NEWSLETTER

JUNE 2009

Hosting News

Now is the time to make a difference…..

You can change the world right from your own home! Host an AFS Exchange
student!
How would you like to have a sibling, son or daughter from France, Turkey,
Denmark Spain or another far off place? One of the best ways to appreciate this
amazing world of ours is discovering its many peoples and cultures. What better
way to experience that than to share your family with a High School " Ambassador
" from another land! AFS host families provide a bed (host siblings can share a
room), meals, and transportation to school, and welcome the exchange student as a
member of your family. The AFS network of volunteers provides your family and the
exchange student with orientations, relevant materials, and support throughout your
year.
The Colombia Pacific team has been building an amazing family of international
students for the 2009-10 Hosting year! Coming this fall, 44+ students will be landing
into their new families and life-changing experiences. As of this publishing there are 27 students linked to fantastic
families, but that still leaves 17 to 24 wonderful kids yet to be placed.
Even with the state of the economy and many budgeting changes for all, we have found that there are still many
families that have a true heart for the mission of AFS and the impact it has on the world. Folks who have a desire for this
are making it happen all over the nation. Actually, our NW region is nearly the top placing region in the nation right now!!
Dozens of NW families are ready to invite a student into their home to share their lives and change the world. Do you
know that family?! Can you think of people you know in your life circles – home, work, church, or community group?
Perhaps your Synagogue, book club, school parents, yoga class or gardening group? Many schools prefer to work with
AFS and our outstanding volunteer network, but the available school spots are closing very soon! The extensive AFS
network of host families, returnees, and dedicated volunteers continues to be an invaluable resource of connecting with
like-minded folks. Won’t you share the mission and make a world impact? Please take a look at the pullout in this
newsletter featuring the students that are still available. I’m certain there is a student that’s meant to be with a family you
know and love. It could be you!
It continues to be my honor to support and assist the Colombia Pacific team in placing these awesome students.
Here’s to continuing the hosting recruitment with a passion and bringing the world to Oregon and Southwest
Washington!
Caren Marre – AFS Western Regional Hosting Coordinator

AFS—USA PUBLIC DIPLOMACY INITIATIVES

Congress‐Bundestag (CB):    Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX):    Youth Exchange and Study Program 
The  congress‐Bundestag  Youth  exchange  The  Future  Leaders  Exchange  program  (YES):   
Program  was  launched  in  1983  by  the  originated  in  the  FREEDOM  Support  Act,  The  Youth  Exchange  and  Study  Program 
U.S.  Congress  and  the  German  which was sponsored by U.S. Senator Bill  was  initiated  by  the  U.S.  Department  of 
parliament  (Bundestag).    Annually,  AFS  Bradley and passed by Congress in 1992.   State in the aftermath of September 11th 
provides 50 full merit‐based scholarships  It  provides  full  merit‐based  scholarships  to  build  bridges  of  understanding 
for U.S. students to study in Germany for  to  students  from  the  countries  of  the  between  Americans  and  people  in 
a  year,  and  57  scholarships  for  German  former  Soviet  Union  to  study  abroad  in  countries  with  significant  Muslim 
participants to study in the U.S.  the U.S. for a year.  populations.    YES  provides  full  merit‐
    based  scholarships  to  students  from 
    more  than  10  countries  to  study  abroad 
  http://exchanges.state.gov/youth/ in the U.S. for a year. 
 
http://usagermanyscholarship.org  programs/flex 
http://yesprograms.org 
 COLUMBIA PACIFIC AREA TEAM CHAIR REPORT

THE CHAIR REPORT—Bonnie Richardson-Kott

be stepping in to become the new Chair of our Team. His
experience with AFS and his outstanding leadership skills will be
invaluable to our Team as we change and grow and strive to make
the experience of every student the best it can be.
While students and families will be scrambling to accomplish
last minute shopping, sight-seeing cramming, and preparations for
getting those bags within the increasingly restrictive weight limits,
James will be gearing up and planning our Team’s future
successes and leadership. As a host dad to Philip, he and his
wife Tami will be there with all of you, saying goodbye to their son.
