Program Policies
Alcohol & Drug Policy: Alcohol is NOT allowed at any time during the program even if you are of legal age. Furthermore, in the United States it is against the law for those under 21 years of age to buy or to be served alcohol. Additionally, no illegal drug use – including marijuana – is permitted during the program.
Smoking Restrictions: Smoking is NOT allowed in most indoor areas. You may only smoke in designated areas. Ask the Program Director or the Bay Area Coordinators places where you can smoke.
Overnight Stay Policy: You are not allowed to stay overnight off-campus during the program unless you are visiting family/relatives living near Stanford University and your time away from the program will not affect attendance at required activities. If you will be staying off campus, you will need prior approval by the program director and sign a release form.
No Weapons: You will NOT be permitted to use weapons of any kind while on the program.
No Car rentals: You will NOT be permitted to rent a car during the program.
Smoking Restrictions: Smoking is NOT allowed in most indoor areas. You may only smoke in designated areas. Ask the Program Director or the Bay Area Coordinators places where you can smoke.
Overnight Stay Policy: You are not allowed to stay overnight off-campus during the program unless you are visiting family/relatives living near Stanford University and your time away from the program will not affect attendance at required activities. If you will be staying off campus, you will need prior approval by the program director and sign a release form.
No Weapons: You will NOT be permitted to use weapons of any kind while on the program.
No Car rentals: You will NOT be permitted to rent a car during the program.
Emergency Information
Safety Concerns: Stanford University is a very safe location. However, criminal occurrences are frequent in many U.S. cities, and tourists may be targeted. Students should take precaution with their bags and valuables at all times. It is best to walk in pairs or groups and keep an eye on your surroundings. In the event of a natural disaster or other emergency, the program director will issue instructions for the health and safety of the group. You will be given a card of emergency contacts when you arrive.
Health Concerns: All participants are required to purchase travel health insurance for the duration of their stay in the United States. Health care is extremely expensive, and a one-night stay in the hospital can cost $10,000 USD or more. Please choose your health insurance policy carefully, and read all limitations or instructions for filing before coming to Stanford. There are no current health concerns for travel to California. As a traveler, however, students may experiences jet lag, culture shock, or homesickness. The program director is available to discuss any concerns you may have about your health or the health of other participants.
Emergency Contact: If your cell phone does not work in the United States, it will be difficult for your family to call you from Asia. It is best for you to call them from America. If a family member needs to reach you, they may call the VIA office +1-(650)-723-3229 or send a fax to +1 (650) 725-1805 ONLY IN AN EMERGENCY! This is not a social message service for students.
They can write to you, but remember that letters take 7-10 days to reach California. Mail sent after mid August might not reach you before you leave. Please provide your friends and family with this information.
Mailing Address:
YOUR NAME, XSEL Program
VIA
PO Box 20266
Stanford, CA 94309 USA
Family can also reach VIA at [email protected]. This email is also to be used ONLY IN AN EMERGENCY!
Health Concerns: All participants are required to purchase travel health insurance for the duration of their stay in the United States. Health care is extremely expensive, and a one-night stay in the hospital can cost $10,000 USD or more. Please choose your health insurance policy carefully, and read all limitations or instructions for filing before coming to Stanford. There are no current health concerns for travel to California. As a traveler, however, students may experiences jet lag, culture shock, or homesickness. The program director is available to discuss any concerns you may have about your health or the health of other participants.
Emergency Contact: If your cell phone does not work in the United States, it will be difficult for your family to call you from Asia. It is best for you to call them from America. If a family member needs to reach you, they may call the VIA office +1-(650)-723-3229 or send a fax to +1 (650) 725-1805 ONLY IN AN EMERGENCY! This is not a social message service for students.
They can write to you, but remember that letters take 7-10 days to reach California. Mail sent after mid August might not reach you before you leave. Please provide your friends and family with this information.
Mailing Address:
YOUR NAME, XSEL Program
VIA
PO Box 20266
Stanford, CA 94309 USA
Family can also reach VIA at [email protected]. This email is also to be used ONLY IN AN EMERGENCY!