International Exchanges
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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. |
I.O.U. Respect International Exchange Program
Summer 2009, France
Introduction
From July 31 – August 14, 2009, young people ages 18-23 years old from Germany, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, France, and the United States will gather in France for the fifth IOU Respect international exchange program. Hostelling International is proud to deliver this meaningful learning experience. The program is an intensive experience of living, sharing and learning together in an effort to bridge cultural divides.
Program Objectives
Hostelling International’s IOU Respect program prioritizes dialogue and learning opportunities to increase tolerance and respect in its participants. Through a series of engaging, fun, challenging workshops and time spent living and exploring Paris and Annecy, France together, participants will:
- Develop friendships that transcend the program.
- Gain a common understanding of the meaning of respect.
- Demonstrate respect for one another at all times.
- Develop awareness, open-mindedness, and respect for other cultures and civilizations.
- Recognize the similarities between the people and cultures of different countries.
- Learn about each other’s countries, especially the host country.
- Gain communication tools to respectfully engage others in dialogue that leads to mutual understanding.
- Develop and use skills that enable them to be effective advocates for peace beyond the IOU Respect program.
- Know about the values of hostelling.
Background
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."
Who Is Eligible to Participate?
Anyone between the ages of 18-23, is fluent in English, and who has not participated in a prior Hostelling International exchange program is eligible to participate. The selection process is a competitive one; candidates will complete a written application, and phone interviews will be conducted among the top candidates before 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 of educating for and promoting 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 France, and to participate in one or more orientation/training sessions in their home countries (may be in person or via teleconference) prior to the exchange.
Cost
Hostelling International-France (FUAJ) will cover all costs in France including local transportation, accommodation (Paris and Annecy), meals, and site visit entrance fees. Each participant will be responsible for his/her transportation to Paris and home from Annecy. Scholarships may be available depending on your country's hostelling association.
To Apply
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E-mail, fax, or mail the completed application form to Megan Johnson by April 30, 2009. Two references (at least one reference should be in a supervisory role and should not include family members) should also return their reference forms to Megan Johnson via mail, fax, or e-mail by April 30th. Decisions will be made by the end of May. Megan Johnson, Education Coordinator
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