Opening Doors, Opening Minds
Opening Doors, Opening Minds
Imagine a world where intercultural dialogue and responsible travel are part of every individual's experience. It's the sort of world that Hostelling International-USA doesn't just dream about - it's a world we are hard at work creating. And now, through a dynamic new initiative, Hostelling International-USA is taking exciting steps forward towards fulfilling its mission of international understanding and exchange.
International Background: In the summer of 2002, the International Youth Hostel Federation launched a global "Youth Hostelling for Peace and International Understanding" initiative. Created in "response to the dramatic, violent conflicts that tear cultures and nations apart," Hostelling International, as a worldwide organization, saw the great need to work together to strengthen our global community. "Youth Hostelling for Peace and International Understanding" is designed to highlight the intercultural dialogue and understanding taking place in over 4,000 hostels in more than 60 countries around the world.
In the United States: At the same time the international program was being developed, national organizations like Hostelling International-USA (HI-USA) were asked to develop their own initiatives that built on the international theme.
Now, HI-USA is pleased to announce the launch of Opening Doors, Opening Minds for members, travelers and the public in the United States. The purpose of this initiative is:
“To build a new generation of global citizens, unburdened by stereotypes, emboldened by open minds, appreciative of their own heritage and understanding of others, through the dialogue and education that comes through hostelling.”
"Opening Doors, Opening Minds" will come to life through several programs designed to foster local and global community interactions, and to celebrate the mission of hostelling. The initiative will also seek to embrace partnerships between like-minded organizations and businesses.
Community Walls
The Community Walls program is an educational outreach program that asks youth ages 11 to 17: "What is it like to live in your community?" The program uses original artwork to help young people gain greater cultural understanding, define their community, express what it is like to live there, and build pride in their culture. The artwork program is coordinated by local Hostelling International hostels and councils and is displayed in hostel buildings and administrative offices for public viewing. Community Walls utilizes a standards-based curriculum. To learn more about opportunities near you or your destination, please complete the form below:
Support Community Walls
Community Walls gives participants the skills to travel through their lives and our world. Can you help Hostelling International USA provide more educational opportunities for young people? Please consider helping with a donation or by becoming a volunteer.
Below are examples of these artistic expressions from participants in Chicago.
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Englewood, Chicago |
ML: My Englewood neighborhood has many large homes and apartments along very busy streets. |
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Mayfair, Chicago |
We showed what we like in our community, and the important things to us. With so many girls in our troop from different areas of the city it is hard to have one unified sense of community. We chose something that represented us as a troop. We talked about things that were special to us as teens and our culture as tradition. The two trains are something that connects us, one with tradition and one with our generation's interests. The skyline shows that we live away from downtown but can still see it from our neighborhood, which has more trees and nature instead of tall buildings. |
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Lincoln Park, Chicago |
The images you see in the painting reflect our vision of people and noteable places in Lincoln Park. We showed economic status, racial diversity, education and religious diversity. This painting is how we view our community. |
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Uptown, Chicago |
Chicago is known for its fantastic pizza, and we were inspired while eating a deep dish pizza. We highlight different places in each slice of the pizza that make our community unique. The pizza slices also represent the different ideas and creativity of the artists which are representative of the diversity in our community. |
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Rogers Park, Chicago |
We are part of the Shia Imami Ismaili Community. The bright mosaic is like broken glass allowing you to have a look into our community. Inside you see our warmth through freshly baked cookies. We live together harmoniously, just as the music we listen to. The Ummah is like a blender full of ice cream mixing together our different flavors to create a new much tastier one. Our Ummah, based on the five pillars of Islam: Salat, Zakat, Hajj, Shahadah and Sawm, does not end here in Chicago but reaches believers all across the globe. |
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Lakeview, Chicago |
The flags represent the heritage of each girl. The L train is coming out of the base of the tree, and the tree represents the foundation of Chicago. |
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Chatham, Chicago |
The image you see in the painting is of many girl scouts helping other people and having fun together. The central focus of our community and painting is our church. We chose to paint this because our church is central to our lives. We believe in God and his miracles. We work through girl scouts to know ourselves better, help others, have fun and learn about the world. |
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Traveler's Tales & Testimonials
Ellie
July 1969. America lands men on the moon. I land in a hospital bed in Bezier, France, a fallen victim to car meets bicycle. I had been leading a European Swing Trip, cycling casually on back roads into Marseille where we would have lunch before following the road into Italy. There was my life until THE accident. And my life after it. The klnd of life in which virtually every step taken hurt because of unresolved pain in the leg so badly torn apart. But a life, although departed from it's original intentions of athleticism, the outdoors or extended travel, has been filled with successes, moments of intense meaning, the ability to comfort others.
