ISTA events are rooted in respect, responsibility, and cultural awareness. The following code of conduct applies to all student participants and is designed to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and enriching experience for everyone involved.
For Festivals
Student Code of Conduct
All students must:
- Respect the laws, customs, cultures, and people of the host country.
- Follow all instructions given by ISTA staff, host families, host schools, and teachers.
- Be kind, inclusive, and respectful to all participants, artists, teachers, and hosts.
- Maintain appropriate behaviour and a positive attitude throughout the event.
- Observe ISTA’s curfew: 10:00pm for high school students and 9:00pm for middle/primary school students.
- Remain with your host family (if applicable) or on host school premises unless accompanied by a teacher or given explicit permission.
- Avoid using taxis or public transport unless accompanied by an authorised adult or with prior permission.
- Never travel in vehicles driven by students of the host school or otherwise.
- Dress appropriately at all times.
- Never consume alcohol, tobacco (including vapes/e-cigarettes), or non-prescribed drugs at any point during the event.
- Treat your host family (if applicable) with courtesy and respect their home, culture, and routines.
- Participate fully, be punctual, and represent your school and ISTA with pride.
- Immediately report any inappropriate behaviour, concerns, or incidents to your teacher.
Important Notes:
- Breaches of this code may result in sanctions, including removal from the event.
- ISTA and the host school are not responsible for loss or theft of personal items. Students are responsible for their belongings.
For TAPS & FRAME Events
Student Code of Conduct
All students must:
- Respect local laws, cultures, and customs.
- Follow all instructions from ISTA staff, teachers, and venue personnel.
- Be respectful, inclusive, and supportive of all participants and staff.
- Demonstrate appropriate conduct and a positive, collaborative attitude.
- Do not leave the venue unless accompanied by a teacher or with prior permission.
- Avoid using taxis or public transport without a teacher unless given permission.
- Never travel in vehicles driven by students.
- Dress appropriately and professionally.
- Refrain from alcohol, tobacco (including vapes), and non-prescribed drugs during the entire event, including at your hotel.
- Be punctual, prepared, and committed to all sessions.
- Report concerns or issues immediately to your teacher.
Important Notes:
- Any breach of conduct may lead to disciplinary action or removal from the event.
- Personal belongings are your responsibility—ISTA and the venue are not liable for lost or stolen items.
For Hotel-Stay Events
Hotel Code of Conduct
ISTA expects schools and teachers to supervise students at all times when staying in hotels during events. Students must:
- Show respect for local laws, customs, and all hotel staff.
- Treat hotel property with care and avoid disruptive or damaging behaviour.
- Be considerate of other guests by keeping noise to a minimum.
- Never enter another student’s room, especially from another school, without explicit adult permission.
- Get sufficient sleep to be fully engaged in event activities.
- Follow ISTA’s curfew (above) and lights-out times, which take precedence over individual school policies.
- Never leave the hotel without teacher permission.
- Do not invite or engage with strangers in the hotel or your room.
- Never consume alcohol, tobacco (including vapes), or non-prescribed drugs.
Note:
This code is in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants. Visiting teachers must ensure students understand and adhere to these rules.
If you have any questions about these policies or expectations, please contact your ISTA Event Manager. Let’s work together to ensure that every ISTA event is safe, inspiring, and memorable for all involved.
Updated: 1 March 2025