ERDT/SHARE! Scrapbook
E-mail from a Student...I really live like
in a dream!!
Everybody is very friendly with me. They even sometimes try to speak slowlier,
and they always want to know a lot of things about our "so" small country,
which is only known here for his delicious wafels...!!!
And I'm already very busy! Between the soccer team, the cross country team,
with which I've my first meeting tomorrow(and that makes me very happy. I'm
very exciting!!), the footbal team of my high school, and a lot of different
visits of the state with my hostmother, who is everytime so nice with me...
Here I don't see the time!!! It goes to fast!! I'm already here since one
entire month now, and I don't realize!
Thank you so much for everything you did and do!!
Sincirely yours,
Aline.
ps: the trip in New York was also really funny! I'm very happy to have seen
this big city whitch is so different. I've a lot of souvenirs of these three
so beautiful days! I want to say to all the members of your team a big THANK
YOU for that!
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Great Lakes Student Post-Arrival "Overnight"
Orientation
We went canoe/kayaing on a Saturday, on an very cold day in Michigan. Five of
the students experienced a "wonderful WET day" the
rest just the wonderful day on the river. All said they had a great time, even
though it would have been nicer to "overturn" on a 90
degree day instead of a 60 degree day. Then we had a cookout and went to
Ludington to see Lake Michigan. I'll try to get you some
pictures from the beach too. After that we went back to the church we were
staying at and held our "official" orientation meeting. It
was a long day, lots of fun and getting to know each other, and 22 very tired
students by bedtime.
These pictures show "why we do this"!!!!!"
Leona J. Mast
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Received from Baptiste
Delvalle a 06/07 student placed in Brenda's area. He
wrote to ESFA (sending organization) about his fabulous year in the U.S.
I would like to thank you for your fabulous work. Thanks to you, I had an
experience that I will remember for the rest of my life.
I not only went to the United States; I was also perfectly placed. You took
very good care of me until my departure for America, and I know that, while
I was gone, you watched over me the best you could from Lyon.
As for the organization with which ESFA is associated in the USA,
ERDT-SHARE!, it couldn't be a better choice. Thanks to this successful
alliance, I was superbly helped and I was able to participate in a number of
activities and trips.
In short, thank you infinitely again and always continue to do this perfect
work. Continue to make people happy.
Baptiste Delvalle
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Read these heartwarming essays written by students in the Northeast Region
for the 2007 "Host Family Of The Year Award."
#1
Simply because they are my American family
My host family is not a regular American family.
When other people would have just considered me as a visitor, they treated me
as an authentic member of their family. When others would have been angry at
my habits, they tried to understand me. When others would have let me
get lost in the great America, they helped me and explained me the way
everything works. When others would have let me alone, they spent some
time with me.
My host family is not a regular American family.
For almost a year we shared our lives. For almost a year we shared our meals.
For almost a year we shared our laughter, happiness, problems, and help. For
almost a year we shared each others.
My host family is not a regular American family.
For the past ten months I have never felt homesick. Why? Because I was at
home, because my host family is more than that: they are a family. People who
share love and compassion: we are a family.
For being more than just a group of friends somewhere in the world, for giving
me a place in their heart as they have one in mine, my American family
deserves all the praises, all the rewards, all one can give them.
#2
Everything this year has been about me in my new American family. When I
arrived here back in August, and my host family picked me up from the airport,
I would never have thought that these faces that welcomed me so cheerfully
will really become my second family. The year has been a rollercoaster of
emotions. Whereas my friends have changed several times, my host family has
always stayed the same great, supporting, and reliable constant that helped me
to get over my first frustration and troubles in the US. From the beginning of
my exchange year until now, my host family has done everything to make my year
very special for me. They have accepted me as a new family member, and because
of this my year abroad has been the most awarding experience I have ever had.
Therefore, I believe that my host family should be awarded the Host Family of
the Year Award, because they have made all the difference for me this year.
When I look back on my entire year with my host family, so many memories are
filling my mind and I will never forget any of these events, because they are
just carved so deeply into my heart. Thus, I will never forget anything we’ve
experienced together. They have shown me the American culture in every way.
