Dear escort and cadets from USA, Belgium, Nether-lands, France, Finland and Hongkong, we like to say "bienvenue en Suisse".

The organisation of this year' s event was pain-staking, mainly due to political, economic and administrative reasons. You all remember the September 11 attack on New York and Washington. This cruel act put the whole exchange at jeopardy for a while at least. You all hear the sad reports from the Israeli-Palaestinian conflict. This resulted in the canellation of the exchange with Israel due to inherent risks for the cadets. You may have heard of the bankrupty of our proud Swissair and the turmoil at the financial markets. This situation did not make it easier to organize this event.

Nevertheless and despite the difficulties the Gruyere soaring club , the AeroClub of Switzerland and the Swiss Air Force have put together a program which should give you an insight into Swiss Aviation, Swiss culture, Swiss outdoor activities and Swiss family life. We wish you a happy stay, an unforgetable experience and hope you will generate many lasting friendships. I am sure that your youth and vigorous life energy will let you discover whats all behind the country with the white cross on red ground.

Welcome to Switzerland and the Gruyere region, a land of cheese, chocolate and cows. Switzerland should not only be seen through these stereotypes. You will discover fantastic landscapes during your land trips, and from the air on the flying days. Switzerland is also a high-tech country, and many of its corporations are among the world's leaders in their field. In Switzerland, eating and drinking are national pastimes: you will discover various regional dishes and will not fail to partake of our top-notch white and red wines. It is a land of hospitality. The team that is preparing this exchange will spare no effort to ensure that these two weeks remain etched in your memory.

The Gruyeres soaring club has put together a varied programme, blending culture, factory visits, flying activities, sport and leisure. We will endeavour to let you discover a pleasing Switzerland, with its great quality of life. The Gruyeres soaring club wishes you a pleasant stay among us.

Special Thanks to our sponsors