It’ll be heart wrenching and emotional and terribly hard to do. But
James and Tami know that the goodbye isn’t an ending; it’s the
beginning of a lifetime friendship with Philip. No matter what role
we serve in our organization, as volunteers dedicated to the
mission of AFS, we will always be part of AFS and the
relationships we have developed will continue on. I’m thankful I’ve
made so many wonderful friends volunteering with AFS, and I’m
looking forward to continuing to do my part in supporting James as
It’s hard to believe that the school year is already at its end. he leads our Team of volunteers into being the best Team in the
And now my term as Chair of Columbia Pacific Area Team is country (no pressure, James!)
coming to an end. I believe with all endings arise great new
beginnings. Host Dad, Group Leader, Liaison Coordinator, Bonnie Richardson-Kott, Columbia Pacific Area Team Chair
Website Creator, Chair-Elect (Super Volunteer) James Spears will

NEW AREA TEAM CHAIR—James Spears

self-confident and mature young man during his year in
America. It's always sad to see them go, but I know we couldn't
have all of the good times without that inevitable Departure Day
that's coming up in a few weeks.
Besides Philip, I've taken a group of nine students under my
wing as an orientation group leader this year. I met these nine
brave individuals shortly after they arrived and before they went
home for the first time with their new host families. I've been
fortunate to get together with these students at the various
orientations throughout the year and talk about their challenges
and successes.
And I have gotten to know many of the other exchange
students this year as a chaperon/driver on some Area Team
outings. I'll always enjoy the "Let 'er Buck" video (it's on the area
team web site at www.afscp.com/pictures.html) and think back
on the fun we had at the Pendleton Round-Up. I'll always
remember the collective gasp the students let out when the owner
of Shreiner Farms in the Columbia River Gorge pulled a baby
wallaroo from his backpack during our tour of his exotic animal
farm. And I'll always cherish the evening I spent with a group of
I don't think I can adequately express how grateful I am to be astudents analyzing the play we had just seen at the Shakespeare
part of the AFS family. I have been blessed with the friendship of Festival. They're a great group of mature young adults, and I'm
many selfless volunteers, generous host families, and amazing excited about the difference they're going to make in the world.
exchange students and teachers. With no kids of our own, my I deeply believe in the AFS mission of a more just and peaceful
wife, Tami, and I decided to look into hosting with AFS early in world through intercultural exchange. We're definitely all making a
2006. Southeast Portland Cluster Leader Bernice Schuchardt difference in the world through our efforts. Thanks to all of you
showed up at our doorstep a few days after we filled out a Host (volunteers, host families, exchange teachers, and exchange
Family Interest Form on the AFS web site and got us started on students) for making this year such a great year for all of us. I'm
this fulfilling journey. That first year, we hosted Chloé from France,
excited about the hosting year we have ahead of us, and the Area
and it was a learning experience for all of us. We learned to be Team and I are looking forward to providing whatever support we
parents as well as Host Parents, and Chloé grew up in so many can to ensure a great year for you and your students.
ways. After a move from Sandy to McMinnville during the 07/08
school year, we hosted Tomomi from Japan for her last five weeks James Spears, Host Dad and New Columbia Pacific Area Team
in the US, and our only regret was that we couldn't have had her Chair
with us for longer. This school year, it has been Philip from
Germany, a loving and thoughtful kid who has turned into a more

2
 VOLUNTEER NEWS/DEVELOPMENT
Spring is a busy time
with AFS volunteers! The
hosting workshop, the last
week of February started
us off with a bang. We had
a great, well-attended,
hosting volunteer training
with Caren Marré and Kathi
Kosik, from staff; joining
our new co-hosting coordinators, Andrea
Johnson and Stacey Mills to bring us all the
info from the national hosting training that
took place in February. Andrea Johnson
was able to attend that and came back
energized and ready to go. Lots of changes
and new electronics to get used to but we’re
getting there! And we have been marching
forward with hosting since then. Stacey
and Andrea have slipped in to their new
roles quite amazingly well and we are so
grateful for their enthusiasm and
efficiency—watch for their hosting report.
March was a lion of a month for AFS
volunteer activity. Rymmel Lovell, our
Chapter Chair in The Dalles, was able to
attend the National Sponsored Program
Workshop and bring back all the updates to
us. If you want to know about the latest
plans for the federally funded scholarship
programs, YES. FLEX, NSLI and Congress
Bundestag -- check in with Rymmel!
The National Strategic Language
Initiative (NSLI well that’s a mouthful), sort
of snuck up on us this spring! So a
marvelous effort from many volunteers and
staff rallied the volunteer troops to conduct
a marathon interview session for the 26
Columbia Pacific Candidates who had
applied. With all the great help, it came off
without a hitch and we are happy to
announce AFS was awarded three of the
full-ride scholarships for Cooper Thomas
headed to Turkey for the summer; Sahalie
Clapp who is headed to Turkey for the full
year program; and Jessica Harn, who will
go to China for winter semester.