Among these ways there are of course American cooking, language, family
activities, going out for dinner, playing board games, and spending time
together, and talking about cultural experiences and differences between my
home country and the USA.
There are no words to describe this unselfish hospitality, and endless support
that I received from my host family. When I think about my departure, I feel
very sad of leaving my new family, and the thought alone pulls my heart apart;
I will literally be heart-broken. Despite the dreading that I feel when I
think about my departure date, I know that this will not be the end of my
relationship to this amazing family. I will always have a second family on the
other side of the world, and I will never forget my time with them. I love
you, and I’ll always have one half of my heart beating for you.
#3
The last eight months have been eight of the most amazing
month I have ever lived. Living with two wonderful people like them has been
a gift to me. For that, I cannot be thankful enough. I thank my
American-Family so much for making this year the experience of a lifetime.
Trying to let me live this year to the fullest, they gave me their love and
concern, they made me smile and built me up, they gave me a hug when I needed
one, they surprised me everyday with something new and showed me life from a
different perspective. My Host dad with his passion to scare people to death,
made me jump more than once and I’ll probably wait forever for him, to come
out from behind a corner, back at home. All the time my host mum and I spent
together on shopping-tours, at nail-appointments or wherever we went together,
I would not wanna have missed. I just cannot tell them what they really mean
to me but they are two of the most special people I have ever met. They
affected me in a way that I would never have imagined. Especially through
their passion for people who are in need of something, their complete devotion
towards them and being a friend to them, they affected me in a way I do not
wanna trade for the world. I thank them both so much for all the memories
that I am about to take home with me. (I am sure many will follow, since they
already plan to come visit me)
They are not just my “hostfamily” anymore they are my
American Family!
I am gonna miss them way too much!
#4
I thought I could never come
And this year became awesome
When my little plane landed
I was exhausted
And I kept asking
“When are we eating?”
I was living in a very little town
And with my dad, we were riding bike around
My sister’s kids
were awesome
They questioned me about where I come from
I started playing different sports
And, of course, I had some fans support!
And, against all odds,
I got to meet Jeremy Todd!
I had the opportunity to go to Blufton
But, unfortunately, to meet Simon…
Then came the holidays
Bringing with them a lot of buffets
First was Thanksgiving
The time when I was overeating
On December 25th
I discovered Christmas wasn’t a myth
And I loved Valentine’s Day
I received a rose and the school had a delay…
Sometimes, my host mum and I went shopping
And found a lot of
clothes for the spring
Then we headed up
to the Golden State
The time when I put
on a lot of weight
After was the
vacation to Tennessee
Where I didn’t have
time to watch TV
This describes my year here
And soon, I’m going to disappear
I just want to thank you
And I’m not kidding, it’s true!
But, don’t worry, I’ll be back
And before we start crying,
let’s have some
snack!
#5
My hostfamily has been really special for me. I really
appreciate everything they have done for me. I went with them on a cruise to
Mexico and the Caribbean. It was my first time on a cruiseship, and my first
time in Mexico. It was just a great vacation, not only because I got out of
school for a week ;-) !! We went on a day trip to Washington DC. I saw so many
new things, and I never thought I would ever see the white house right in front
of me, real, not on TV! It is just amazing! Our 3 day trip to New York was even
better. We went to New York for my 17th birthday. We saw the statue of liberty,
and went to the empire state building. We were not planning on seeing a broadway
show, but since it was my birthday my hostparents made it possible for me, to
see "Mamma Mia!". It was such a great experience. I'm really fascinated. Even
our "little trips" to the movie theater or to the bowling alley were always a
lot of fun! And also a big THANK YOU for introducing me into scrapbooking. I
made 3 huge scrapbooks. It costs a lot, but it is worth it. I love to scrapbook!
It is now one of my favorite things to do! It will be a great memory, as
well! I'm also thankful to introducing me to, now one of my best friends here!
She doesn't go to my high school, but she has a horse and I love horses
and horseback riding. Through riding her horse, we got to be good friends. We
are now doing so many different things together. And it is always a lot of
fun. If my hostparents would not have introduced me to her, I wouldn't be able
to ride here. I would've missed it a lot. I don't have any hostsiblings. I was
really concerned about that, at the beginning. I thought I will miss my brother
even more, and it may be boring once in a while. But it worked out really well.
