Letters to the editor – Thursday (6-26-08)

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Exchange students can teach us much
I have been involved with foreign exchange students now for several years, and I’ve learned that the world can be made better through this experience. Until a family has had the experience, they cannot imagine how rewarding it is to bring the world into your own home and to see the bond being created between a host family and a teenager from another part of the world. Having these students in our homes does help us gain understanding, acquire knowledge and learn skills needed to live in our culturally diverse world.
By having these students live with our families, we break down the barriers that divide people, not only across international borders, but also within our own community. It’s a great opportunity to experience another country without leaving your own home. The rewards a family will reap are unlimited.
I urge everyone to consider the possibility of volunteering to host an exchange student. The non-profit company I work with is CIEE (Council on International Education Exchange). I would be happy to help anyone that’s interested. For information, visit our Web site, www.ciee.org.
รณ Nancy Whitehead
Cornelius