Two weeks ago I finally went under the knife and got a new knee. A replacement part so desperately needed that I could barely walk. And in the hospital, and here at home since, I have had countless memories of the kids on that trip for whom I was their leader, the places we went and saw, and the incredible connections and opportunities that hosteling provided for me that summer. It is truly the first time since my accident that I have been able to look back at the memories of that trip with relish. Thirty-five years ago on a back road in Southern England, on the way to Brighton Beach, we passed through a village of thatched roof cottages. A woman busying herself by her door looked out and called out joyfully, "American? American? Tea?" Several of us riding together stopped and she said she'd not seen American "children" since World War II in her remote village and invited us for tea. We chatted a few more moments, declined the tea, however, and cycled on.
An AYH memory of a Michelin map, a remote country road, and a moment of unforgettable history. Many such memories, this many years later, stick. Huddling on a Sunday morning in a church on the Isle of Wight because we'd had to leave the hostel in a cold and miserable rain storm. Where a roof and a bit of prayer weren't such an awful place to be. The ferry ride from Dover and the rough seas. . .unforgettable. The rain again in Toulouse, the sun and the colors of the shadows on the walls at Carcasonne. With the lifting of the pain in my knee from the accident, like a veil, the trip shines now as if yesterday. Perhaps someday I'll go back and finish the swing through Italy, Austria, Germany, and get back to see Paris, too. But for now, remembering in vivid color, sights, sounds, smells, the smell of cheese on my hand in a public park as we hunkered down for lunch - what a wnderful trip it started out to be. And how sweet, so many years later, to pull those photographs from the back pages of my mind, and be ablem, finally to cherish them without pain.
Irene
Hostelling from the Other Side.
I was born in a hostel. From my earliest years the doors of our home were open to people of all cultures and persuasions. Some stayed a day, some a week and one stayed a year. It was exciting. Everyday someone new. I learned to love strangers.
I did not travel because it seemed the whole world came to me. Always someone new and interesting to meet and speak with everyday of my life.
The hostel is gone now. But each day I am out there looking for strangers. Looking for someone new to greet and cheer on and direct to lovely sights and sounds peculiar to this little part of the great wide wonderful world. The world that came to me because our home was a hostel.
Kim
HI-USA ODOM International Youth Exchange Participant“There have been few events in my life that I can truly say have had a profound effect on me, and the exchange in Verdun is one of them. It is only after being home for a few days that I have really been able to see the changes in me and to absorb the lessons that I learned from this amazing experience. I would like to share these lessons with all of you.
Day 1: I learned that when you try to judge someone by how
they look and where they come from, you are usually wrong.
Day 2: I learned that, many times, a great big hug from someone
is all the language you need.
Day 3: I learned to have a deep respect for the heritage of
countries and cultures that have stood the test of time ages longer
than my own.
Day 4: I learned that one country or way of life is not the
center of the universe.
Day 5: I learned that true honor is the result of standing
by your principles in the midst of great threat and fear.
Day 6: I learned that wisdom is gained by listening when you
would have preferred to speak.
Day 7: I learned that laughter is a necessary component of
inner peace and peace all around us.
Day 8: I learned that the creation of a solid group is a beautiful
work of art.
Day 9: I learned that even young people get tired and cranky!
Day 10: I learned that lifelong bonds could be formed in ten
short days when respect, honesty and giving are at the foundation.
These are just a few of the lessons that I hope to integrate into all aspects of my life. Social change begins with one person’s inner transformation and I hope that all of us have returned home better people than when we embarked on this journey.”
