2009 September Newsletter - Color

SEPTEMBER 2009 CAMP ADAMS ORIENTATION: •

This event is a REQUIRED event.

•

Dates - October 10th —11th.

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Welcome 2009-2010 AFS Students!

Deadline for registration is no later than October 2nd.

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You can register online: www.afscp.com (Today's Hot Link)

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Orientation contact Ron Combs

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Registration contact Tami Spears

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Portland City Walk

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Culture Shock

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Pendleton Round-Up

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What The Students

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On August 15, 2009 the 09/10 hosting season began. The students arrived at the Zion Lutheran Church in Camas, Washington for their first orientation. Once the students were all settled into their groups, they started to learn about their lives in America. • Personal safety and wellbeing • Cultural adjustment and coping • Cultural learning • Personal goals and expectations At 3:30 PM the host families arrived with

volunteers and host families for their participation this year. At 4:30 PM the students were ready to be announced. Support Coordinator Bernie Gerhardt introduced the students by country, “Annika from Austria...Kim from Austria...Jahan from Azerbaijan” and so on. As the students were paired up with their host families, they had their

Have to Say Hayley’s Blog 9 Volunteer News

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Calendar

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balloons and signs in hand, anticipating their new family member. James Spears, the Area Team Chair, gave a fantastic speech thanking all the

first picture taken, grabbed their luggage, then were off to start their new life in America. Good luck, happy cultural learning and by all means...HAVE FUN!!!

AFS-USA works toward a more just and peaceful world by providing international and intercultural learning experiences to individuals, families, schools, and communities through a global volunteer partnership.

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A Message From the Area Team Chair What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal. - Albert Pike

James and Aom at the Pendleton Round-Up

I hope that quote makes you feel good about your involvement with AFS . Because it's true. Whether you're a host parent, a host sibling, an exchange student, or a volunteer, you're making a difference in the world. You could have gone about your life taking care of yourself and your family. I know; there's a lot going on. And worldwide economic uncertainty isn't helping anything. But you didn't go about business as usual. You decided that you wanted to make a difference in the world and share your culture with someone else. And these acts will remain and be immortal far longer than you. You will inspire someone else to take on the same challenge, regardless of difficulties or

uncertainty. Because it's good for others and good for the world. If you don't already know it, I think it's important that you know who founded AFS. It was ambulance drivers from World War I and World War II. They saw young lives cut short on the battlefields of the first half of the twentieth century and thought there had to be another way; a way for us to understand each other better. The first high school exchanges over 60 years ago were between Germany and America. Can you imagine the bravery of those particular high school students, leaving the safety and comfort of their homes for new families in countries that had recently been "the enemy?" And can you imagine the difference they made in their host communities? Brave students from the Middle East are now taking on similar challenges. It won't be

James Spears, Area Team Chair

“What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.” - Albert Pike

Hosting News Congratulations to everyone who made our 2009 hosting season a success! We are currently hosting 53 students from 27 different countries. Even in the face of economic uncertainty the Columbia Pacific chapters continued to grow and increased their total hosting numbers over the prior year. Our geographic region grew this season stretching northward into Chehalis and Tenino, WA. Bravo to everyone for their brilliant efforts and contributions this year. Our country/student breakdown is as follows: Austria (2); Azerbaijan; Flemish Belgium; French Belgium; Brazil; Chile (2); Colombia; Czech Republic; Denmark; Egypt; Finland; France (3); Germany (8); Hungary; Indonesia; Italy (6); Japan (3); Kenya; Moldova; Netherlands; Norway; Paraguay; Philippines; Spain; Switzerland (3); Thailand (6); Turkey; Turkmenistan. As our students begin to settle into their families and communities we realize the work is not done. We continue to need Liaisons and

easy for them. But they'll make a world of difference. The mission of AFS is and always has been "working toward a more just and peaceful world" through cultural exchange. Whether this is your first year being involved with AFS or your twentieth, I hope you find it joyful. Joyful in one of those selfish ways that dies with us. The memories you make and the relationships you build this year will last the rest of your life. But I also hope that you take on the year with gusto and with the knowledge that you're making a difference in the world. I think it's important that you understand and occasionally reflect upon the true impact of this journey you've undertaken. Savor the trip with the knowledge that we're all participating in something bigger than ourselves.

