The programme differed from the previous years in that it was held over two days instead of three. This enabled the scholars to spend the whole of Sunday with their hosts and travel to their university.
 
Hosts from 23 clubs across District 1090 volunteered to look after the scholars. Most of the scholars appeared to have already arrived in the UK for orientation weeks at their univeristies, but a handful of scholars arrived with very big suitcases! The scholars were then entertained by their hosts for the evening, with a number of clubs organising events specifically for the scholars.
 
Saturday brought a welcome from the RIBI President Jim Moulson and District Governor Laurie Cunningham, and presentations on Foundation and how to make a presentation to Rotary clubs. Former ambassadorial scholar Lisa Morris, and current research scholar Cristina Bucci, also gave the scholars some insight into their obligations as ambassadors for their countries.
 
The second half of the morning included a breakout session where scholars could compare how their host districts got involved in Foundation programmes. The guest speaker, Professor Paul Madden, Provost of Queens College Oxford, then enlightened the scholars on the different approaches to higher education in the UK.
 
The cultural element of the programme was covered by tours of soem fo the Oxford colleges in the afternoon, with a barn dance in the evening, complete with a fish and chip supper. A good time was had by all as everyone got involved in the dancing!
 
Feedback from all participants over the weekend was very positive and the scholars proved to be an inspiration to all the Rotarians who met them.
 
My personal thanks to all the speakers, committee, scholars and hosts who made this a weekend to remember.
 
Katy Goodey, 2010 Link Weekend Coordinator, Rotary Club of Oxford Spires