ON BEING A GOOD AMBASSADOR

As a Friendship Force Ambassador you do make a difference.  Start by making friends.  Get to know your fellow Ambassadors by name and give them all a chance to know what an interesting person you are.
Be open to other ways of thinking, living, eating, and keeping house.  Save complaints and criticisms for the debriefing.  Keep your sense of humor.  Listen and learn.  Don't tell them how we do things unless they ask.
The Exchange Directors will try to help you with any problem but they are not responsible for your luggage, passport, accommodations, or your "keeping up" with the group.  They are not professional travel agents or tour directors; they are volunteers just like you.
Do your homework on your destination and its environs.  It will enrich your journey.
Enjoy the activities your hosts plan, but be prepared to entertain yourself.  Explore your neighborhood or play with the children.  A small remembrance, gift, or gift activity that promotes interaction is a special way to share your friendship.  Bring music tapes, family photos, and postcards or a calendar of California scenes.  Offer to take your hosts out to dinner; it's an FFLA custom.
Be on time; be dependable.  We must be able to count on each other.  Think "group".  Expect the unexpected and assume not everything will go according to plan.  Be considerate of your hosts' limited resources and don't flaunt your expensive purchases.
Ask permission before you photograph anyone.  Have your photos developed in duplicate and send some to your hosts; bring the rest to the debriefing for the 'share table'.  It's a friendly FFLA custom.
When you return home, remember your new friends with a 'thank you' note and send one to the exchange directors whose work made your trip possible.  Thank you is the gift beyond price.
Finally, be yourself.  You are a caring person, interested in the world around you and they'll be glad you came.
Have a great trip and enjoy!