Aunt/Uncle Families. These two roles help provide support and encouragement for our students throughout the year. You can find descriptions of these opportunities at the Columba Pacific website, www.afscp.com. If you would like to become or know of someone who would like to be a Liaison, please contact Bernie Gerhardt at [email protected] or Andrea Rapp at [email protected]. If you can help by becoming an Aunt/Uncle Family or know of someone who would like to be one, please contact Andrea Johnson at [email protected]. As we look toward the future, the Area Hosting Team has set the following goals. We believe the accomplishment of these three goals will help prepare the Area Team for an even more successful season next year. The goals are the following: 1. Build out defined chapters on the west side of Portland. If you currently live on the west side of Portland or can be involved in helping build our chapters, please

contact Sally Ann Wells our Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected]. 2. Continue to build out our current chapters by helping increase their volunteer base. 3. Increase our communication methods by utilizing computer programs such as Global Link (AFS National’s new in-house systems software) and Highrise (web based contact management software). With the completion of the hosting responsibilities for the 2009 season, the opportunity opens to prepare for next year. The time is now to help build for the future. We encourage participation and ask for your support. Become involved and build for the future. Thank you, Columbia Pacific Area Hosting Team Stacey Mills Andrea Johnson

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Portland City Walk—Brittny from Thailand On Saturday the 8th of September 2009, there was a city walk in Downtown Portland. We went to many interesting places such as the Chinese Gardens, Saturday Market and some historical places. It was a great walk. We gained a lot of knowledge and we know more about Portland too. Of course I had a lot of fun with AFS friends and volunteers. We also got a chance to make more friends from different countries. Last but not least, I would like to thank the trip planners Jeff Larson and Ron Combs for this wonderful city walk. :-) Supichaya (Brittny) from Thailand

Elina from Finland and Idil from Turkey

Record number of participants attend the 2009 Portland City Walk.

Funny Stories from Host Parents Well, he (Alban from Germany) got introduced to a nice delicacy, lamb with mint jelly. He practically gagged! At least, though, he’s putting Heinz 57 on everything instead of ketchup like our past students. 57 is a little more dignified for a steak than ketchup.—The Palter Family It pays to know another language! I spent my AFS year abroad in Sweden. I am a bit rusty with my Swedish (after all it has been 16 years), but I still remember enough. That was evidently clear one night when

Elina from Finland and I were discussing food. She was very much at a loss for a particular word and I knew what she was trying to say and said it to her in Swedish (which happens to be her 2nd language). She immediately smiled and then asked what the word was in English. The mystery word that made us girls giggle was...Cucumber! - The Mueller Family Naima, our Kenyan exchange student, and I were driving home from spending time with my family. Her first day at her new high

“We had no idea

school was the following day. She started a conversation with me saying she didn’t know we shared Locas here. Locas, Locas, what is that… I couldn’t think of it. She said, “At school, Locas.” “Oh, Lockers!” I finally understood her accent! “Lockers, Yes!” I taught her the short ‘O’ and the ‘R’ sound for Locker. She practiced and we had a good laugh.—The Reed Family

the impact we

Thanks Families. Keep sending me these great stories for future newsletters!!

gained a son.”

would have on such a wonderful individual. We gained more than a friend, we

James & Tami Spears

Idil from Turkey

Idil showing off her take and the tell-tale juice on her face.

Over the Labor Day weekend, Idil from Turkey and her host parents, Mike and Debbie Erickson made a trip to the area above Merrill Lake, close to Cougar Washington to find wild huckleberries. The road was long and bumpy, the view was awesome, the rain came and went, but there they were...those little elusive berries. We picked a bucket full, maybe a few more than that—but the berry juice on Idil’s face tells what happened to the rest! Idil has officially become a

Kelso Highlander Lassie, swimming with the team. Their first meet was September 10; swimming relays. Idil will be the one to watch as the season progresses. The team was exited to have Idil join them and have really welcomed her. Go Lassies!!

Idil after swimming the 400 breast stroke relay race.

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Lovely Long Neck Women of the Padung Tribe in Northern Thailand

CULTURE is a way of looking at, living in, and interacting with the world and

Culture Shock What is culture? CULTURE is a ways of looking at, living in, and interacting with the world and other people. One country may include several subcultures, and conversely, one culture may span several large geographic areas and contain several countries. Culture is an integrated system of learned behavior patterns that are characteristic of the members of a society. Culture reflects the total way of life of particular groups of people. It includes everything that a group of people thinks, says, does and make its customs, language, and material of attitudes and feelings. Culture is learned and transmitted from generation to generation. What separates members of a culture from outsiders is that members instinctively know how to deal with situations involving the hidden dimensions of their own culture. This lack of instinctive behavior is what results in CULTURE SHOCK—a sense of frustration, isolation, and homesickness. Students new to our culture don’t instinctively know how to recognize and interpret our culture. And we, as members of our culture, may not initially recognize cultural challenges that those outside our culture may go through.

