High School in Oregon Creates a Monument to Peace
Nine exchange students at Roseburg High School helped raise a “peace pole” in the school’s courtyard to monumentalize her time as a foreign exchange student. In all of their native languages, the words “May peace prevail on earth” appears on the pole. One of the students, Maham Yaseen, was a Pakistani scholarship recipient of the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program. Roseburg’s principal Jill Weber lauded the school’s embrace of exchange students, noting that “our students get to learn about other cultures without leaving home.” Read more at the News-Review.
Two Students Hosted in Pennsylvania Reflect on Year
Two exchange students who attended Hempfield Area High School reflected on their exchange year in the United States. The students, David Mrva Slovakia and Sanad Saad from Libya, discussed challenges of returning home and expressed interest in returning for educational opportunities in the future. Read more at the Trib Live.
New Perspectives Formed in Massachusetts
When exchange student Anton from Belgium arrived in Wellesley, MA, he expected to eat fast food daily and to encounter other stereotypes associated with life in the United States. Instead, he discovered that American lifestyle was more complex that what his preconceived notions led him to believe. he also developed a close relationship with his family. “My host family has treated me like one of their own children and their welcoming attitude and infinite generosity is not taken for granted,” Anton said. In turn, his family says they are “thankful for all the love and laughs Anton brought into our home and look forward to our life-long connection.” Read more at the Wellesley Townsman.
Minnesota Family Hosts Two Exchange Students
The Moore family took in two exchange students this year: Hussaina from Nigeria and Mariem from Thailand. In all, counting parents Dana and Heather, children Foster, Lydia and Cady, and the two AFS students made seven in the house. The Moores recommend hosting to any family interested in learning about another culture. “It was a very positive process,” Heather said. “Our kids had the chance to see what life was like with older teenagers. It would be worth trying again when they’re are about the same age as the students we’d host.” Read more at the Marshall Independent.