Last edited Tue Apr 22, 2025, 11:43 AM - Edit history (1)
from 1995-2024. The program evolved the entire time I volunteered. The organization has been around since 1914 and has a remarkable history that plainly shows its dedication to peace and understanding. In the 90s, the organization had conferences to explore becoming more diverse, not just extending further from Europe and S.A. to Africa and Asia, but finding ways to include American students of all races, cultures and identity. After the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, they also started working with Middle East countries, and countries that were predominantly Muslim, to promote peace and understanding between Muslim countries and secular countries (sorry, I can't think of a better description of our differences). My organization has partnered with other exchange programs, especially programs that focus on learning languages. The h.s. exchange programs in general promote peace and understanding, cultural exchange, diversity and respect. There are many exchange programs, and they are evaluated by an organization called CSIET and monitored by the State Department. As a volunteer, I had to re-certify every year and have a background check. Part of re-certifying was getting vetted by the State Department for my role, making sure I was up-to-date on their rules and regulations. Everyone who had contact with the students had to go through getting certified, interviewed, background checked, so the students and host families understood the experience they were going to undertake.
The h.s. programs have been in jeopardy before, mostly funding. This is a different kind of attack on student and cultural exchange. On a personal level, I have been changed and my life is better for having the experience of hosting and volunteering. My community is a better place, and this country is a better place for hosting students and showing them life in America. If the U.S. ends this particular method of cultural exchange, we will lose a very personal method of making friends across the world. I know several students who participated in exchanges, either Americans who studied abroad, or students who lived in the U.S. and went to school here, who have made successful careers based on language translation, international education and international business. People who choose this path in life are exceptional. If America decides to bow out of cultural exchange at any or all levels, you can bet other countries will not, because the experience and the people driving the experience are invaluable assets to any country that participates.
The exchange programs are entwined with respect and diversity. I want those qualities in my life, and I want my country to continue to embrace them.
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