Symptoms of culture shock

Handling symptoms of culture shock

• Everything is an effort. • Participants really

1. Recognize the symptoms as legitimate conditions that neither the student nor the host family have caused and are not responsible for making go away. Provide relief and minimize any additional stress. 2. Early on, discuss culture shock, and throughout the process, normalize culture shock behavior. Know that it doesn’t last forever. 3. Encourage “reaching out” behavior. 4. Encourage the participant to pick an area of interest they have always had and to pursue that are in-depth while they are here—or to pursue something new.

miss familiar surroundings, they long for the comforts of home. • Participants feel very critical of their host country, culture and family. • Participants may even develop physical manifestations: headaches, stomach aches, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping. • Participants feel isolated.

other people.

Ways to help ease distress from culture shock Cultural Difference in Food—Fried Scorpions and Grasshoppers are considered a delicacy in Beijing, China

1. Allow for “time-out” periods. Culture shock comes and goes. One day a participant will be fine, the next day, miserable. During this time, keep the pressure off; postpone “learning” situations. 2. Expect periodic withdrawal. It may occur because the participant is feeling confused, exhausted, or homesick. Don’t view it as a sign of rejection. 3. Expect disagreements between the host family and the participant and between the host siblings and the participant and respond to them. 4. Be prepared for judgmental remarks. If a participant is feeling very critical of his/her host community, they may make very negative or judgmental statements that they don’t really mean and which don’t represent their true feelings about the U.S. or their host family. 5. Encourage extra rest. 6. Avoid “no-exit” (ultimatum) situations. 7. Tolerate your participant’s intense feelings. Anticipate some tears and accept them without feeling guilty. 8. Minimize complications and stress as much as possible. The participants may be already functioning at maximum capacity for the moment.

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Pendleton Round-Up “Let ‘er Buck” On September 17th and 18th, the students ventured out on their second Area Team event, the 99th Pendleton Round-Up. 42 AFSer’s arrived at the drop-off point at 6:30 AM then set out for Pendleton, Oregon. The Round-Up started for the kids at 1:00 where they watched bull riding, bareback riding and the Indian relay race. Once the Round-Up was done, the students were able to visit the AFSers who attended the Pendleton Round-Up Native American village. Dinner was a western barbeque where they served hamburgers, hotdogs, baked tribes, the coming of Lewis and Clark and beans, salad and watermelon. After dinner the Oregon Trail pioneers, concluding with they rushed off to see The Happy Canyon the fast action of a frontier town. Native American Pageant. After the show the students headed off to the teen dance until midnight. Sleeping?..not much. The students woke up at 5 AM (YES, 5 AM!) and walked to the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ Cowboy Breakfast at Stillman Park. After breakfast, it was free sightseeing time before the Native Westward Ho! Parade. American The unique Westward Ho! Parade began Princes. with a bang. The students got to see the Indians who were camped at the Round-Up grounds dressed in their tribal finery from grandmother to the tiniest tot. In the parade there were no motorized vehicles allowed in the line of the march. All types Since 1916 the Happy Canyon Night of early transportation were featured, from Show has thrilled audiences and become the mules with jerk line to oxen-drawn covered world’s most unique Indian Pageant. Every wagons, Mormon carts, buggies and surreys. year over 500 volunteers come together to Riding groups and marching bands from the portray the culture and traditions of local surrounding communities also participated.

The Westward Ho! Parade pays tribute to the early days in the West and to the pioneers whose descendants participated in the Round-Up. At 1:00 PM they departed for home and made a quick stop at the fish hatchery at Bonneville Dam. Thanks go out to the chaperones Mark Gardner, Margaret Hill, Jeff Larson, James Spears and Ron Combs.