I had a lot of fun with my hostparents, so I am glad that I don't have to
"share" them with any siblings ;-) ! I am thankful for every little bit they
did for me, they showed me so many different things in this great country, and
showed me a whole different culture. I learned so many new things and had so
many different experiences, which are unique and unforgettable. This
was an amazing year, the best year in the last 17 years!!!!!! I
can't say THANK YOU too many times! It is just indescribable! I don't find any
words to summarize what I experienced here and how to thank everybody,
especially my hostparents, who made this possible for me! I had such a great
time, in such a great country! I could go on like this forever....
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!
#6
My year with my host family
The question is whose
host family should be the award winner of the 2006/2007 year? I want to nominate
my parents and their two dachshunds for the “Host Family of the Year” award.
They are the best family a student could have. The time, the generosity, and the
effort they put into this past year was remarkable and they have earned my full
respect, admiration, and love.
My
host mother never had her own children, nor any first hand experience in how to
live with a teenager. She mothered me heartily when I was sick or just did not
feel well. She had an open ear for any kind of conversation and the advice she
gave me was most helpful. She and I traveled to Texas, which definitely counts
to one of the best journeys I made. We made a road trip from Dallas to Austin
and San Antonio and saw magnificent places. He took me to the “Renaissance Fair”
in Lancaster. We all went to New York City twice and sighted museums of art and
nature, the Statue of Liberty and Ground Zero. Our road trip to Niagara Falls
was another memory, which I will treasure. On the way, we visited Frank Lloyds
Wright’s “Falling Water”.
But it was not only the
trips that made my family wonderful host parents. I enjoyed many activities and
the time we spent together at home.
Not all these
adventures and experiences, which my host parents have given me along the way,
can be measured in money. I will repay them with gratitude from my heart and
with the true love; I will give them the rest of my life. I am showing my deep
appreciation by submitting this application and describing my famil for the
second Annual Northeast Region Host Family of the Year Award. Their selection as
the Northeast Region Host Family of the Year would be a well-deserved honor and
give them as well as me, much pride.
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37 International Exchange Students
visiting Minnesota and Iowa Sing For Peace At Mt. Vernon Baptist Church
Chicago, IL – November 5th, 2006 – 37 international high school students
visiting Minnesota and Iowa on an academic exchange program will be
performing a choral piece during Sunday services at this week at Mt. Vernon
Baptist Church in Chicago, IL.
For several years Dee Petersen, Minnesota and Iowa Regional Administrator for
the SHARE! High School Exchange Program, has been
bringing exchange students on a November weekend excursion to Chicago. A Sunday
morning visit to Mt. Vernon to hear African-
American gospel music has long been a popular tradition for the students. This
will be their first year of participation in
services, performing “Let There Be Peace On Earth,” which was taught to them by
Petersen and the “Ring Around The World”
Handbell Choir of the Aldersgate United Methodist Church in St. Louis Park, MN.
In the spirit of cultural exchange Reverend Shelby and the Mt. Vernon gospel
choir hope to visit Petersen’s community in the coming months.
The SHARE! High School Exchange Program was founded in 1974 to promote mutual
understanding between people of different cultures.
Approximately 600 students per year arrive each August and January to live with
volunteer families and attend local high schools for the
academic year or semester.
For information: www.erdtshare.org
Contact: info@erdtshare.org
Phone: 1-800-314-3738
# # #
Mt Vernon Baptist Church
3555 West Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60624
Ph: 773-638-7720
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| Herzlich willkommen in
Amerika Flour Bluff welcomes their German exchange students
|
 |
| By Lily Morris |
Moritz Stedtfeld (left), Almudena
Spinner (middle), Matthias Senft (right)
have quickly become friends. |
| Imagine
signing up for a foreign exchange student program not knowing where to go or
who to befriend. Traveling thousands of miles halfway around the world to
another country takes guts, and Flour Bluff High School is very fortunate to
have three students from Germany who have done just that. Meet Matthias
Senft, Moritz Stedtfeld, and Almudena Spinner, who Flour Bluff is more than
happy to have as foreign exchange students this year.
