AFS Intercultural Programs- New Zealand (Nga Herenga Tatai o AFS)

19 November 1996

Dear XXXXXX

WELCOME TO NEW ZEALAND! We hope you are going to have an interesting and exciting year here. Most New Zealanders are very friendly people and love to share their life with others.

Enclosed are your host family papers. We suggest you start corresponding with your host family immediately to begin the process of getting to know one another.

Also enclosed is an AFS New Zealand contract which we want you to read through with your natural parents, sign and bring with you. The purpose of this is to remind you, from the start of the year, of your responsibilities as an AFS student. Please have it available on your arrival.

Before you depart be sure you have read Haere Mai, the handbook for students being hosted in New Zealand. It has been sent to your AFS National Office and should have reached you. Bring it with you when you come as Haere Mai is especially useful throughout your year here.

Also bring a passport sized photo of yourself for an identity card which we will provide for you after you arrive. Please do not forget this photo.

Please do not bring too much luggage with you. You are expected to be able to carry your own luggage and our domestic airlines have a weight limit of 20 kgs (44 lbs). If you have flown from the U.S. you are allowed 2 pieces of luggage. AFS does not pay for any excess luggage.

On your arrival in Auckland you will be met by AFS staff and volunteers. Most students will attend a one day orientation before joining their host families. Some students may have two nights in Auckland before meeting with their host families. Some students will be collected from the orientation site by their host families. Other students will travel to their host family's home by bus or plane, usually taking less than a day. Please do not expect to make toll calls home before you reach your host family. This is because you are still "in transit".

On behalf of the National Office staff, we wish you a safe journey to New Zealand and a rewarding AFS year. We hope that we might meet you at some point during your stay.

Yours sincerely

XXXXX XXXXX

HOSTING PROGRAMME COORDINATOR