Welcome New Support Co-Coordinator Andrea Rapp The Columbia Pacific Area Team would like to introduce you to our newest member of our Support Coordinator team—Andrea Rapp. Andrea has been an AFS volunteer since 2005. She has enjoyed being a group leader for the AFS orientations as well as a very active liaison for several students. Andrea is an AFS returnee (Austria—1987) and has been a host sibling to many AFS students. Andrea’s

Norwegian sister surprised her several years ago when she and her husband named their own daughter Andrea. Professionally, Andrea is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been practicing as a Social Worker in Early Childhood Social Education and in Community Mental Heath in the Portland area since 1998. You can find her teaching Positive Discipline classes, with her dog or with friends,

reading, listening to music, or out on a hike during her free time. Andrea, as Support Coordinator, is responsible for all students from Portland Metro (Beaverton/Hillsboro/ Aloha, Lake Oswego, Yamhill County, North Clackamas, Northwest/Southwest Portland, North/Northeast Portland, Southeast Cluster) and West outlying areas (Oregon Coast).

Andrea Rapp

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The Dalles Chapter news The Dalles Chapter welcomed three boys this year: Alessandro from Italy is hosted by Jamie and DeeDee Carrico who are new to AFS. Alex from Switzerland is hosted by Tedd and Rymmel Lovell, The Dalles Chapter Chair and long time AFSers. Tim from Belgium is hosted by Tom and Laurie Nichol, also new to AFS. Alex has been actively involved with the cross-

“Every day I remind myself that I may be the only person from Thailand that people in my host communities will ever meet. I want to leave them with a good impression of our country and its people.—Exchange Teacher, 2006-07

country team while Tim is on the varsity soccer team. September 14th a welcome picnic was enjoyed by host families and AFS supporters in the community. The boys have become friends and joined together at football games, dances, and other school functions. We are looking forward to a rewarding, intercultural year.

A Letter To The Students— Andreas, Denmark (08/09) My AFS year in USA is for me now, one of the single greatest experiences of my life. My host family has become a part of my own family, and my american friends I will do whatever I can to keep in touch with, for they have meant the world to me. It is because of this that I choose not to end my AFS experience with my going home to Denmark. I have chosen to volunteer for AFS, and hopefully be able to give many more people this single greatest experience of their own lives, with their own memories of a year, gone by all too fast. When I returned home to Denmark, I was greeted by family and friends. People seemed the same as they always were, and when they weren’t I knew it was because I had changed, and that my values are now different, because of my exchange year. Time went by, and soon it was my first day of school, where I started getting to know new

people and make new friends. Being used to high school, and all the fun stuff that goes along with it, I was wrongly skeptical of my own new school. It was just boring, and with no school teams or school spirit, I almost gave up. AFS sent me a mail soon after, inviting me to the postreturn orientation in Slagelse, Denmark. I didn’t expect to get contacted by AFS, but I went to the camp and reunited with all the people from the pre-orientation. We had a blast and through games and personal talk with others, I realized that I am not alone about returning home, or alone in starting in a new ”boring” danish school. I learned to cope with all the things that come from returning home, and I got more friends at the same time. So here I am today. I have held a presentation to numerous hopeful exchange students and their parents at a local library. In a few weeks I am gonna be doing a couple

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more presentations with my friend, Martin, at some local schools, hoping to convince even more people to go out and have an amazing year with AFS, whether it is in USA, Mexico, France or Germany etc. I had an amazing year, I still have an amazing AFSexperience, and I know you (current exchange students), still have more awesome experiences to come(trust me!), and know that even when it’s done this year will be with you forever. Andreas, Denmark (Portland, OR 08-09)

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What the Exchange Students have to say...

What did the Exchange Students have to say when they were asked the following questions? 1. What groups, clubs and/or sports have you joined? • I will be on the swim team starting in November. I know joining Clubs is a good opportunity to make new friends—Jahan, Azerbaijan • I’ve joined the international club, actually all the exchange students in my school have joined this club but I love it too. I also joined the Japanese Club which I have a trip to Portland to see the Taiko’s Lost and Found performance—Aom, Thailand • I joined the Jefferson dancers— Laura, France • I’ve joined a dance club—Riho, Japan • I joined the Camas High School band—Simon, Switzerland • I am joining the Madison High School Cross Country Team— Thatchanont, Thailand • In school I joined the cross country team and I take powder puff football. In one week I go to outdoor school—Lucia, Germany • I have joined the acting class— Britny, Thailand • I will be joining the German club and Tennis team—Anna, Germany • I joined the soccer team and I’m going to help with homecoming— Annika, Austria • I will join the basketball team in Aloha High School—Chayanit, Thailand • I joined the tech team for drama. I really like the people and it is very interesting to see how everything goes—Silke, Germany