Matthias Senft is seventeen years old and from Munich, Germany. This
being his first time to America, he says it is very different from Germany.
“I like it here, it’s cool. The beach is fun. There are mountains in
Munich, and my friends and I snowboard every weekend,” Senft said.
Moritz Stedtfeld, known to many as “Mo”, is also seventeen years old and
was born in Bonn, Germany, which is about 5 hours away from Munich. He has
already been a foreign exchange student twice before this, once for two
weeks in England and once for two weeks in Paris. Stedtfeld and Senft did
not know each other before coming from Germany, but have gotten to be great
friends.
“I met Matthias here, we are friends now, we get along great,” Stedtfeld
said.
Both of the boys’ mothers offered them the opportunity to try a foreign
exchange program.
“My mom had the idea for me three years ago to come to a foreign country
and she talked to an organization,” Senft said.
Stedtfeld’s mother also offered him a chance to come to America.
“My mother offered [for] me to go to America because she did it when she
was my age. She went to Wisconsin,” Stedtfeld said.
Almudena Spinner, another foreign exchange student from Hamburg, Germany,
has lived there for 16 years. She has visited San Fransisco and Hawaii on
vacations, but this is her first time to be a foreign exchange student.
“A lot of my friends planned to be foreign exchange students and I looked
on the internet for an organization [to go with],” Spinner said.
All three of these students are fluent in many different languages. Where
as school in America focuses on learning at least one other language than
English, school in Germany is clearly very different from school in America.
“It [school] is shorter and you have more subjects that switch every
other day,” Stedtfeld said. “There is no lunch at school because we get out
at one. School is divided into three different schools, one for the smart
students, one for the kind-of smart students, and one for the not smart
students. Our school ranges from fifth to thirteenth grade in just one
school.”
Spinner learned English in fifth grade.
“I also speak Spanish, French, and German,” she said.
To these students, the kids here, aren’t very different from the kids in
Germany.
“Everyone is friendlier here, but basically, it’s the same,” Stedtfeld
said.
Spinner doesn’t see that much of a difference either; kids in America
have the same kind of outside-school lives as the kids in Germany.
“There isn’t a big difference, the kids here are much louder, but it’s
not that big of a difference. On the weekends I hang out with friends, go to
the movies, to parks to have bar-b-cues, the same as people here,” Spinner
said.
There is one big difference though between the sports in Germany and
America, because, the American sport is football.
“I play soccer here, and in Germany. I play tennis in Germany but not
here because I’m taking drivers ed in the afternoon after school,” Senft
said.
From speaking with these students, it seems soccer would be the German
sport.
“Everybody plays soccer in Germany. They play tennis too, a little bit of
basketball, and no football,” Stedtfelt said.
Leaving for a year is tough and most could probably not imagine to just
leave for that amount of time to go somewhere that is unfamiliar.
“It is kind of hard to make friends. Everyone is nice but it’s hard to
meet them after school,” Spinner said. “I have a younger brother and sister
and I do miss them.”
Senft thinks it is easier to just not talk to his family that frequently.
“I talk to them at least once a month. It’s better to not talk to them a
lot so I won’t miss Germany,” Senft said.
To be a foreign exchange student must be an experience not forgotten, and
Flour Bluff is thrilled to make it a memory for them forever.
Top
|
Jojo Chan, Burcu Erker and Zolton Leipan at:
Hamilton High School (Sussex, WI)
Newspaper link to Acrobat PDF-file.
Top
2007 Northeast Region Halloween Party, submitted by Brenda Hornberger (Regional
Director)
"Boot Camp '06," the Southwest Regional
Meeting at
Garrett Creek Ranch in Paradise, TX, January 2006
Terrell Harris, Exchange Program Coordinator (EPC) in Texas:
My one HFV (Host family visit) that was rather humorous. Visiting with one
family I noticed they were all boys. The family was interested in hosting a
boy. The only "problem" occurred when they showed us his room. It was
painted bright pink and had pink and red curtains with hearts all over them.
The mom explained that they intended on having a girl but it never happened.
Anyways, they painted the room and the boy is really settling in.
