strict than your natural parents.

All American families will ask where you are going at night. This is an important rule that applies to both boys and girls...regardless of age!

School

In our area, students attend either public or private schools. Schools will accept AFS students based upon their strong academic record and the assurance of the local volunteers that the student will participate both academically as well as in extra-curricular activities. Some schools will allow you to earn a California diploma...but most do not! The private schools will give AFS students a scholarship to attend. Tuition fees can cost most students thousands of dollars! You must work hard so that we can continue to send AFS students to these great schools!

Most AFS students will attend Public schools with an attendance of 300 - 2,500 students. You may find our schools easier academically than your home country schools - which is why we expect you to get very good grades! Your school may also have other exchange students and an International club. Please make an extra effort to meet American kids and get involved in sports, music, or in some of the many clubs on campus.

Smoking & Driving

California has some of the toughest laws regarding smoking! Smoking is not allowed and is not legal in any public building. This includes schools, especially, as well as in most homes. Also, our area can be very dry from May-October so fire danger is high. We do not allow smoking at any AFS activity.

You are not allowed to drive any motor vehicle while you are in the US. So, you will be dependent on others to get you where you need to go. Public transportation is limited, but try to use it when possible. Be considerate about letting your host family know in advance that you will need a ride.

Travel, Trips and Phone Calls

AFS is not a travel program, a tourist program, or a vacation. It is an intercultural living and school experience. While some families may take their AFS students on trips, others may not. You are here to experience US family life. Therefore, adapting to your host family's life is very important. You and your parents must observe the following guidelines:

• You may not travel on your own or with other young people without a chaperone.
• Do not plan a trip to visit family members living in the US until at least halfway through the year. You must receive permission from AFS first.
• Any trip not with your host family MUST be approved by AFS as well as your host family. Your natural parents must sign approval too. Some trips like this may not be approved.
• We strongly discourage your natural family from visiting you here. Absolutely no visits from friends. Visits often interfere with your adaptation and break the bond you are developing with your host family.
• You need to limit your phone calls and emails to or from your family. They may make you homesick and slow your learning of English.