Dear Fellow Rotarian,

Thank you for your dedicated work for the youth of the world. By sponsoring a youth exchange student from another country you are offering them not only the opportunity to know and understand us but at the same time you receive a very worthwhile and rewarding experience.

Throughout the exchange year there are three events that the District requires the students to attend. They are: Inbound Orientation 21-22 SEP 03 in Fort Smith, Arkansas; the South Central Rotary Youth Exchange (SCRYE) Meeting 7-8 FEB 03 in Tulsa, Oklahoma; and the Rebound Orientation early MAY 03 (usually on the Buffalo River in Arkansas, date is yet to be determined).

The Inbound Orientation is for the exchange students, host families, counselors, and anyone else interested in Youth Exchange. It provides training seminars for the host families and counselors and also gives individuals a change to interact with others that have had this experience (See enclosed agenda).  This year’s Inbound Orientation will be held at the Aspen Hotel and Suites in Fort Smith, Arkansas, 2900 South 68^th Street, phone 479-452-9000.  Directions to the hotel are:  Take I540 South and take exit 8B, turn left (east), go two blocks to light, and turn right; the hotel is directly behind the Chili’s restaurant. Special rates for attendees will be available. Home hosting by Rotarians will be provided for the exchange students and is also available for attendees. Those attendees requesting home hosting should contact me NLT 17 SEPTEMBER.

This year’s orientation will be an exciting one with 12 long-term exchange students from all over the world. More information about the other two required events and other activities for the students will be available at orientation.

I am looking forward to meeting each of you at this event.

Yours in Rotary,

Mike Hulgan