One of the most important and difficult parts of any exchange experience is coming home. In order for an exchange student to successfully incorporate the experience into their lives and continue their relationship with YFU, a Re-Entry orientation is crucial. This year the National Alumni Council is spearheading an effort to make American Overseas (AO) Re-Entries happen in as many locations as possible across the country. This month a few of our members have spoken out on why they feel AO Re-Entry is important.

A Field Manager’s Viewpoint:

"We held our first AO(American Overseas) Re-Entry nearly 3 years ago. The response from the alumni has been amazing. Before our first AO Re-Entry no alumni were participating in volunteer activities in the North Texas area. Now, 90% of our AO interviews are done by alumni, 6 have actively participated in peer support, several others have acted as international student "buddies", and 3 have become area reps. Alumni have contributed valuable insight at Pre-Arrival, Post-Arrival, & Mid-Year orientations. Alumni have also been organizers and presenters at international student Re-Entry, and AO summer and winter Pre-Departures. None of this would have happened without the fall Re-Entry for American Overseas students.

It is important that the staff of South Central be recognized for their support. The entire regional staff has attended every Re-Entry. Ken Taylor and Annette Miller organized alumni training, including peer support and presentations at our Spring Conferences, and created a Regional Alumni Award for our region. We continue to have great expectations for the region's alumni as more and more alumni become active volunteers.

As a field manager of a large geographical area, I find the alumni invaluable. And all I had to do was ask! Once the alumni knew what needed to be done they were generous with their time. And no one cares as much about the international students and American Overseas students as the alumni."

Jan Burwell
Field Manager

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