Carol Duerksen, Area Coordinator (AC) in Kansas:
GABI
Sweet sixteen
beautiful Swedish girl
we greeted you at the airport
with a stuffed rabbit
and drove you to our Kansas farm
welcome
we hope you like it here
Sweet
But not so
Innocent
Oh the talks we had
About guys
Late into the night
And on that long bus ride to New York
Who learned more
you or me?
Sweet
to see you flying
down the country road
atop Story, the Thoroughbred mare
You and horses
A love affair
We loved to see
Sweet
Sad goodbye
June airport day
You holding your rabbit
All of us holding on
For dear life
Hoping not to get washed away
In the tears.
Sweet
Sixteen years later
Smiles and hugs in Sweden
Beautiful little Swedish girls
Välkommen
We hope you like it here.
Oh Gabi
Who could have dreamed. . .
Cindy Burgess, EPC in Texas:
A World of Fun
Going places, meeting new faces,
The fun never ends with Share.
Living and learning has its rewards,
So host an exchange student if you dare
We party often, have family fun days,
And make every moment count,
Good times to be had, its like a new fad,
You'll meet new students and tout.
They bring so much to your family tree,
Like culture, traditions and food,
They take nothing for granted, are sincere and sweet,
They can even put you in a better mood.
They all give you more than you give them,
They re terrific in every way,
The time goes fast, much too quickly
In fact, you ll wish they could extend their stay.
So spread the word, and tell your friends,
To share their hearts and their home,
Cuz theres a world of kids to be had
And Texas is where they should roam.
Connie Heckman, EPC in Kansas, about Kansas Regional Administrator, Kathy
Allen:
Kathy Allen is a friend, mentor, and the best state administrator in our
organization who my family, including our exchange students past and
present, think is a very special person.
Kindhearted
Affectionate
Trusty
Helpful
Youthful
Adoring
Loving
Loyal
Empathic
Nourishing
Thanks
Lisa Booth, EPC in Kansas:
Speaking of Share-ing the Love, I must say that we always feel well loved by
our State Regional Director, Kathy Allen!
We have placed students in Kansas for 9 seasons now. Kathy is always there
for us. We have called her both day and night and know that we will always
hear a kind, gentle, wise voice on the other end of the line.She has
celebrated with us and cried with us.She is truly a wonderful friend and
great "Leader"!
We are blessed to be with such a wonderful organization.� We have traveled
abroad, made many new friends and have sons and daughters of our own halfway
around the world. We have learned so much from each and every Exhange
Student that we place each year. They are all treasures to our family. We
began hosting in 1998 because our son married and his three year old little
sister was mourning for her brother to come back home. That was just the
beginning of this awesome journey.
Thank you to all of the wonderful staff at Share who are always there
encouraging us along the way.� It fills our hearts with such joy to be apart
of this endeavor with you!
We look forward to many more years of learning about our world with you by
our�side! ��
Cynthia Kehoe, EPC in MO:
Good Morning! I am new to ERDT/Share! so not sure how good this story will
be.
I contacted the central office in December 2007 to inquire about becoming a
coordinator. I was made to feel very welcome and appreciated. The people I
talked to treated me with courtesy and respect, and I felt very comfortable
to be starting with ERDT/Share!. I spoke with Mari Karlsson and Bruce
McKinstry, they have both been very helpful with getting me started and some
quick training help on the phone.
I dropped into the central office last Friday to introduce myself in person
and was met by very friendly helpful staff.All my questions were answered
and helpful.
I have been spreading the word about ERDT and proudly finding Host Families
for the wonderful students. I made my first placement last week, and have a
couple more good leads.
Lisa Drees, EPC in Ohio:
He walks off the plane
Mesmerized by the scene
He's a little unsure
This international teen
Our smiles are welcoming
Our arms outstretched
He takes it all in
As our families are meshed
Pointing out places
Along the route home
Not sure if he understands
Or if his thoughts roam
He brings with him a magic
A world of unknown things
We accept each others differences
And whatever they may bring
The days go by quickly
And comfort soon sets in
The kids all get along
And we learn to love his grin
Home life is important
Friendships, they are too
I can't believe he's leaving soon
There's still so much to do
Sharing our love
As we have so much
Is a wonderful gift
And we'll always stay in touch
I write this as I have two students living in my house who are so different
in nature, yet so loving and wonderful. I will also be visited in May by a
student we had three years ago and in June by a student we had two years
ago. Both boys have already been back once and are visiting again to see us
and see how much the children have grown. Moritz came back the last time
just to be here when my youngest was born. He already writes that he can't
wait to see him again.
