Dear FIUTS Friends,

As the academic year winds down, we at FIUTS have much to celebrate?record membership numbers, energetic new staff members, and the dedication of hundreds of student and community volunteers. Many thanks for the tremendous gifts of your time, talents and treasures as we celebrate our world?s diversity through cultural exchange and international friendship.

The joy of FIUTS is that each day we share the gift of friendship--the gift of the host meeting a weary student at the airport--the fun of camp and boat cruise during orientation--the amazement of a child?s eyes learning about culture from a FIUTS student. Joy, Family, Friendship. Those are the sentiments I hear most often from students, alumni, hosts, and volunteers when they talk about FIUTS. Join me in helping FIUTS share the gift of international friendship. Your financial gift ensures FIUTS can continue to offer these life-changing experiences.

Warmest thanks,
Carolyn Ho
Acting Executive Director

Elena Stavrevska
Home Country: Macendonia
Major: Exchange Student, Open Society Institute

When I first came to the University of Washington, I felt lost and a bit scared of the new environment. The first people I met were those attending and leading the FIUTS orientation program. Those were the people who made me feel welcome. By organizing so many fun activities, FIUTS made that transition look so smooth and easy.

FIUTS became an indispensable part of my life at the UW. It is a big family where international ?siblings? support each other. I?ve had a blast by joining this extraordinary organization, by making friends with both Americans and internationals, and by having the time of my life, all at the same time. Thank you FIUTS!!!

Adi Salehuddin
Home Country: Malaysia
Major: Aeronautics & Astronautics, BS 2004, MS 2006

FIUTS has been my family in Seattle, a family that now spans across the globe. Having never been to Seattle before coming to the University of Washington, I got off the plane not knowing anyone in the city and with no place to live! However, the staff and volunteers at FIUTS made my transition to life in Seattle amazingly easy and enjoyable, and for this I will forever be indebted to them. They truly made me at home within the FIUTS family. Through FIUTS I have had the wonderful opportunity to meet both domestic and international students, which provided me with a glimpse of the diverse cultures of the world. This invaluable interaction has allowed me to better understand the cultural differences among us, an understanding that has changed the way I look at the world. FIUTS may have big dreams, but is definitely on its way to achieving them!

Membership Hits Record High!

Student/Scholar Membership has hit all time records with 682 members this academic year! Over the past three years membership has increased over 20% each year.

Hosting Corner

The FIUTS Homestay Program is busy gearing up for Fall quarter. During August and September, FIUTS matches a large number of Homestays and Friendship Connections. Most students arrive in early September and stay in homestays for 3-7 days.

Looking for a shorter option? Host an English Language Program (ELP) student over Labor Day Weekend! This one-weekend homestay option is a great way to meet interesting students from Japan, share in cultural exchange, and enjoy seeing Seattle together. September 2-4, 2006.

Know someone who would be a great Host or Friendship Connection? Email homestay@fiuts.org for application and program information.

Check out the Spring Host Bulletin Now

A New Era Comes to FIUTS!

FIUTS is pleased to welcome Era Schrepfer as our new Executive Director. A Minnesota native raised in Seattle, Era holds a BA in Anthropology and Certificate in Non-Profit Management from the University of Washington. A former Peace Corps Volunteer in the Dominican Republic and Managing Director of the Northwest Bookfest, she brings strengths in non-profit management and a passion for international understanding. Era will join the FIUTS team in late May.

Longtime FIUTS staff member, Carolyn Ho, will be leaving FIUTS at the end of June to join her husband as he begins his Foreign Service career with the Department of State. Their first post will be in Moscow, Russia. Carolyn has served as the Manager of Education Outreach, Manager of Student Programs, and most recently as the Acting Executive Director. Carolyn looks forward to visiting FIUTS alumni around the world as she returns to life overseas.

Welcome Era & Bon Voyage Carolyn!

Spring Potluck & Annual Meeting

Thursday May 4th, 2006
6-8:30PM
Waterfront Activities Center
Bring a Dish to share and an appetite for this international feast! For more information, email info@fiuts.org