Pokman
This is the first time I stay in a youth traveller hostel in my life. There are people from different background, with different ages, spoke various type of languages. How would I expect I end up travelling with two wonderful girls from Columbia and France at Boston for a week?
All three of us have different backgrounds, education, personalities, taste of food. It is the adventurous daring gut that lead the three strangers together to explore Boston.
We went to the freedom trail, Harvard and MIT, museums etc. We got lost on the way back, we chatted inside a grave yard, we made our own breakfast, lunch and dinner on a limited budget.
Even though the whole travelling experience isn't comfortable, it is a priceless memory that money can't buy, college professor can't teach you.
Living in a youth hostel let me meet and greet people from all over the place, widen my view and broaden my horizon.
Art
Seattle, WA
While staying at a hostel in Melbourne, Australia in 2001, I signed up for an Oz Experience tour of the Mornington Peninsula. As I boarded the bus, I realized that, at age 48, I was twice as old as my companions. I thought, "No one will talk to me all day." But as soon as we pulled out, the driver asked to us introduce ourselves, and soon I had more conversations than I could handle. An English veterinarian told hilarious stories about animals and their owners. An Irish couple entertained us, and a German woman wrote two pages of notes, including Chinese translations, for my future visit to Beijing. We had a wonderful time exploring the spectacular coast where Australian Prime Minister Harold Holt disappeared in 1974, and enjoyed lunch in Sorrento, Australia's sister to the Italian city. From then on, I never hesitated to stay at hostels where I was old enough to be someone's father.
Karin
Portland, Oregon
I have been hostelling for 18 years, since I was 21. I've stayed in Hostels in England, Scotland, Wales, South Africa, United States and, most recently, Ireland. As a parent, I have always made it a priority to provide travel as an important part of my child's education. For several years, I have been travelling with my daughter Tori, who is now 11 years old.
During our most recent trip to Ireland, I had a wonderful and "world-broadening" experience that I will try to relate here. We checked into our hostel on our first night in Ireland. Almost immediately, Tori began interviewing fellow hostellers, introducing herself, and asking where they were from.
Seeing her inquisitive nature and her notepad, Shaheb - a young man from Sudan- asked for the notepad and drew out a game for her to play. Then a Riddle for her to guess. This lead to a 2-day-long riddle-fest between the two, which was wonderful to see.
During that time, I watched each of their eyes light up as they thought of a new riddle to share. I also watched Tori as she recognized that some of her "old standby" jokes had no meaning for someone whose first language isn't English (Shaheb's was Arabic, though he spoke several others). I could see the recognition in her eyes as it occurred to her that our language is ethnocentric, and that she had to adapt her communication style to communicate better with her new friend. (How would I have taught THAT at home???)
As I watched the two of them, in my eyes, the puzzles became larger than themselves. As I stepped back to watch, I was able to see with some awe how wonderful an experience this was. A young, Arabic-speaking, Muslim man from Sudan sharing time, stories and friendship with a young, English-speaking American girl. Both far away from home - and ALL of our lives richer for the experience.
In the hostel kitchen, over our last shared breakfast, Shaheb, a man from Japan, and a woman from the U.S., all told me how amazing they thought Tori was. It made me proud of her, but also proud of myself for making travel an important part of her education. As a single parent, it has not ever been easy to make this happen, but this experience reminds me why I make it a priority.
A last word on this subject: I do not think this kind of experience would have occurred if we had been staying in a traditional-type hotel. I firmly believe that the international network of hostels encourage this kind of connection. For that reason, I will always prefer hostels to any other kind of accommodation as my daughter and I explore the world together.
Ashley
Carrolton, Texas
Last summer was my first real hostel/travel experience and it has opened my eyes. I love meeting other travelers from all over the world. They're usually independent, open-minded, friendly people.
Elizabeth
Belgium, Europe
I am on a world tour, going from hostel to hostel. It is very nice, as I am traveling by myself. A world tour alone but never lonely!
Lindsay
Camarillo, CA USA
Not to sound cheesy but hostelling has changed my life extremely. I have backpacked all over Central Europe for four months and I have met the most amazing people. Hostels encourage communication, sharing and travel. I honestly can't explain the change in my life since I traveled but it has been a great change and I just crave to explore and travel and meet new people and Hostels are what tie all of that together.