Congratulations to these three students.
We are thrilled with their success!
Then of course we had our wonderful
Volunteer Recognition event that was very
well-planned and executed by Tami Spears,
Bernie Gerhardt, Leta Gorman and Ron
Combs. It was a wonderful event!
And the monumental effort of corralling
CONGRATULATIONS
- Newest AFS Volunteer -
Congratulations to Anouxa and Michele Vixathep on the birth of their little girl,
Sophia Claire. Sophia was born on Monday, March 16, weighing in at 7 lbs., 3
ozs. and was 21 inches long. Michele is liaison to Mark from Hungary. Mark and
his host family, the Gardners, have already paid a visit to little Sophia.
50 exchange students, several host parents there and hopefully recruit some new
and 30 American Abroad candidates and families and find some long-lost returnees
their parents for our combined Pre- (new volunteers, yea!) If you would like to
Departure and Pre-return Orientation. Our sit at an information table at Farmer’s
team should be proud of the volunteer Market or one of the community
efforts that go into our orientations. Ron celebrations this summer, please contact
Combs and Lynette Ledgerwood are to be your local coordinator or one of the Area
commended for their tremendous effort in Team Leaders. We’ll be happy to assist
pulling all those volunteers and logistics anyway we can.
together for a seamless event. Thanks to
all the group leaders, the behind-the-scene
Calling all liaisons and aunt-uncle
worker bees and trainers who made this families! - Time to round up volunteers for
May event a great success! this coming year! As AFS strives to
become more compliant with CSIET and
Promoting AFS and our Mission – State Department Guidelines, we are
Volunteers have been busy and will making a concerted effort to contact our
continue to do community outreach through new liaisons early, so we can get them
information-table sitting, school open- connected and trained. We must improve
houses, Farmer’s Markets booth-sitting and our reporting and contact documentation
Community Fairs—spreading the word and and the best way to get ‘buy-in’ is to explain
mission any way we can. If you would like the process and necessity of compliance
to booth sit or set up a site of your own, let and get new volunteers committed to the
us know and we’ll be happy to provide mission. If you know someone who would
materials to post and to hand out. This is make a great liaison or aunt-uncle family,
for Hosting, Sending and Volunteer please encourage them to sign up. It’s a
recruitment—the more we speak the great “entry-level” volunteer activity and we
mission the more will share our joy! do back it up with support and training, as
Tigard High School Information well as experienced volunteers to support
you every step of the way.. James Spears
Table - Andrea Johnson and Maria has created a great web link on our local
Carlotta Groppi from Italy at Tigard High
website www.afscp.com. Check out his
School sat at an information table at wonderful Liaison link:
Carlotta’s high school, in April. Lots of
http://www.afscp.com/liaisons.html
people stopped by to say hello to Carlotta—
many people were surprised to learn she
was an exchange student—speak the
AFS Wiki Tutorial now available
mission every day! through our local website!
As you may know, AFS Online Library is no
The Longview -Kelso Chapter more. AFS has moved toward a much
Community Outreach - The Longview- more dynamic, living information resource
Kelso Chapter will be booth-sitting and that even you can contribute to, if you are
community networking for AFS at the Lower so inclined. This is the replacement for the
Columbia Community College International AFS News that used to come to us through
Fair on Saturday June 6th. Tan, from AFS Online. Important messages to
Thailand will be making bookmarks for the volunteers about our organization; changes
children with their names written in Thai; in process; emergency notices—they are all
to be found at www.afswiki.org Check it
Nazumi from Japan will be teaching out—everything you ever wanted to know
Origami to the visiting children and Emy about how AFS works and a great
from Italy will be sharing dance and music. PowerPoint Tutorial to get you started:
This promises to be a lively culture-share. h t t p : / / w w w . a f s w i k i . o r g / i n d e x . p h p /
Way to go Longview-Kelso! Great job, Accessing_Information_on_AFS_Wiki
Debbie Erickson! The office is happy to
provide materials and flyers for this type of Sally Ann Wells, Volunteer Coordinator
activity. It is a way to get the AFS name out
3

Spotlight on China—Tiantian, China
My name is Tiantian (making it easier to
pronounce, I go by Maria sometimes). I am from
Lanzhou City, Gansu Province, China. It’s my
great pleasure to introduce my city, my country
to you here.
