Customs: Please instruct the students that when they go through customs upon arrival at the airport here, they will be asked THE QUESTION, by the customs officer, “What is the purpose of your stay in the United States” or something to that effect. It is very important that they do not say they are here “to study at Bethel University” or anything like that. The reason is that the customs officer will then wonder why they don’t have student visas. In the past, this meant in one case a student being pulled aside and brought into an office for a rather lengthy interrogation. So, when they are asked why they are coming here, they should respond “To do a homestay program”. Please remind the student leaders to remind the students of this just prior to landing.

Here's what will happen at the airport:

1. You arrive and walk together off the plane to go to customs.
2. When you arrive in the customs area, there are two kinds of lines. One is for Americans returning to the U.S. The other is for citizens of other countries. Signs indicate which line is which, and there are people there to help guide you.
3. The students then wait in line, with your passport out, until it is your turn to talk to an agent.
4. Then you talk with the agent, and say you're here to do a homestay program.　 

  Agent: What the purpose of your stay in the United States? 
  You: I’m here to participate in a homestay program. (Or I'm here to do a homestay program for 4 weeks.)

5. Then you walk through and go about 10 meters to carousels where you will get your suitcase. You must keep your suitcase with you until you meet your hosts. You must not put the suitcase onto the conveyer belt. That is for passengers connecting to another flight. This frequently happens because you are tired and nervous, and not paying attention.
6. The student leaders should wait until all 26 students have cleared customs and have your luggage before proceeding.
7. You will then exit the customs area, all together, with your luggage, where thy will be checked by one final customs officer.
8. Then as a group you proceed straight ahead to the exit, where you will see an escalator that goes down one floor to the glass exit doors.
9. Sharon and I, Joel and Linda, and all of the hosts will be standing there excitedly waiting!
10. The hosts will each have signs with your full name on it.
11. You will meet your host and then go home until the welcome picnic which will happen at 5:00 PM.
12. You should bring whatever you need for your culture presentation to the picnic.
13. The absolute best way and fastest way to overcome jet lag is to NOT sleep or take even a short nap when you arrive. You should try to stay awake until after the welcome picnic.