2. What is your funniest moment you have experienced so far in America? • My funniest moment is hearing Americans burp all the time—Riho, Japan • My first visit of an American supermarket. It was a Wal-Mart and I was completely fascinated about the big bottles and other packages—Hendrik, Germany • Watching Americas Funniest Videos—Aom, Thailand • My first football game was the funniest moment. I was playing there with the CHS band and also watching the game—Simon, Switzerland • When I do something wrong, I will remember it forever and it is very funny too—Thatchanont, Thailand • My strangest moment was when the bus didn’t come on my second school day and I came half an hour late to school—Lucia, Germany • I think the funniest moment in America is when I study in acting class and my friends they are all acting so funny—Britny, Thailand • The funniest thing was when I first heard the word pooped out :) Annika, Austria • The state fair was the funniest thing—Alberto, Chile • I think the funniest moment was when I said that I love “cooking” but everyone understood me to say “cocaine”. People asked me if I would take a lot of drugs in Germany ;) - Silke, Germany 3. What is your strangest moment you have experienced so far in America? • The strangest moment is that no one knows about my country— Jahan, Azerbaijan • My first strangest moment was my first day of school!! I was sooo nervous! - Laura, France • The positions of traffic lanes are opposite between America and Japan—Riho, Japan • The strangest moment was the assembly at my high school because it works so much

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differently than in Germany and I felt very uncomfortable most of the time—Hendrik, Germany Seeing people with scary tattoos, rings in their mouths or at the middle of their tongs (Yak!!) and SUPER HUGE earrings that will swing with they walk—Aom, Thailand My first school day was my “I think the funniest strangest moment because everything was new and I moment was when I didn’t understand so much— Simon, Switzerland said that I love I am not used to eat bread every other meal like “cooking” but breakfast (toast), lunch (sandwich) dinner (grilled everyone cheese bread) etc.. Because we normally eat rice— understood me to Thatchanont, Thailand My funniest moment was say “cocaine”. when I danced with my host brother to a movie end title. People asked me if I Also when I got a very funny email from my grandpa from would take a lot of Germany, he wrote many drugs in Germany” jokes—Lucia, Germany The strangest moment in the Silke, Germany US is when my friends told me that she has a first boyfriend since she’s in 4th grade...isn’t it strange?? - Britny, Thailand One day I went boating with some friends. When I woke up the next day I had about 30 mosquito bite on my leg! That was kind of strange because I never had this before—Anna, Germany My strangest moment was maybe my first day of school when I was going fr o m class to class w i t h o u t k n o w i n g anyone...but now it really got much better. I made my first friends that’s great! Silke, Germany Yuma from Japan and Pauline

from France

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Mt. Hood Railroad Trip—Claudia, Italy On August 20, my host dad Garry, my host sister Selina, her husband Scott, their son Ethan and I took a trip on the Mt. Hood Railroad that started in city of Hood River on the Columbia River. It was really relaxing!! The train rocked and traveled so slowly, I even fell asleep. The landscapes were really pretty and we took lots of pictures from the train. We arrived in Parkdale, where we had lunch. We didn’t visit the entire village, but what I saw was very

pretty. It seemed so quiet. Then we came back to Hood River where we started from in the morning. My host sister, her husband and son returned home while my host dad and I traveled around Mt. Hood to a beautiful place called Timberline Lodge which is located at the base of Mt. Hood. There we took some pictures of Mt. Hood and the Italian flag outside of the lodge. I think that Mt. Hood is

the mountain that is the most photographed in all of the US. I really enjoyed this day trip and I spent a very beautiful day!! Thanks to everyone that made this possible. Claudia from Italy

Some AFSers have become world leaders. Surin P. was from a rural village in Southern Thailand and was hosted in Minnesota. He went on to earn a Ph. D. from Harvard and became his country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Elisa (Germany 07/08) Visits Oregon Elisa (Germany 07/08) visited her host parents (Garry and Marilyn Hays) for several weeks this summer. Elisa arrived from Germany on June 30 and was able to visit friends and family members. She even joined the family for a trip to the Florence area during the 4th of July weekend. She enjoyed visiting the Oregon Coast Aquarium at Newport, taking a sand dune buggy ride and a enjoying a BBQ on July 4th at the beach. Elisa and her host dad, Garry, took a trip down the Eastern Cascades and High Sierras, visiting Crater Lake National Park, Lake Tahoe, Virginia L a k e s (south of Bridgeport, CA), June L a k e s (south of Lee Vining, CA), and Yosemite