Nick
Brisbane, Australia
I have been on the road for about three months now. This is the fourth or fifth hostel I have stayed in and it is very nice indeed. I am traveling by myself and while this may mean some lonely times such as spending the whole of last night at the Seattle Airport, sleeping next to a vending machine. I have met many great people on my trip and have had a generally wonderful time.
Heidi
Some of my fondest memories are of times I spent in hostels as a traveler in Europe in 1985. Whether in Paris, Innsbruck, Austria, or Venice, Italy, my memories hark back to meeting new friends, staying in comfy inns and halls, and eating simple, delicious meals. Today, I'm busy raising a family and working and it's hard to find time to get away. But my oldest daughter and I did just that a few years ago, right here in Wisconsin, with an overnight bike trip. The hostel we stayed at was called Wellspring . . . Thanks!
Victoria
East Greenwhich, Rhode Island
I love hostels. I've met people from all over the world and have heard amazing stories. I have also learned different people's perspectives about the U.S.A. It is really interesting to hear other people's point of views. Traveling and hostelling opens many doors for people. Always remember that the world is yours! You can go anywhere with hostelling.
Miriam
Hostelling opened up a whole world when I gave myself a retirement present of volunteering on a dig in Russia and stayed in a hostel in Vienna, Austria and St. Petersburg, Russia. I met a backpacking lady in Vienna who was on a painting jaunt. She was 84 and had 2 hip replacements. The hostels were so friendly that I have never hesitated to go anywhere else.
One of these days I will go back to Hong Kong to the hostel there. Now I use hostels by preference. I love being able to dump my pack and go walking wherever I want. Total Freedom!! And the desk people are full of helpful advise. I can travel twice as far and twice as long with hostels. This fall will be Australia and New Zealand for 2 or 3 months. Seniors should not think they would be out of place in a dorm -- I learn so much from all my roommates.
Gene
"When I bicycled in Germany, Holland, Denmark and England in the summer of 1939, I appreciated staying in many hostels. Contacts with people in the hostels helped me understand the conditions of local people. I learned more about the reasons for Hitler's aggressive policies etc.
In recent year I have supported growth of hostels in our Northwest. It is still a pleasure to meet international as well as U.S. travelers at our hostels."
Mary Emma
"As I have helped establish hostels in Washington State, it has been exciting to have hostel manager dedicated to serve hostellers. I was always pleased to talk with travelers and learn of their appreciation for hostel atmospheres. At the Seattle hostel it is always great to talk with international travelers. It is good to see their interaction and activities with those of other countries.
One reason for my involvement in the hostelling movement is that building friendships between people of the world is the basis for building peace in our world."
Jacqueline
In 1999-2000 I spent a year traveling around the world. During this time I stayed in a lot of hostels, some official HI-AYH hostels and others that were just cheap hostel-style accommodations. The thing I loved most about the hostels were the people I met. Where else in the world will you find people who will just strike up a conversation with you, ask you to share a meal with them, arrange to go on a day trip with someone you just met, or just find people to share a beer and stories with at the end of the day? Everyone there shares the same love of travel and adventure which is great. I got my best travel advice from people I met in the hostels and the best thing was running into them again and again as I worked my way around Southeast Asia and India.
Everyone pretty much has the same route so it's like running into old friends again. That's the thing about the hostelling lifestyle, you meet lots of great people and you keep running into them. It can be lonely when you are on the road for months at a time without any of your friends or family with you but as you get to know people and as you keep running into each other it makes the world seem like a much smaller place. Whether it's hanging out having a beer on the roof of a hostel in Jordan and watching Indiana Jones movies or going on a hostel sponsored trip in Jerusalem to watch the sunrise over Mt. Masada, these are all memories that I will never forget and which helped make my trip complete.
Anyone who has ever spent a little time in a hostel common room knows that hostellers are full of good stories. Tales of unexpected journeys, fascinating people, and wonderful discoveries all seem to flow after a good day of exploration.