Top
Hello Kelli,
Sam and his mum called into the EIL office on Monday to feed back on his year at
Ronald Reagan High School in Texas.
He had a wonderful year. When he came to see me last year, he was quiet, and a
bit unsure, and not particularly ‘connecting’ with his teachers at school in
England. He is a completely different person now. He looks quite a lot older,
he is SO self-assured, and just couldn’t stop talking animatedly about the
friends he’d made, the teachers, the classes etc. What a transformation!
He had plenty of praise for everyone at ERDT, but in particular Tina (local
coordinator), who he said was absolutely brilliant, and a good friend to him.
I don’t always get to meet our volunteers and High School students face to face,
as they live all over the UK and we often have to use Local Reps to meet them.
It was truly wonderful for me to get to see the marked difference the year over
there has made to Sam. I felt really proud of him, and he’s not even my son!
Many thanks you and the team.
Ann
Ann Pritchard
a.pritchard@eiluk.org
EIL Great Britain
287 Worcester Road
Malvern
Worcestershire
WR14 1AB
Top
High School Final Evaluation Comments -2007-2008
Season
"Very engaging student, extremely kind,
courteous and outgoing - a wonderful student."
"Christoph was a
pleasure to have at our school. He fit in very well with our student
body."
"Julia was a great
addition to our school!"
"All outstanding"
"Makoto was a
delight to have in our school!"
"Verena was
fabulous!"
Mira was the finest student I have had, and
the most kind exchange student as well!
We enjoyed Jennifers stay at Crestwood. It was a positive experience for
her as well as for us.
It was a pleasure to have Ludovic experience our schools
culture for the year!! He is a fine young man!
Formerly, I was the director of bands at Maysville and
enjoyed the opportunity of working with Simon. He was extremely involved
with all aspects of the school community, even earning a trip to the state
music festival! Thank you for allowing our school to host Simon. We look
forward to working with you in future years.
Kudos
From Our Overseas Partners For the 2008-2009 Placement Season
Subject:
Wahooo!!
Hi
Julia,
Just
calling
to
let
you
know
that
all
of
your
students
are
now
placed!
We just
placed
Pujan,and
we
will
have
the
placement information
to
you
ASAP. Yay!!
Take
Care, Carly
Hi Carly,
That is so great, thank you!!! I`m very much looking forward to Pujan`s placement then! The other ones sound fantastic, thank you! Good job Erdt Share!! :-)
Have a good day! Julia
Kelli, I'd like to thank you
and everyone at ERDT for placing our
students so
well and eve well before the deadline. We are extremely happy about it.
This year has been very very good and so much less stressful than 2007...
(knockonwood!!!!)
Again, THANKS A MILLION TO
ALL OF YOU!!!!
Dear Kelli,
Just wanted to take
the opportunity for thanking you for the placements we received from you for
our students who have just left or soon will be leaving for the US. It has
been a very smooth placing season for us and we would like to share this
with you knowing you did the hardest part of the job in a very timely
manner. This makes our job much easier when having to deal with worried
parents and students. The season started in very positive way and we do
hope it will carry on as smoothly.
Please express and share our gratitude
to all your staff for such a well done job!
Dear Kelli, Many, many thanks for the wonderful news!!!
If you have just heard a noise then it was a sound of a stone falling
from our hearts (Czech proverb).
Please, pass our sincere thanks to all members of your staff for all their
fantastic efforts to place our kids this year.
I
would
like
to
thank
you
for
your
fabulous
work.
Thanks
to
you,
I
had
an experience
that
I
will
remember
for
the
rest
of
my
life. I
not
only
went
to
the
United
States;
I
was
also
perfectly
placed.
You
took very
good
care
of
me
until
my
departure
for
America,
and
I
know
that,
while I
was
gone,
you
watched
over
me
the
best
you
could
from
Lyon. As
for
the
organization
in
the
USA, ERDT-SHARE!,
it
couldn't
be
a
better
choice.