National Park. They spent a couple of days in Yosemite and Elisa fell in love with the area. She felt it was one of the most beautiful places in the world – the waterfalls, tall granite rock formations, and panoramic views from Glacier Point. They departed Yosemite National Park and traveled to San Francisco to meet Marilyn who flew down from Portland. Elisa, Garry and Marilyn spent five wonderful days in San Francisco, staying in the Fisherman Wharf area. Elisa enjoyed visiting and eating in the Italian area, Chinatown, Japan town, Fisherman’s Wharf, Sausalito, riding the Trolley Cars, and walking around the Golden Gate National Park area. After, spending a fantastic time visiting very scenic areas of Oregon and California and spending time in her dream city, San Francisco, she departed for the San Francisco airport to meet her Father who was traveling from Germany. She and her father

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then traveled to Hawaii to tour four Hawaiian islands in three weeks. They visited the islands of Oahu, Kauai, Maui and Hawaii. In an email to her host parents, she described her trip to Hawaii as “awesome” and being one of the most exciting places in the world. Overall, she described her six weeks in America as a trip of a lifetime. Garry Hays

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Hayley’s Blog—American in Thailand Hailey is an American student from Oregon who is spending a year in Thailand through AFS. Here is excerpt from her Blog. 100 days, wow. Just the idea of being in another country, away from familiar family and friends, for this long is hard to imagine. But, here I am! 100 days after I arrived in Thailand. Thursday morning was the beginning of English camp and Meri (a 6 week exchange student in Chumphonburi) and I started off the camp by singing some songs, reciting the camp rules, and helping to teach some American Square Dance as we waited for 5 other exchange students to arrive. We heard that their van broke down just outside of Surin (about an hour and a half from Chumphonburi) so they didn’t arrive until 1 pm. But once they got to camp, we divided into 4 groups, 2 exchange students per group, to have the Thai students ask us questions in English. Since there were only 7 exchange students I got a group all to myself. After the question and answer period was over we helped the students create a skit where they could do just about anything they wanted. The only rules were that it had to be in English and every student had to say at least 2 lines. My group decided to base their skit off of one of the camp songs called “I’m a cat”. They paired off with each pair choosing an animal from the song and then wrote a conversation about things that the animals like to do. The skits were performed after dinner so it gave them plenty of time to memorize their lines and make their

costumes. During dinner we decided that Gaia (a girl from Italy) and Anja (German girl) would spend the night with me at the host family’s house here. And Susan (Chinese teacher), Jelly (Belgian teacher), and Jannia (German boy) would stay with Meri. We managed to make dinner last till 8 pm with our nonstop talking. It was nice to have exchange students living so close to Krasang. After dinner we started off singing a song called “Down and Up” where for every ‘down’ you squat and ‘up’ you stand. Then you “walk to the left and walk to the right. Turn around and walk walk walk.” Repeat, but replace the word ‘walk’ with clap, run, jump, and this weird banging motion. So we did the whole song once, then again, then they told the Thai students to stand up and we did it 2 more times. I’ll tell you, that’s a real good workout for your legs! I think we did a total of at least 40 squats. After a few more songs each group presented their skits. One group did a talent show, another did a skit about the Loy Krathong festival, and one group even did a skit about Snow White. Once the skits were finished (around 9:30 pm) the students went to bed and we had a brief meeting to discuss the next day. And after that? A barbeque! That’s right, they ate more food at 10 pm at night. I was so full I could hardly eat any, but Gaia and Anja were really excited to have food. We joked about how they’re starting to turn Thai and just how things will be when we go home. We were so tired by the time

Orientation and Trip Notes

we got to the house that we were acting a bit punch-drunk. But after showers and laughing about how loopy we were we no longer felt tired. So we talked. Of course we talked, we’re girls. That’s what girls do! Unfortunately we talked until 3 in the morning and just as we went to bed the rooster right outside my window started crowing nonstop. Obviously, we did not get much sleep that night. In the morning I had to pack up all of my things (since we left to go home right after the camp was over) and the 3 of us headed to school for breakfast. After we ate we went to our group stations. Each station covered different subjects in the English handbook and each group spent about 20 minutes at each station. My station covered identifying animals, body parts, and nationalities. If we had time I would have them close their books and I would quiz them on some of the subjects. The third group I got was actually very smart. They knew a lot of the nationalities and even how to spell some of the country names. The closing ceremony was after lunch and the principal of the school presented gifts to the Thai trainers at the camp. They even gave some stuff to us! Each exchange student got a towel, a CD with pictures from the camp, and a 5 kg bag of organic rice. When I told my host family that it was for us they joked about how it was for *me* and that I had to take it with me when I go back to the US. Sawadee ka! Hayley, Oregon USA