Talking about my city, eating will definitely be
my first recommendation. My city has a very
special location that favors the food here — it
sits on the geographic center of China. So you
have chances to try almost all kinds of food from
all over China here. But we also have our local
“repertoire”, those are Lanzhou Beef Pulled-
noodles and roast mutton. They seem simple,
but actually contain our regional eating culture.
Surrounded by Mongolia Province and Tibet
Province where the best grasslands are, my city
is one of the northwestern cities that receives the
best and most fresh meat products because of
the natural pasturage resources (although my
city is the center, but most of my province is in
the northwest). Beef and mutton are two of them.
And because of many Muslim animal farmers,
Mideast flavors were brought to our food. What’s
more, the noodles are all hand-pulled, which
makes it more delicate. That’s why it is special
and you have to try it. But I have to “warn” you to
not to try it in the other places. For some
reasons, it’s never good elsewhere. Haha.
Then I will talk about the second thing that
makes Lanzhou people proud the most: the
Yellow River. The Yellow River is Chinese
people’s mother river. For thousand of years, the
Yellow River feeds Chinese people and nurtures
the Chinese culture. The Chinese civilization
actually originated on the Yellow River. And
Lanzhou has a very special connection with the
Yellow River, that is, Lanzhou is the only city in
China which the Yellow River flows through and
divides the city into two halves(kind of like the
Willamette River to Portland). The Yellow River
relates us to our ancestors.
Lanzhou also played an important role on the
communication between China and the western
world in the old times. It is on a necessary
access from China to the western hemisphere—
the Silk Road. Along the road, you can find lots
of historic relics of the culture exchange between
the east and the west. Tang monk brought the
Buddhism to China on this road. Genghis khan
began his battles on this road. Marco Polo’s
4
YOUR AFS WORLD
journey was once on this road, too. If you come in the world, spanning the course of several
to my province, I will definitely show you these millennia. There is, in fact, evidence that a form
places that where the fantastic grottos and mural of football was played in China in ancient times.
paintings are. The popular Chinese dragon boat racing occurs
I hope you like my city and can visit her some during the Dragon Boat Festival. In Inner
time in the future. Mongolia, sports such as Mongolian-style
Next I’d like to wrestling and horse racing are popular. In Tibet,
show you my country archery and equestrianism are a part of
China, this eastern traditional festivals.
country with world’s
first population, third
largest economy and
an ancient and
mysterious past.
The history of
China started 2.24
million to 250,000
years ago according
to the archaeological
evidence. China has
one of the world's
oldest and continuous civilizations, consisting of
states and cultures. Chinese civilization was also The territory of China contains a large variety of
one of the few to invent writing independently, landscapes. In the east, along the shores of the
the others being Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley Yellow Sea and the East China Sea, there are
Civilization, the Mayan civilization, the Minoan extensive and densely populated alluvial plains,
Civilization of ancient Greece, and Ancient while on the edges of the Inner Mongolian
Egypt. Different from the others, it is the only plateau in the north, grasslands can be seen.
written language system that has been Southern China is dominated by hill country and
continuously used till today without breaking. low mountain ranges. In the central-east are the
Historically, China's cultural sphere has deltas of China's two major rivers, the Yellow
extended across East Asia as a whole, with River and Yangtze River (Chang Jiang). To the
Chinese religion, customs, and writing systems west, major mountain ranges, notably the
being adopted to varying degrees by neighbors Himalayas, with China's highest point at the
such as Japan, Korea and Vietnam. eastern half of Mount Everest, and high plateaus
You will feature among the more arid landscapes such as
have a lot to the Taklimakan and the Gobi Desert.
see here.
The art of
China has a
long past.
C h i n e s e
characters
have had
many variants
and styles throughout Chinese history. This
literary emphasis affected the general perception
of cultural refinement in China. Manuscripts of
the Classics and
religious texts were The thousands of years of Chinese history
handwritten by ink also left countless places of historic relics for us.
brush, so as The Palace museum in Beijing is the palace of
Chinese paintings the last two emperor dynasties and the one of
which depict a lot of traditional Chinese architectures of highest level.
