To: Inbound Exchange Student Jinasin Nimnuansiri
Dear Curfew,
Greetings again from Central States. You will continue to get messages from us between now and the time you arrive here in August, and we ask that you (not your parents) reply each time, so that we know it has reached you. If there is any part of these e-mails that you do not understand, please seek out someone who can help you, as they are very important.
You probably know you will be hosted in Rotary District 6290, where the Youth Exchange Chairperson is Lody Zwarensteyn (lody6290@gmail.com).
Now, here is some important information about your exchange:
Emergency Fund
You must bring an Emergency Fund of US$500 when you arrive. This money will be collected from you by your host district when you arrive, and, if used through the year, must be replenished by your parents. If it is not used, it will be returned to you at the end of the year. Some possible uses for this fund are minor medical expenses, unexpected dental work, replacement of eyeglasses or contact lenses, unexpectedly large telephone bills, etc.
Host Families
You will probably have two or three host families throughout the year, so you can share experiences with them and enjoy the differences between American homes or Canadian, if your exchange is with a Canadian club.. Some Rotary clubs will have arranged all the host families before you arrive, and, in fact, they may all be at the airport to greet you when you get here. Other clubs will have only the first family in place, and others will be lined up during the year. No matter how it works, your relationship with your host families is very important. Remember that you are not going to be treated as a guest – rather, you will be looked on as one of the family. It will be the beginning of a relationship that will probably last a lifetime!
Passport
Of course, you know that you need a passport to travel internationally, and you’ve probably already obtained yours. If you’ve had it for a few years, please check your passport expiration date. If it will expire any time while you are here, or within six months after the end of your exchange, please take steps to renew it NOW before you leave your home country.
Visits by Family or Friends
The rules and regulations of the program, which you and your parents signed, state that visits by family or friends are discouraged. We do not allow visits by friends, as this is a major imposition on your host family. However, it can be very rewarding for your parents and family members to visit you here if they can afford to do so. Please note that any visit is allowed only after March 1. This policy is strictly enforced – do not even ask if your parents or others can come visit over Christmas (or if you can go home at that time), or any time prior to the first of March.
You were selected for Rotary Youth Exchange because you are an outstanding person, more adventurous and outgoing than most teenagers, and capable of serving as an ambassador for your country. We expect that you will have no trouble living within the rules of the program, and will have a great time as an exchange student. In just a few months, you will be arriving in our area to begin this wonderful year of adventure, discovery, fun, friendship, and growth. We are looking forward to meeting you and sharing in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
(Please remember to reply to this e-mail so that we know you have received it. Thanks!)
Sincerely,
-Lody
-Lody Zwarensteyn, Chair
Ditrict 6290 Rotary Youth Exchange
3633 Cook Valley Blvd. S.E.
Grand Rapids,MI 495346
(616) 581-2261
lody6290@gmail.com