Dear Exchange Students, It has been a month since you arrived in the USA. I hope everything is going well with you. This is going to be a year full of activities and events designed just for you. I hope you will participate in as many events as possible. I know that you will be making many friends this year and may want them to join you in some of the specific AFS events. However, because of liability issues non-AFS students will not be able to attend our orientations, trips or special events. There will be lots of non-AFS activities that your friends can be included. Again, have a good year. Bernice Gerhardt, Volunteer Support Coordinator

Hayley

“AFS Exchange Students open windows to the world for our students. They inspire exploration of diverse cultures through everyday contacts.” School Counselor

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Thank you volunteers for helping with arrivals!

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Volunteer news and notes...

“It Takes a Village!” A big thanks to all of you (volunteers, gateway families and host families) who have stepped forward to support our students and families this year. We still need a few more trained liaisons, so if you know anyone who would benefit from being a part of our program– remember to encourage them and direct them to our website for volunteer registration. Www.afscp.com. Please recruit friends, neighbors, teachers and family members to get involved with our kids and families—invite them to join the ranks of AFS volunteers—as aunt/uncle; bigbrother-big sister; liaison; school contact or local volunteer. Remember, you are giving them a gift—the privilege of getting to know our wonderful kids and families; the joy of forming lifelong relationships and developing a deeper understanding of another culture. Invite them to our gatherings and include them whenever possible. We also have many returning volunteers re-registering—you all are the heartbeat of our

program and our students need the village to make this year one they will remember forever. THANK YOU! As you may or may not know, the State Department is conducting a detailed audit of compliance for our exchange programs this year. So we are busily pulling the last few pieces of paperwork together a n d m a ki n g s u r e o u r volunteers are registered and properly trained and oriented. The new rule for liaisons is they must have training contact annually, so we are still playing catch-up to get our permanent liaisons trainings. We are advocating for online training—especially for experienced liaisons, but that is still in the IT works. If you haven't already, I encourage you to familiarize yourself with the new Online Host Family Orientation model that has been introduced. Even if you attended a face-to-face orientation this year. There are valuable cultural tips and reminders in this presentation. I even learned a few things going through it! Worthwhile for volunteers and families! Ch e ck i t ou t : G o t o www.afswiki.org then click on

Host Family Info in the left menu. Then click on the On-line PreArrival Host Family Orientation. Once there look for the Easy Way section and click on the Online Presentation button. This will be a great aide to our more remote placements and to our repeat host families. We don’t want these online trainings to completely replace the valuable face-to-face interaction we share, but this will be a boost for us to maintain training compliance. Let us know what you think about it! There ill be opportunities coming up this Fall to promote AFS and assist in activities for our kids. Don’t be shy—let your local coordinator or one of the team members know what you want to be doing! L o t s o f op p or t u n i t i e s : Fundraising for optional activities? Sitting information tables at back-to-school nights and Farmer’s Markets? Chaperoning activities? Become a group leader for Orientations? Interviewing US students going abroad? The world is your oyster! Peace be with us all!!! Sally Ann Wells, Area Team Volunteer Coordinator

Flu Shots for Exchange Students As a reminder, flu shots (whether for the regular flu or for the Swine Flue) are vaccinations. Natural parents must give permission for vaccinations and are responsible for the cost of vaccinations. Vaccinations are not covered by the AFS Medical Plan. The plan does cover expenses if a participant gets sick. If a local school district or state decided to require this vaccination, then the Sending Partner (Student’s home country AFS) must be informed so that they

can get the parents’ permission for the shot; it would be good to also inform the Sending Partner of the expense so that the Parents can a rrang e with th e participant how he/she will pay for the shot. Contact your local AFS Volunteer to initiate contact with the Sending Partner. Any claims sent to GMMI for vaccinations will be denied. The language from the Medical Pamphlet is as follows: Expenses for Routine Physical Exams or Preventative Care The