C h i n e s e Suzhou (sister city of Portland) has the most
landscapes. The beautiful Chinese gardens. And the spreading of
Chinese invented religion left us many delicate temples and
numerous musical spectacular statues.
instruments, such We have various festivals and events
as the zheng (zither throughout the year. The Spring Festival, also
with movable known as Chinese new year (we have a different
bridges), qin (bridgeless zither), sheng (free reed calendar from the Christian one), is the biggest
mouth organ), and xiao (vertical flute) and holiday for Chinese people. On that day, families
adopted and developed others such the erhu get together and celebrate the beginning of the
(alto fiddle or bowed lute) and pipa (pear-shaped new year. Mid-autumn day is on the August 15th
plucked lute). Beijing opera is one of our national of our lunar calendar. On that day, the moon is
art performances and a form of traditional supposed to be perfectly round. Families watch
Chinese theatre. It combines music, vocal the moon and eat moon cakes together.
performance, mime, dance and acrobatics.
China has one of the oldest sporting cultures Tiantian, China

T here are
several reasons
why Curtis and I
host with
AFS. We will
forever be
grateful to our
friends Rick and
Henry for telling us about the AFS
experience. They had a great experience
hosting a student from Sweden and have
since hosted students from Iceland and
Austria, as well. Curtis and I have hosted
two students from Germany prior to hosting
our current student, Andreas “The Great
Dane” Thybo, from Silkeborg, Denmark.
Our reasons for hosting in the beginning
may have been selfish. We wanted to “test-
drive” the idea of parenting. By having an
AFS student, we could see how having
another person in the house affected our
relationship dynamic. We figured it would
help us decide if we wanted to adopt a child
in the future. Hosting was also for a finite
period, which gave us comfort in case
things just didn’t work out. It’s always
worked out! We were delighted when our
first student accepted the placement and
we've felt the same joy when each of our
students accepted their “non-traditional”
placement. AFS students are screened and
My year in America it’s
been amazing so far.
Since the beginning of
school I had the
opportunity to make
lots of friends who
have always showed
interest about my
country and my culture
and, at the same time,
have always helped
me knowing the U.S.
culture and to learn the language.
I also met a new family. At first everything
was awkward but after a little while we
started to get along really well and it’s been
like that since. I got used to their rules and
to their costumes and so did they. Beside
the fact to have a new dad and a new mom
I also found a little sister that I never had in
my Italian life. In fact, since I have an older
brother, I always have been the little one
and thank of this experience I felt what
being an older sister means. However, even
Visit your local AFS website. It is a great resource for volunteers, host families, and exchange students.
YOUR AFS WORLD
WHY WE HOST
fully prepared for their transition to life in
another country.
Our students have been markedly
different. One was a homebody, rarely
leaving the confines of the house we had in
the suburbs. He also saw himself as an
equal, not as a teenager. The other two
were very social, with many friends. They
played varsity spots. They enjoyed our
urban setting in Portland, close to all that
the city offers. All grew and matured during
their year in the United States.
While we’ve learned some about
Germany and Denmark, we’ve also had
great discussions about how the
international community views not only the
United States as a whole, but social
problems that affect each country. It has
been a lot of fun to discuss current
events. Andreas was with us when history
was made: Barack Obama was elected the
first African-American president of the
United States.
Curtis and I have both lived abroad and
know how important language acquisition
is. When I lived in the Netherlands and
Belgium, I wanted to improve my Dutch
pronunciation skills. This led to a Sunday
reading exercise with each of our students,
where they read a long article from the
newspaper. Extra attention was paid to
MY YEAR IN AMERICA
if this still is an important challenge, it’s not
the only experience that really changed
myself.
The major change in my life happened
with my personality and me. In fact, after
eight months I don’t feel the same insecure,
shy and superficial girl that I was a year
ago. I learned how to deal with different
emotions, how to fix problems using just my
capabilities, how interesting could be to
know more about different cultures. I also
learned to not judge before knowing what
I’m talking about and I made the quote “it’s
not weird, it’s just different” part of my life
rules. From another hand I’m only 18 so I
don’t feel to know everything about life
because I know I need to go through lots of
different experiences before being actually
able to say that but I definitely feel like
saying that during this year I grew up and I
learned a lot more about myself.
Now my goals in life are clear and I’m
not scared to try and to dare to reach them,
not anymore.
WWW.AFSCP.COM
unfamiliar words and an emphasis placed
on pronunciation.
Some of my favorite memories with our
students involve travel. The Pacific
Northwest has been great for beach trips,
camping, off-roading, hiking, skiing,
etc. Showing them different parts of our
country (New York City, Los Angeles, etc.)
has been a lot of fun. Each of them has
also accompanied me to work, riding in the
police car during a shift, as well as touring
the county jail.
Curtis and I firmly believe in the AFS
value of promoting peace in the
world. Hosting through AFS allows a
unique international dialogue, one person at
a time. Mark Twain wrote, "Travel is fatal to
prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness,
and many of our people need it sorely on
these accounts. Broad, wholesome,
charitable views of men and things cannot
be acquired by vegetating in one little
corner of the earth all one's lifetime."