Now, here at HI-USA, we want to start collecting and sharing great hostelling stories as part of our new Opening Doors, Opening Minds Initiative. And while we love all travel stories, we primarily want to know your story about how hostelling has impacted your life. Has hostelling broadened your horizons? Changed your outlook? Challenged your perceptions? We want to hear about it! We would also welcome your thoughts about how hostelling can impact society as a whole.
More stories will be added in the months ahead. In the future, we will also occasionally feature some stories in our monthly e-newsletter HI-USA Travel Bytes. Authors of featured stories will be sure to get recognition and a special gift of thanks.
International Exchanges
HI-USA provides opportunities for young people to participate in formal international exchange programs. The number of programs, their locations, focus, etc. vary from year to year, but all are generally designed to provide opportunities for young people from different countries, cultures, religious backgrounds, ethnic heritages, etc., to come together to learn about each other and to sow the seeds of friendship, respect and peace on a personal level.
Summer 2012, Chicago, USA
Egypt, France, Germany, Morocco, Tunisia, United States
The experience of a lifetime
From July 8-20, 2012, young people from Egypt, France, Germany, Morocco, Tunisia, and the United States will gather in Chicago, USA for Hostelling International’s 7th IOU Respect international exchange program. The program prioritizes dialogue and interactive learning opportunities to bridge cultural divides and increase understanding and respect in its participants. Through a series of engaging, fun, and challenging workshops and time spent exploring Chicago and the surrounding area together, participants will build friendships while learning to approach the world and its people with open minds.
About Hostelling International
Hostelling International is a worldwide not-for-profit organization that provides 35 million overnight stays a year through more than 4,000 hostels in over 80 countries. In HI hostels, travelers are able to encounter people of different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. HI hostels are a rich resource for learning and for building a better, more peaceful world.
About Hostelling International Chicago
HI-Chicago is one of 60 HI-USA hostels. HI-USA a nonprofit organization with a mission to “Help all, especially the young, gain a greater understanding of the world and its people, through hostelling.” HI-Chicago is one of the largest and best hostels in the world and a leader in bringing mission-based education to its local community. The hostel is located in downtown Chicago. IOU Respect participants will be accommodated in en-suite dorm rooms, divided by gender.
Goals for IOU Respect
Hostelling International fosters intercultural understanding and open-mindedness through shared accommodation, educational programs, and community engagement. IOU Respect offers participants an intensive cross-cultural learning experience. The goals of this Western-Arab dialogue are to:
- Increase knowledge about other cultures
- Develop intercultural communication skills
- Foster attitudes that promote mutual understanding
- Encourage action for constructive intercultural exchange beyond the life of the program
History of the program
Shortly after 9/11, 2001, representatives of the Canadian, German, and American Hostelling International associations recognized a clear need to exercise HI’s mission of building peace through bringing people together in order to close the gap between the cultures of youth from Western countries and predominantly Muslim countries. The best way to accomplish this, they decided, was through a cross-cultural international exchange program which eventually came to be called IOU Respect.
This initiative was consistent with a worldwide campaign supported by HI, entitled "Youth Hostelling for Peace and International Understanding". The belief that hostelling has a contribution to make toward building a better world represents the motto of the campaign. In launching the effort, HI president Harish Saxena stated that: "Youth hostels feel that they too must find a response to the dramatic, violent conflicts that tear cultures and nations apart. Our responsibility is to make our own contribution to intercultural dialogue, and to educate for peace." IOU Respect has become one of the most impactful ways that HI meets this goal.
Who is eligible to participate?
Anyone between the ages of 18-23, has not participated in a prior Hostelling International exchange program, is fluent in English, and is not currently employed by HI is eligible to participate. The selection process is a competitive one; candidates will complete a written application with references. Top candidates will receive phone interviews before final selections are made.
Participants for this program will be selected by each Hostelling International National Association based on their demonstrated motivation to support and live the principles of intercultural education, respect, tolerance and understanding that are at the foundation for building a culture of peace.
In order to maximize the outcomes of the exchange, selected participants will be expected to complete some preparatory work before departing for the U.S. They will also participate in one or more orientation/training sessions in their home countries (in person or via teleconference) prior to the exchange.
