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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 Policy & Code of Conduct
ISTA maintains that it is the responsibility of visiting teachers to ensure the safety of their students if staying at a hotel during an ISTA event.
ISTA will source a hotel in conjunction with the host and based on local knowledge and online/personal recommendations/reviews. We will endeavour to always book a hotel that is clean, quiet and conveniently located.
It will be the responsibility of the visiting school to finalise their schools’ booking and pay for it, as per the instructions on the event webpage.
Hotel Code of conduct
ISTA has a detailed student code of conduct for us during our events, and these can be found above.
ISTA expects that for all hotel based events students:
- Will respect the laws, customs, culture and people where the hotel is located.
- Will respect the hotel, treat it as such and should not take part in any activities that would cause disruption/damage to rooms and communal spaces.
- Will be kind and respectful towards hotel staff.
- Will respect that other guests, many of whom will not be part of ISTA, will also be staying at the hotel.
- Will reduce noises, including but not limited to, shouting, increased volume on televisions and constant in and out of rooms with doors slamming.
- Will not under any circumstances except in exceptional circumstances and after the full permission of adults in charge, enter the rooms of other students, especially those from other schools.
- Will ensure they get plenty of sleep so that they are engaged and refreshed for ISTA activities each day. While we acknowledge schools staying in the same hotel may have different expectations regarding 'lights out' times; all schools must adhere to the ISTA policy over and above individual school policies, this is outlined in the student code of conduct above.
- Will not leave the hotel at any time unless permission is given by their teachers.
- Will not under any circumstances communicate with or invite strangers into their rooms.
- Will not consume alcohol, tobacco (including electronic cigarettes) or drugs (aside from those which have been lawfully prescribed to you in respect of a medical condition) at any time.
This code of conduct has been created so that the hotel experience is enjoyable and free from issues for all involved. We appreciate that all schools have different rules for hotel stays but it is important that this document is followed and that teachers ensure students have read and understood its contents before travelling to an ISTA event.
Guidance for Educators – Hotel Stays
- Please note that hotels are public spaces. While we work closely with hosts to book accommodations that come recommended, we cannot always guarantee the hotel's reputation or internal procedures.
Risk Assessment:
- Educators are expected to follow their own school’s risk assessment policy when staying at the festival hotel. Please ensure that all necessary precautions are taken in line with your institution’s guidelines.
Room Allocation:
- We recommend requesting rooms that are located on the same floor as your student group, where possible. This can help ensure ease of supervision and quicker response times if needed.
Student Supervision:
- We strongly advise that an educator or designated chaperone accompany the group to their rooms upon arrival and during the festival, to ensure that each student reaches their room safely.
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: August 2025
