Code of ethics | FIDEOJOY Catholic Youth Exchange and Au Pair Network

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

FIDEOJOY proposes to live concretely the Universal Church by learning a language, discovering a different culture and sharing a common faith. It is a human, cultural, family and Christian adventure and all the participants must find themselves in this spirit.

Each participant is responsible for the success of this experience and for the good mutual understanding. For this reason, once you have made the connection and before departure, it is advisable to make your arrangements (sending emails, photos, tel, etc.) so as to create a link and facilitate the meeting and understanding between the people involved.

When you welcome someone into your family, try to integrate them as much as possible into family life (conversation, participation in family activities, meals, etc.) to facilitate their integration into the local environment (activities, outings with friends). Cultural visits are obviously also a good way to discover the country and cultural habits.

We draw your attention to the need to adapt to different lifestyles (different schedules, cooking, family habits, etc.). A few rules of good conduct promote good integration: never criticize, never make inappropriate comparisons and always leave with a positive frame of mind.

Those who participate (families or young adults) are committed to living and sharing their faith through common participation in the Sunday service and as far as possible, to other Christian activity (parish event, pilgrimage, visit of a beautiful Church, discovery of a charitable association, etc.). This commitment is an integral part of these experiences and represents their specificity. For this reason, it is advisable to think beforehand about what you wish to experience and share and to plan concretely how to organise it.

In the case of an Au Pair experience

The family and the young Au Pair agree to respect the legal conditions and customs in force in each country concerning Au Pair status: 30 hours of help per week (childcare, light housework, evening babysitting), 1 to 2 days off per week. The Au Pair is fed, housed and receives an allowance of around 70 to 100€ per week (depending on the country). It is customary for the host family to also finance at least half or even all of the compulsory language courses during an Au Pair's stay. Travel and insurance costs as well as other local expenses are at the Au Pair's expense.

Moreover, within the framework of the contacts made through the FIDEOJOY platform:

the Au Pair undertakes to do his or her best to help the host family, to respect the agreed programme and family habits, and to make himself or herself available for proposals of Christian activities that may be made to him or her during the stay.
the family undertakes to welcome the Au Pair in a family and Christian spirit, to respect the agreed programme, and to encourage him/her to live his/her faith (mass, prayer group, visit/participation in a Christian place/event, etc.).

In the case of an exchange between families

Generally speaking, the host family treats the young person who arrives as their own and takes charge of his or her expenses on the spot (accommodation, food, schooling, activities, etc.). In some cases of more expensive activities or trips, it is advisable for families to agree in advance on what is best for the student. Travel and insurance costs are the responsibility of the sending family.

The young person hosted in a family undertakes to :

To be involved in family life, to participate willingly in daily activities (conversations, activities, meals, etc.) with special attention to speaking in the language of the host country. It is of course strongly advised to avoid criticism and inappropriate comparisons and to cultivate a positive state of mind!
Respect the family's habits: meal times, laundry, bedtimes, use of the telephone and Internet, etc.
Respect the home and family possessions until the last day.
Respect the family's safety rules and avoid any risky situation: going out in bars, extreme sports, inappropriate use of the Internet or other connected objects. The consumption of alcohol and drugs is strictly forbidden. Smoking is not allowed in the host family.
The prior agreement of the host family is necessary for the organization of any event outside the family. The student must not organize an event or trip or leave the family without the family's permission.
Specific rules concerning the use of the internet, we suggest that:

Both families agree on what are their expectations concerning their own child so that the host family can make this respected.
Mobile phones should be charged at night outside of the student's bedroom, unless specifically agreed to by the host family and the student's parents.

The student must request permission to take pictures of the host family and home.
In the event of illness, the student must notify the host family. In addition, the host family must be informed of any treatment the student is taking during the stay, as well as any allergies or other health problems.

The host family agrees to :

Make the student comfortable in a separate room and show him or her how the house is run (meal times, laundry, household routines, etc.). Do not hesitate to explain the house rules to the student: bedtime, use of mobile phones and Internet, etc.
Integrate the young person into family life (conversations, activities, meals, etc.) and facilitate integration into the local environment (family or friendly activities, etc.).
Organize activities, visits, walks, etc. at least 2 to 3 times a week to allow him/her to discover your country and its cultural habits (not just shopping! All shops look the same all over the world...).
Do not leave the young people alone in front of the television or their telephone, but make sure that every day they have activities planned with other young people (your children or friends): sports activities, cinema, pizza night, board games, or an activity or visit with you, etc.
Ensure the safety of young people by avoiding any risky situation: young people left to themselves, bars, extreme sports, uncontrolled use of the Internet, etc.
Specific rules concerning the use of the internet, we suggest that:
Both families agree on what are their expectations concerning their own child so that the host family can make this respected.
Mobile phones should be charged at night outside of the student's bedroom, unless specifically agreed to by the host family and the student's parents.
Turn off your WIFI at night, if possible.
Involve the student in local Christian life by attending Sunday mass and other activities (e.g., church or charitable activities).