Cost
On-the-ground costs including local transportation, accommodation, meals, and site visit entrance fees, will be covered by Hostelling International. Each participant will be responsible for his/her transportation to Chicago. Scholarships may be available depending on your country’s hostelling association.
To apply
E-mail, fax, or mail the completed application form to the appropriate contact listed below by March 20, 2012. Two references (should not include family members and at least one reference should be in a supervisory role) should also return their reference forms via mail, fax, or e-mail to the appropriate contact by March 20th. Decisions will be made by the end of April.
Egypt
Contact: Dr. Mamdouh Mandour, IOU Respect Coordinator EYHA
Address: 1 El-Ibrahimy St. – Garden City – Cairo-Egypt
Phone: +20122.211.5476
Fax: + 202.279.503.29
Email: dr.mandour@egyptyha.com
France
Contact: Julie Coignard, IOU Respect Coordinator FUAJ
Address: 27, rue Pajol – 75018 Paris – France
Phone: (+33) (0) 1-44-89-87-46 Fax: (+33) (0) 1-44-89-87-49
Email: julie.coignard@fuaj.org
Germany
Contact: Gunnar Gruettner, IOU Respect Coordinator DJH
Address: Deutsches Jugendherbergswerk, Leonardo-da-Vinci-Weg 1, D-32756 Detmold
Phone: +49 5231 9936-81 Fax: +49 5231 9936-66
Email: Gunnar.Gruettner@jugendherberge.de
Morocco
Contact: Nadia Ribahi, IOU Respect Coordinator FRMAJ
Address: 6 Place Ahmed El Bidaoui-A.M–Boîte Postale: 11652 Barid Bousmara-Casablanca Maroc.
Phone: 212 522 22 76 77 Fax: 212 522 22 76 77
Email: frmaj1@menara.ma
Tunisia
Contact: Nadia Turki, IOU Respect Coordinator ATATJ
Address: 10 Rue Hédi Rézig, 8000 Nabeul
Phone: 0021624722776 Fax: No fax
Email: turkinadia@hotmail.fr
USA
Contact: Megan Johnson, IOU Respect Coordinator HI-USA
Address: 24 E Congress Parkway, Chicago, IL 60605
Phone: 312-583-2221
Fax: 312-583-2219
Email: education.chicago@hiusa.org
For more information about Hostelling International's IOU Respect program, please contact Megan Johnson, Education Coordinator at HI-Chicago. email or 312-583-2221.
Downloads
- IOU Respect Application as PDF
- IOU Respect Reference Form as PDF
Summer 2010, Morocco
Meet 2010's Participants
Patricia Stievo, Corpus Christi, Texas
I have been lucky enough to get to travel to quite a few different countries recently, but that does not change what this program and Morocco meant to me. I applied to this program on a whim, dreaming that I might be one of the 4 U.S. participants to promote peace with the others from Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Germany, and France. When I found out that I was going, I was equally excited and nervous. Never had such a responsibility been placed on my shoulders. Even as a Communications major, I was unsure how I would talk about difficult subjects like religion, sexuality, the media, and numerous other topics with a group of strangers from all walks of life.
It turned out that my fears were unwarranted, as everyone there was just as open-minded and nervous as myself. As team-building exercises, educational excursions, and fun-seeking outings intermingled with the dialogue sessions, meals, and accommodations together, we all became one giant group of friends rather than a group of strangers. I learned a great deal about Islam, other cultures, and life in Morocco. It is true that Africa has a spirit all its own, and the people of Morocco are the most hospitable individuals I have ever had the pleasure to encounter. The places there are beautiful and steeped in history, and even as a picky eater, I loved the surplus of food!
To sum up the 2010 IOU Respect Program in Morocco is difficult for me because, in all honesty, I have no idea where to even begin. How do you describe one of the most defining experiences of your life? I guess if I had to say what this program is to me, I would say it is hope, individuality, expression, peace, life-changing, common ground, the future, but most of all, it is friendships that can traverse any distance or beliefs.