We are very grateful for the many fine
people we have met through AFS and look
forward to many more years of association
with this fine organization.
Robert L. Rookhuyzen
Curtis Semana, Host Dads to Andreas from
Denmark
I feel I’m ready to go through everything
and believable or not, I like it.
I wish everybody could have the
possibility to do this experience; to make
this dream come true, because if that could
be possible people would be more open
about differences and teens would be ready
to face the real world earlier.
I definitely have to thank my natural
family for giving me the opportunity to live
all this and the incredible people I met here:
my host family, who I had the chance to
visit amazing places with and who have
been always there for me and my Liaison
Andrea, who has been a best friend to me,
giving me all right advices as a Liaison,
mom and sister.
In less than two months I’ll be gone but I
will never forget how awesome this
experience was.
THANKS AFS
Carlotta, Italy
5
 WHAT THE HOST PARENTS HAVE TO SAY...
What did this year’s Host Parents have to say when they were asked the following questions?
1. What is your funniest moment
with your exchange student?
• Lots of fun moments and laughter around
the dinner table with the family...one time
when we were at our vacation cabin and
all sleeping in the same room together,
Carolina jumped up in the morning and
started taking close up photos of us as
we were waking up and everybody was
calling out, “stop! I look terrible…give
me that camera” and we were all
laughing—The Koehler family host to
Carolina from Chile.
• Most of our funniest moments center
around the correct pronunciation of
certain words like Fox and Fog—The
Spears family host to Philip from
Germany
• There were so many “fun” moments with
Lucia but there wasn't necessarily a
“funniest”. However, we really enjoyed
watching her take some karate lessons
from her 6-year old brother, at home in
our living room. Adam was quite serious
about being “the teacher” and wanted
everyone else to be. Lucia would always
end up giggling and laughing and
become quite silly, which would of
course get her in trouble each time. We
couldn’t help but laugh too. It was quite
a scene on those nights.—The Wolfe
family host to Lucia from Spain
• Giving her a sweatshirt for Christmas
with “Mafia Princess” written on the
front—The Ladage family host to
Valentina from Italy
• I’d say one of the funnier moments was
that Isis was used to greeting everyone
with a kiss. This created some
awkwardness at the beginning as she
was trying to hug and kiss people she
had just met. She felt funny shaking
hands, so she would just stand there with
an uncertain look on her face when she
net people. It was really cute.—The
Dunn family host to Isis from Argentina
• When Killi laughs hysterically when we
pronounce the word “Weinersnetzel” -
The Eastes family host to Killian from
Germany
• When Lena was lost in the parking lot at
Mt. Hood meadows. Another was when
she made the biggest chocolate cake
ever—The Nagisetty-Diks family host to
Lena from Germany
• During the winter snows, watching Vera
run around in the backyard in shorts and
a t-shirt, while sister Marleigh was
completely bundled up in snow pants,
jacket, hat, scarf, etc. Even funnier when
Vera ended up sliding across the lawn! -
The van Alderwerelt family host to Vera
from Germany
6
2. What will you miss the most
about your student?
• Caro’s easy presence, wry sense of
humor, and just hanging around together
or dinners with her and her friends we
will also miss having her boyfriend come
over and hang out too—The Koehler
family host to Carolina from Chile.
• We will miss his cheerful attitude, his
cute accent, his smile, his pronunciation
of funny words and the day to day life
with our German son—The Spears
family host to Philip from Germany
• We will miss Lucia’s wonderful sense of
adventure, her interest and willingness to
always try new things and be up for
anything, to go anywhere and her
appreciation for foods (i.e. my cooking)…
all with a smile and joyfulness. As her
host mom and being so outnumbered by
the boys in my home… I will miss that
wonderful mother-daughter relationship I
have had with her, all our long
conversations after dinner and just the
special moments we’ve had together. I
will always remember our last-minute
Christmas shopping together for the
boys. Adam will miss her as his karate
student and the snuggling she does with
him. We will miss her smile and laugh so
much. And, we know her little brothers
will really miss having a big sister to
interact with. The Wolfe family host to
Lucia from Spain
• He is such a part of the family now. I will
miss him visiting with us at dinner every
night and telling us about his day. I will
miss watching him run/skip off out the
kitchen to his room. I will miss watching
him grin as he heads out the door all
dressed in camo with the gun to go
shoot. Listening to him and Brendon
wrestling will be very missed even
though he yells (loudly) through most of
it.—The Hammond family host to Henrik
from Germany
• Her smile—The Ladage family host to
Valentina from Italy
• I will miss her cute text messages
throughout the day and the way she
interacts with our family She has a
sweet spirit and enjoys telling funny
stories about her day. I love her sense
of humor.—The Dunn family host to Isis
from Argentina
• His singing and guitar playing in his
room—The Eastes family host to Killian
from Germany
• Her great attitude towards learning and
having new experiences and just her
great company—The Nagisetty-Diks
family host to Lena from Germany
• Her involvement in our family life, the
school and community. Her willingness
to be the butt of a joke and to give as
good as she gets—The van Alderwerelt
family host to Vera from Germany
3. What is your funniest translation
moment?
