RYE - Olivia Barnes to Switzerland

Over a day that left us brain dead from information overload, inbound and outbound students from Districts 9500 and 9520 heard of experiences from previous RYE participants.

Tim Geerharts, Principal of TERRA AUSTRALIS TOURS P/L gave a presentation about the travel arrangements for the trip, including visa and flight details. After explaining that the students will be going from out hot summer into  a cold and snowy European winter with temperatures below freezing, Tim challenged the students to take only half of the 20kg allowance knowing that they would most probably have to purchase a new wardrobe suited to the cold when they arrive at their various destinations. He also told the students not to get too stressed out by the inevitable 5-7kg weight gain they would all experience as a result of the generous inclusion in the lives of their host families.

Following a lunch of self-made chicken & salad wraps RYE Outbound Coordinator, Helen Gooley, spoke about the importance of the details covered in the Long Term Outbound Student Manual covering the Do's & Dont's and procedures to be followed by all involved. To much laughter and some groans the Five major rules of Rotary Exchange were highlighted - No drugs; NO drinking; NO driving; NO dating; NO decorating (tattoos & piercings).