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Write to companies and local, state, and federal government agencies for pins, flags, maps, etc., of your home-country.

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Obtain banners from your sponsor Rotary club.

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Attend a club meeting of your sponsor Rotary club.

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Gather slides of your home, school, family, and friends to take with you on your exchange.

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Learn as much as possible about your host country before you go (customs, currency, climate, voltage requirements, geography, government, history, language, etc.).

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Write to your host family, counselor, and club before you go.

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Send articles to your school and local newspapers to tell them about your upcoming trip. You may put up your personal Webpage

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Review political situations, industries, and populations in your home country and community before you depart (for example, take a tour of a local industrial plant, business, newspaper, radio station, law-enforcement agency, etc.).

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Make a list of goals or things you want to accomplish during your exchange experience.

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Bring thank-you notes with your country’s flag or a picture of the scenery or a national monument. Your thank-you notes will be appreciated by Rotarians who take you places, and they are a nice souvenir to remind them of you and your country.

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Bring a few native gifts for your host families. Make sure that you choose items that are non-breakable and can pack easily (perhaps tea towels, pins, or calendars).

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Bring an address book. Have “business” cards printed with your picture to give to all of the friends you meet while on your exchange.

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Get in touch with former Youth Exchange students or community members who have lived in your host country.

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Discuss with them what you need to bring, things you may wish to see, and other relevant issues.

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Make two photocopies of your signed passport and of your plane tickets. Take one copy with you (keep it separate from the originals) and leave the other copy at home with your parents. If either document is lost or stolen, the photocopy will assist you in replacing the item.

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Make a list of everything that you put in your suitcase. Keep this in your carry-on bag. This will help you if your bag is lost or stolen en route.

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Take a picture of your luggage and carry the picture with you.

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Put unique identification marks or tags on all your luggage. Many bags look alike.

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If you wear glasses, bring an extra pair. If you wear contacts, bring glasses and your prescription.

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Bring a camera and some extra film. Make sure your name is on your camera and camera case in a way that it cannot be removed.

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Do you have your passport and visa?

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Have you made your travel arrangements?

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Have you corresponded with your host club and host family?

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Have you made any language preparations? Do you have a bilingual dictionary and language tapes? Can you introduce yourself in your new language?

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Have you prepared your slides and/or photos for presentation? Take 20 or 30 good pictures of yourself, your family, school, local sights, etc. Have you rehearsed your presentation?

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How are your parents going to send you money? Do you know the exchange rate?

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How will you handle initial homesickness and loneliness?

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What gifts will you take for your host families and people who become special to you?

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Do you have your “business” cards and thank-you notes?

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What questions are you going to ask of your host family upon arrival? Do you have your “Sample Questions to Ask Your Host Family”?

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Do you have your sponsoring club banners?

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Have you done your homework on your new country — its history, geography, politics, neighbors?

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Have you made all of your insurance arrangements? Have your parents signed the necessary release forms?