Arcata, CA, student to travel to Ireland on AFS scholarship
Claire Monge received a $7,500 scholarship to participate in a 3-week summer program to Ireland with AFS. The senior at Arcata High School in Humboldt County was selected, in part, due to the strength of her application essay entitled, “What it Means to Be a Global Citizen.” Aside from a short visit to Canada, Claire has not ventured outside of the United States, but that has only added to the excitement. “I’m an adventurous person,” said Monge. “I like eating all kinds of different foods and I’m looking forward to everything.” Read more at the Times-Standard.
Valencia Family to Host AFS Exchange Student from Mongolia
An AFS Host Family shares their excitement as they prepare to host their fourth AFS Exchange Student during the upcoming 2019-20 program cycle. The Tuncans, who live in Valencia, California, will play host to Munkh-Erdene from Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia. Host parents and siblings alike see the benefit in participating cultural exchange program. “Host siblings Justine and Kaya can’t wait to meet their new brother,” said Sarah Freifeld, an AFS volunteer. “They know the positive impact that hosting an exchange student has on families and want to continue making these personal connections with people around the globe.” Read more at SVC News.
Culture difference: Housatonic High and BL long way from Iceland
AFS Exchange Student Mikki from Iceland has thrived as a student-athlete at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Connecticut. In the fall, he joined the school’s football squad, marking his first official foray into the American sport; in the winter, he participated on ski team activities; and he is currently a member of the track and field team. Making lasting connections with his friends and host family has been worth the challenges he will face back home, where he will be one school year behind his peers. “When I go back to Iceland I will have to do my second (of three years) of high school while my friends will be doing their third, but it has been worth it to be here,” said Mikki. Read more at The Zone: Republican-American Sports.