Passports

It isn't too early to get your passports! It will take weeks for the State Department to process your request. They have a website which can fill you in on all details you need to know, including special requirements for those under the age of 14. It is: http://travel.state.gov/passport/index.html

Visas, if needed, are included in the program cost for all U. S. citizens. If you are not a U.S. citizen please let me know right away, so the proper arrangements can be made in a timely manner. We also request you have a spare set of passport photographs and a legible copy (black and white) of your passport. We will collect these before departure, just in case any passport becomes lost during our trip; it'll make it much easier to get a replacement passport while overseas.

Also, parents might want to have an updated passport. While I have never had an emergency, and certainly don't anticipate one, if you needed to join us for any reason during our trip, you would need a passport of your own.

Paris

One of our scheduled cities, Paris, is a featured destination on the student ambassador web site. Check it out at: http://www.studentambassadors.org/ambassadorgrams/featured_destination/paris.asp

There is also a webcam site for the Eiffel Tour at: http://www.abcparislive.com/

Fund raising

Just a couple of tips on raising funds for your adventure. Remember, when you ask for something, create value for the person you are asking. For example, if you were asking a group to help sponser your trip, explain that you would give them a special presentation about what you learned when you return. Also, remember that friends and family members who might not be able to help you financially with their money, might be able to give you assistance in a fund raising activity. For example, they might not be able to make a cash donation, but might be willing to bake some goodies for a bake sale. There are a lot more tips for fund raising in your information packet. Just remember to be creative!

Congratulations

Our first delegates have been accepted! Once we have finished interviews, at the end of November, we will announce our social meeting where delegates, and their families, can meet each other and discuss fund-raising opportunities.

Welcome to our People to People group!

This is where we will be posting information, so you can check up on what is happening as we prepare for our exciting adventure.