Thanks
to
this
successful alliance,
I
was
superbly
helped
and
I
was
able
to
participate
in
a
number
of activities
and
trips.
In
short,
thank
you
infinitely
again
and
always
continue
to
do
this
perfect work.
Continue
to
make
people
happy.
Baptiste
From one of our partners
who sent her son on the SHARE! program:
Subject:
My son is back
Dear Kelli,
last week we went to pick
up Moritz and I can tell you: This was indeed a very emotional day! It
was so good to see him again and listen to all his stories! He has grown
into a young man indeed and he is still totally overwhelmed by the whole
experience! I would like to thank my dear friends at ERDT for making
this possible. You took great care of him, you managed to place him in
the best host family ever and Im sure that you have changed his
life.Thanks again!
Sabine
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9/11/2008: A Special Patriot Day Message From Our Partner In Germany
Dear Partners and Friends,
On this day of sad memories, we would like to thank you for your partnership
and friendship over the years.
It seems to me that the program that you offer to young German students is
truly the best thing that can be done in order to promote peace and
understanding and to document that our free societies will never give in to
prejudice and hatred. I vividly remember how impressed we and many of our
students, who were completing their programs in the US at that time, were when
they witnessed the unconditional willingness of Americans to help each other
in the aftermath of 9/11. Also in Germany, there were spontaneous
demonstrations of solidarity. In Berlin, 200.000 people came together to show
their shared grief and their solidarity with those affected directly.
Your Ambassador to Germany, Mr. Timken, Jr., sent us a touching message
yesterday, reiterating the strong ties between the US and Germany. Since that
message is in German, I am inserting below another address he made during a
ceremony at the US Embassy in Berlin, today.
Once again, we truly and warmly thank you for your great partnership.
We feel priviledged to be part of such a great and important program.
With kindest regards,
Martin Richard
Carl Duisberg Centren
Unveiling of September 11 Memorial Plaque in Embassy Courtyard
Berlin, September 11, 2008
Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr.
Today marks the seventh anniversary of the attacks of September the 11th,
2001. On that day, thousands of innocent lives were taken from us. The
victims and you, the families who lost loved ones, remain in our hearts and
prayers. We honor the courage and spirit of the mothers and fathers, sons and
daughters, brothers and sisters, and husbands and wives who continue to grieve
for their irreplaceable loss. The passage of time cannot erase the pain of
that day.
In the course of the last seven years, many individuals and organizations have
helped the Embassy commemorate the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks at
annual anniversary services. Many of those people are here with us today. We
thank you for your support and your commitment.
We remain determined to defy the terrorists' ideology of hate.
The innocent people who lost their lives on September 11 began that day just
as you and I did. They were busy with life. They had people who cared about
them, people who depended on them, people who loved the sight of their face
and the sound of their voice. They were unsuspecting of danger and undeserving
of their fate.
This simple stone at the Embassy of the United States of America here in
Berlin is an ongoing symbol of the honor that Americans around the world hold
for every person lost on that day of terror.
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The below message
was sent by one of our former host mothers and
Exchange Program Coordinators, Fritzi Yarnall:
The girl featured in this article was my student in 1997/98. We
spent a week with her in June, and
visited this little shop, which
has some really cute things. ( My grandkids are now wearing a lot of
her shirts.)
Happy Thanksgiving!
http://decor8blog.com/2007/10/16/meet-anne-wendlandt-of-enna-hannover/
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Two American
Families Share their Experiences as Home Hosts
Opening your home to an international student is a great way to involve the
whole family in learning about other cultures and development of mutual
understanding, often resulting in international friendships for life.
However, aspiring host families understandably can have many questions about the
experience, including how will inviting a stranger into my home for a few months
or even a year impact my family and my view of the world?
Although Pam and Scott Jones from Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania and Lief and
Michele Seymour from Folsom, California came from different backgrounds and were
inspired to get involved for different reasons, both families are seasoned
"hosting veterans" that have been hosting exchange students since 2000.
Click here to read the full story of these two exemplary
host families who are eager to share with others the positive changes and
enriched perspective that hosting has brought to their lives..
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