Nick Zinskie, Scranton, Pennsylvania
I was given the opportunity of a lifetime, being chosen to participate in a program like this. The stories, pictures, memories, and feelings that I experienced in the two weeks of IOU Respect are things that I will never forget. I had never traveled out of the United States alone before this trip and this is exactly how I would have wanted it to be for my first time. The people that I met, I will be close with the rest of my life; they will all have a special place in my heart.
I would recommend this program to anybody with an open mind and heart. I came into this program not knowing or expecting anything, but what I got I could have never imagined. The dialogue sessions that we participated in as a group were great because it gave everyone in the group the opportunity to express themselves about issues that plague their everyday lives. The free time provided for us an opportunity to connect with each individual on a different level. As a group we left out stereotypes, prejudices, hate and fear; to come together and realize that no matter where we live or what lives we have, we are all humans and we are all equal. I cannot stress how amazing an opportunity this for me, but to sum it up, it was life-changing.
Alexandra Ellis, Brookline, Massachusetts
I found out about IOU Respect somewhat serendipitously and wasn't quite sure what to expect from the program or from my fellow participants. Although the idea of meeting people from five other countries was exciting to me, I was skeptical that such a large group could be brought together, invited to speak on varied and sometimes controversial topics and still end the day smiling. Arriving in Casablanca, however, I was met with an amazing experience, an unforgettable group of people, and a very quick end to my apprehension.
More than anything, I was amazed by the sense of openness and camaraderie that existed in the group. Despite coming from often very different backgrounds, everyone came into the program with an open mind and heart, eager to listen, learn and share. The program created such a safe space, we were all able to speak openly and honestly about anything. I've never felt so close to so many people in such a short amount of time. We met each other, and then looked up and two weeks had already passed us by. From icebreakers and dialogue sessions to exploring Morocco's medinas to late night dance parties to sharing sumptuous tagines filled with lamb or couscous, IOU Respect Morocco 2010 created the space and opportunity for understanding, respect and friendship. I am so grateful to have been a part of this program. The things I learned and experienced and the people I met while in Morocco will stay with me, making me think and grow into better a global citizen.
Abby Corrington, Houston, Texas
The moment I learned of Hostelling International’s IOU Respect Program in Casablanca, Morocco, I knew from the bottom of my heart that it was meant to be. The program’s mission, which centered on opening minds, building peace, and education, sounded magnificent and put into words the exact type of international travel experience I had been searching for. That said, when I received the news that I had been selected as a participant for Team USA, I was absolutely ecstatic. Everything simply fell into place at the right moment and the right time, and I just felt that this would be an experience of a lifetime. These sky-high expectations may sound too good to be true, but that is absolutely not the case. My time in Morocco was everything I had imagined and so much more.
From the moment I entered the hostel in the Old Medina in historic Casablanca, I was greeted with open arms and sincere smiles by the Moroccans and French. That welcome set the tone for the rest of the two-week trip, which was replete with laughter, harmony, and mutual respect and love. I could not have asked to share this experience with a more special group of individuals. The other participants and teamer leaders from Egypt, France, Germany, Morocco, Tunisia, and the U.S.A. were some of the most unique, caring, worldly, and insightful people I’ve ever encountered. The relationships formed during the trip happened so quickly, yet they were so close. I’ve never learned so much in such a short amount of time, and I have the other participants, teamer leaders, and Moroccan hosts to thank for that. Through intense hours-long dialogue sessions on a variety of topics, including religion, the media, and international conflict, through time spent exploring the beautiful city of Casablanca, and through personal discussions on the long bus rides between cities, so much knowledge and so many perspectives were shared, and I couldn’t be more appreciative. In addition to taking part in wonderfully-organized educational outings and tours, we also had the times of our lives learning how to dance Moroccan-style, enjoying beautifully-presented traditional meals, and listening to private Moroccan concerts.
When I describe my time in Morocco to my family and friends, the first sentence that comes to mind is “It was beautiful”, and I mean this with all my heart. I consider the trip the closest thing to heaven I’ve ever experienced. There was just this atmosphere of peace and love and kindness, and that’s something fairly hard to come by in this day and age. I want to thank Hostelling International and all who were involved in making this happen for truly changing my life for the better.
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