• Lucia’s English was almost too
good...she never had any embarrassing
moments in front of us. It was
entertaining when she left me a note
once saying how much she appreciated
“that I was so comprehensive”…
“comprehensive” as a compliment too! -
The Wolfe family host to Lucia from
Spain
• There have been several moments.
Here are the ones that top the list: “I am
a VIRGIN” translates to My astrological
sign is VIRGO, “Browning Showers”
translates to Tanning Beds, “Jumping
Strings” translates to Jump Rope and
“Synchronized Jumping into the Pool”
translates to Synchronized diving in the
Olympics. The Spears family host to
Philip from Germany
• He yelled out one evening that there was
a “big ass animal” in the kitchen. I asked
him if it was an animal or a bug and he
said “animal with legs”. I told my
husband he better get in there. When he
got in there he didn’t see anything and
asked if it was a mouse. Henni said NO
it was an animal. I asked him if he was
sure it wasn't a bug, again he said NO.
He said it was on the counter and went
behind the microwave. Turns out it was
a bug but he thought a bug was a fly.
We explained that a bug is just another
name for insect.– The Hammond family
host to Henrik from Germany
• Well there are a few of course. The one
that was exceptionally funny was when
we were at the dentist office. Isis was
reading a magazine and there were
several other people in the waiting room.
It was dead quiet. She looked up and
said, “What does breast mean? I keep
reading this article and it keeps saying
breast. So what is breast?” I chuckled
and tried to discreetly let her know, but
she didn’t understand so she asked
again. She was reading an article about
Christina Applegate’s battle with breast
cancer. When she got what I was trying
to tell her, the expression on her face
was priceless. “Oh!” she said, “I did not
know that!” We later had conversations
about chicken breasts, etc—The Dunn
family host to Isis from Argentina
 WHAT THE STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY...
1. What will you miss the most
about the U.S.?
• I will miss everything. My host family,
friends and teachers—Philip, Germany
• Education—Teya, Thailand
• The people, the nature, the volcanoes,
the junk food like blizzards from Dairy
Queen, talking in English, the easy
school, skipping study class with
friends… - Lena, Germany
• My host family the Hansons—Joe,
Thailand
• My friends, my host family and don’t let
my teacher read this… school! - Nils,
Germany
• I will miss my family and friends who
have shared their love and time with
me—Feroz, India
• My family, my room because it’s so
amazing, and my friends—Maria,
Denmark
• The friends that I made here—Ellen,
Germany
• I am going to miss that fact that Portland
is a city and all the advantages that is
has. I am also going to miss that my
school here is right downtown and that
we can go out of the campus to eat. But
I am going to miss the most my host
family and all the friends I have here! -
Lucia, Spain
• The natural beauty of Portland and the
diversity of American life—Libin, Visiting
teacher from China
• It is hard, because I will miss so much.
But I think that my host family is who I
will miss the most they have shaped a
basis for one of the best years of my
life—Andreas, Denmark
• My lovely friends and my amazing host
family—Vera, Germany
• My host family—Carolina, Chile
• My host parents Rick and Henry and also
my friends here—Daniel, Austria
• I will miss my host dad the most, he is
not only my host dad, but a really good
friend, basically my brother. All my
friends and the American people which
are really honest and friendly—Tomas,
Brazil
• I will miss my friends and family the most
and yeah also that green environment!!! -
Tahseen, India
• Family and friends and everything—Tan,
Thailand
• Taco Bell, DQ milkshakes, the
afterschool activities such as pole
vaulting, pottery and special school
events, my host family also—Killian,
Germany
• My host family and friends—Hulda,
Sweden
• My host family and friends—Tiantian,
China
• Transportation because I don’t need to
have a lot of walk here—Dianhong,
China
2. What food will you miss that you
cannot get in your home
country?
