O S E A S * E U R O P E

THE OVERSEAS EDUCATIONAL ADVISER'S CODE OF ETHICS

Overseas educational advisers are responsible for the administration, delivery, evaluation of information and advising services. As professionals employed within varying organizational structures, overseas educational advisers nevertheless subscribe to th e following principles of ethical practice in the field.

Within the context of their particular professional situation, advisers should:

  • 1. Provide accurate, complete, current unbiased information to the general public at regular, specified times.
  • 2. Use office, title and professional associations only for the conduct of official business.
  • 3. Ensure that any statements of personal opinion or judgments are clearly designated as such.
  • 4. Clarify the adviser's role to all parties and limit advice to matters within the mandate, making appropriate referrals when necessary.
  • 5. Know and comply with the laws, regulations and polices of the United States and of the host country.
  • 6. Demonstrate cross-cultural sensitivity, treating differences between U.S. and country educational systems and cultures non-judgmentally.
  • 7. Respond to all inquiries fairly, equitably and professionally, respecting the confidentiality of the adviser-advisee relationship.
  • 8. Encourage advisees in an honest and unbiased manner to make a realistic assessment regarding the chances of obtaining appropriate education or training in the United States and the potential problems involves in successful personal and professional re-entry into the home country.
  • 9. Facilities, when appropriate within the scope of adviser's job responsibilities or authority, suitable academic placement, avoiding the guarantee of specific placements or financial awards.
  • 10. Refrain from giving names of advisees to third parties, such as colleges, universities or other agencies or organizations, without the advisee's consent.
  • 11. Refuse reimbursement for expenses and fees for professional services such as lectures or consultations for activities that imply endorsement of particular groups or programs.
  • 12. Decline gifts offered for services rendered, always understanding the full implications attached to such gifts.
  • 13. Understand ethical recruiting and placement practices and support only those organizations or institutions which follow them.
  • 14. Refuse payment from or contractual arrangements with receiving institutions for referral or placement students.
  • 15. Demonstrate impartiality when facilitating visits by recruiters.
  • 16. Ensure that any promotional materials available in the advising office represent accredited programs, or if accreditation is unavailable, represent programs of established quality.

    The Overseas Adviser's Code of Ethics was developed in 1987-88 by members of OSEAS, a professional interest group of the National Association for Foreign Student Affairs (NAFSA).

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