LAST MINUTE INSTRUCTIONS:

1.  Make sure both your host counselor and your first host family have your itinerary.

 2.  Keep all of your important documents (Passport, Rotary Guarantee Form, DS2019, Sevis I-901 Receipt and Insurance ID Card) in your carry on luggage and with you at all times.

 Prior to landing, a flight attendant on board your airplane will distribute:

.  A Customs Declaration Form

.  An Arrival-Departure Record Form (I-94)
 If you are unsure how to fill these out, ask the flight attendant for assistance.

 Upon arrival at the Port of Entry (the first U.S. city you arrive in) proceed to the terminal area for arriving passengers and have these items available:

.  Passport

.  I-94 Form (given to you on the plane)
.  Customs Declaration Form (given to you on the plane)
.  Envelope from the consulate which includes your DS2019

You may be asked, "Why do you wish to enter the United States?"
Your response should be "I am a Rotary Exchange Student and will be attending school for a year in Missouri".
(You may be asked to show your Guarantee Form.)

You may also be asked, "Where will you be staying and what school will you be attending?"
You should be prepared to give the name of your first host family and your school.  (All of this is on your Guarantee Form.)

You may also be asked who your local Rotary Youth Exchange program representative is.
You should respond with the name of your Counselor.  (also listed on the Guarantee Form.)

I doubt that you will need it but, just in case.......Our Rotary Youth Exchange Program Number is P-3-04516.

After your interview with the immigration officials you will receive:

.  Your DS2019 stamped for a J-1 Visa and a stamped I-94 inserted into your passport
Keep these items with your passport at all times.  (MAKE SURE NOT TO MISPLACE YOUR I-94 as you will need it again to exit the US at the end of your exchange.)

(You MAY be fingerprinted or have your picture taken.  Do not be alarmed if this happens, as this is a RANDOM procedure.)

Once you have "cleared customs" you will need to pick up your luggage and re-check it for your connecting flight(s).  There will be a place nearby to do this and there will probably be several airport personnel available to assist you.  If you are confused, ask for assistance.  Tell them: "I just arrived on (Delta, United,Air France, Lufthansa,?) Flight # _______from _______________ and need to recheck my bags on __________ Flight # ________ to St. Louis (or Kansas City or Springfield) "  Someone will assist you.  Once you have done this go immediately to your next boarding gate.  Again, if you are confused, ask someone to point you in the right direction.

 BRAVO!!!!! You've just made it through the most challenging part of your journey!!!!!  Next.......

3.  Make sure you know who is meeting you at the airport and how you will identify one another.  Do not assume that you will recognize one another from pictures.  Have a SPECIFIC plan.

4.  Make sure you have phone numbers of whoever is meeting you.......just in case you miss a connection or need to get in touch.  Make sure you understand how to use our phone system....i.e. what numbers to dial when you are making a call.  If you miss a connection, DO NOT PANIC!   You WILL eventually get to your destination.  Ask airline personnel for assistance. MAKE SURE YOU NOTIFY WHOEVER IS MEETING YOU AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!!!

 5.  PAY ATTENTION to connecting flights.  If you miss a flight due to your own  inattention, the airline may require that you purchase another ticket. YOU DO NOT WANT THIS TO HAPPEN!!!!   If you miss a connecting flight due to flight delays or something beyond your control, the airline will rebook you on the next available flight.  Again, DO NOT PANIC, but do make sure you notify whoever is picking you up at the airport.

 6.  Make sure you understand the airline's luggage weight and size requirements so that you do not end up paying additional fees for overweight or oversized luggage.   Take a picture of your luggage and make a list of what is in each bag. (in case anything gets lost in transit)  It is a good idea to somehow mark your bags for easy identification....like... tying brightly colored ribbons on the handles or affixing easily identifiable stickers of some sort on the bags.  (You would be surprised how many bags look just the same when they are revolving around the baggage claim carousel.)

7.  Contact your parents as soon as possible after you have arrived to let them know that you "survived" your trip and are "safe and sound".  Ask them to contact your District Youth Exchange Chairman so that he/she also knows you have arrived safely.

Finally........ENJOY THE JOURNEY.   You are about to begin the most exciting adventure of your life!  And, rest assured, all of us involved with the Rotary Youth Exchange program here in Missouri will do our best to make sure this happens!

Please let me know if you or your parents have any questions or concerns.

In the Spirit of Rotary and Peace and Understanding,

Stephanie Sherman

District 6080 Youth Exchange Chairman