WWW.AFSCP.COM

Participant Medical Plan does not pay for routine physicals, inoculations, vaccinations, or examinations, even if required by schools. As an example, schools often require sports physical examination prior to allowing participants to engage in school sports. Participants and/or natural parents are expected to pay for these expenses directly. Retrieved from “http:// ww w . a f s w i ki . or g / i nd ex . p h p / flu_shots_for_hosted_students

Area Team

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Chair James Spears Chair-Elect OPEN Treasurer Tom Hilleary Hosting Co-coordinators Stacey Mills Andrea Johnson Sending Coordinator Emily Leis Orientation Coordinator Ron Combs Support Coordinators Bernie Gerhardt Andrea Rapp Volunteer Coordinator Sally Ann Wells Liaison Coordinator Andrea Rapp (interim) Returnee Coordinator Eric Sussman Communications Coordinator Tami Spears Website James Spears

CHAPTER/CLUSTER COORDINATORS Beaverton Stacey Mills Columbia Gorge Rymmel Lovell Hillsboro/Forest Grove/Banks Jim & Erin Linhares Lake Oswego Lorie James North Clackamas Maggie Frieske North/Northeast Chris Cradler Portland West Sally Ann Wells Southeast/Gresham/Sandy Bernice Schuchardt Tigard/Tualatin Andrea Johnson Tillamook/Oregon Coast Sue Cudd Wilsonville Michelle Labrie-Ripple Yamhill County Tami & James Spears Camas/Washougal Ruth Ladage Longview/Kelso/Toledo Debbie Erickson Vancouver/Battle Ground Bernie Gerhardt YES/FLEX Student Coordinators Maggie Frieske Rustam Kocher Rymmel Lovell Visiting Teacher Coordinators Jerrie Nelson Sally Ann Wells

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The Calendar 2009—2010 OCT 10-11 CAMP ADAMS ORIENTATION—REQUIRED EVENT—Contact Tami Spears for registration [email protected] OCT GRAPEFRUIT SALE BEGINS—Fundraiser—Contact Ron Combs (503) 314-5243 or [email protected] in the Portland area OCT 23 SCREAM AT THE BEACH—Contact Ron Combs (503) 314-5243 or [email protected] to sign up for event. NOV 16-20 INTERNATIONAL WEEK—REQUIRED EVENT FOR YES & FLEX STUDENTS DEC CHRISTMAS CANDY SALE—Fundraiser—Contact Ron Combs (503) 3145243 or [email protected] DEC 5 GRAPEFRUIT PICK UP—8 AM to Noon at Jackson Middle School— Contact Ron Combs (503) 314-5243 or [email protected] DEC 5 EASTSIDE PORTLAND CLUSTER CHRISTMAS PARTY—6 PM to 10 PM—Contact Ron Combs (503) 314-5243 or [email protected] DEC 19 YAMHILL COUNTY CHAPTER HOLIDAY PARTY—Contact Tami or James Spears (503) 883-9023 or [email protected] JAN 2010 VALENTINE’S CANDY SALE—Fundraiser—Contact Ron Combs (503) 314-5243 or [email protected] JAN 30 MID-YEAR ORIENTATION—REQUIRED EVENT— Contact Ron Combs (503) 314-5243 or [email protected] JAN 31 SKI TRIP—OPTIONAL EVENT—Contact Ron Combs (503) 314-5243 or [email protected] FEB EASTER CANDY SALE BEGINS— Fundraiser—Contact Ron Combs (503) 314-5243 or [email protected] APRIL 16-17 THE COLUMBIA GORGE TRIP—OPTIONAL EVENT—$10 fee 25 maximum attendees—Contact Ron Combs (503) 314-5243 or [email protected]

MAY 1-3 ASHLAND SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL TRIP—OPTIONAL EVENT— Contact Ron Combs (503) 314-5243 or [email protected] MAY 15 PRE-RETURN ORIENTATION—REQUIRED EVENT— Contact Ron Combs (503) 314-5243 or [email protected] MAY 30 DAY AT THE ZOO—Contact Jeff Larson JUNE END OF STAY PICNIC EVENT—Contact Ron Combs (503) 314-5243

or [email protected]

JUNE 12 GRAND FLORAL PARADE—Contact Ron Combs (503) 314-5243 or [email protected] JUNE 27 DEPARTURE DAY

AFS COLUMBIA PACIFIC Tami Spears 1025 NE Irvine St. McMinnville, OR 97128

Want Souvenir/Scrapbook? E-Mail: Ron Combs [email protected] For more information and for our newsletter archives, visit the Columbia-Pacific website at www.AFSCP.com