• Apple Pie and Macaroni and Cheese—
Philip, Germany
• Corn beef! - Teya, Thailand
• Reese’s PEANUT BUTTER CUPS! -
Lena, Germany
• Burritos and Nachos—Joe, Thailand
• Fried shrimp, pop tarts and bagels—Nils,
Germany
• Danish pancakes—Feroz, India
• Subway, bagels and chocolate ice cream
cones :D—Maria, Denmark
• All your different soft drinks—Ellen,
Germany
• I am going to miss all the different kinds
of food like Asian food…! - Lucia, Spain
• Mexican food—Libin, Visiting teacher
from China
• I will miss all the Mexican food!
Compared to Denmark, it is everywhere
over here :) - Andreas, Denmark
• OREOS :( - Vera, Germany
• Maybe the chocolate chip cookies, I can
get them in Chile but they are not as
good as here—Carolina, Chile
• Taco Bell, although it makes me sick—
Daniel, Austria
• My host dad’s home made food—Tomas,
Brazil
• Hmm, I don't know about that one
because now you can find everything
back home—Tahseen, India
• Taco Bell!!! - Tan, Thailand
• DQ Milkshakes, the marshmallow ones
are awesome ;-) and Taco Bell! - Killian,
Germany
• Not a particular kind of food, but I will
miss Starbucks—Hulda, Sweden
• Salsa—Tiantian, China
• Gummy bears, lots of different cakes,
tacos and burritos—Dianhong, China
3. What is the most important thing
you want to tell your friends and
family back home about
America?
• I’ll probably want to tell them everything
but the most important thing is that I want
to clear their global image of American’s
being fat. A lot of people hear that
exchange students gain weight but I
didn’t and I hope it helps them to think
less about this—Philip, Germany
• About how American people care about
education as important as the fun
activities they had in the school—Teya,
Thailand
• A country way too big to say that an
American is like this or that. But if you
want to know something about the U.S.,
just watch American TV shows and
movies. A country just as great as skiing
fresh powder! - Lena, Germany
• American high school is so much easier
than in Thailand!!! - Joe, Thailand
• Dude American chicks are hot! No
serious, that the people here are more
friendly and open to others—Nils,
Germany
• Beautiful place, friendly and people have
to visit once in a life time—Feroz, India
• How different it was than I thought it was
going to be. :P there is so much to tell—
Maria, Denmark
• That it doesn’t seem that different but
that it is after the second look—Ellen,
Germany
• I will tell them how nice everyone is and
how it is a lie that everyone is fat…! -
Lucia, Spain
• American people are very friendly, love
peace as much as we Chinese are and
give me enormous help. The war is that
decision made by the government, not by
the people—Libin, Visiting teacher from
China
• I will tell them that high school is the
coolest thing ever.—Andreas, Denmark
• That the normal stereotype which we
have of America is totally NOT true! -
Vera, Germany
• That sometimes is just like the movies,
that there are many stuff to do and
places to go and that being an exchange
student is an experience that you have to
live it for understand it.—Carolina, Chile
• How nice it was and that they missed
out—Daniel, Austria
• I will tell about all my friends, and how
similar they are to teenagers back in my
home country—Tomas, Brazil
• That America is not like I used to think it
is, there are many nice and peace loving
people here—Tahseen, India
• Tell about my experience (travel, family ,
school) a lot of tings to tell them—Tan,
Thailand
• It’s not as crazy as in all those movies ;-)
- Killian, Germany
• That the people are so opened, positive,
creative and friendly. That anyone is
welcome and can fit in the States. And
that clothing and food is cheap :) - Hulda,
Sweden
• America is a wonderful place with a lot of
lovely people. You will love it! - Tiantian,
China
• Americans eat too much sugar,
teenagers can not drink until 21 years old
and the luxury items here are cheap—
Dianhong, China
7
 YOUR AFS WORLD
It’s JOE from Thailand!!!
Hi everyone, I'm Joe from Thailand.
This is the first time I have written an
article for our AFS newsletter.
Unfortunately, this will also be my last for
this year. I've gone through a lot in these
past nine months and there were tons of
interesting things that have happened in
my life while I was living here in America.
I now know how difficult it is to be an
exchange student living in a foreign
country for the first time and not knowing
anyone. In my first month, it was so hard
and complicated. My English wasn't very
great and I needed to translate all the
time. I had to learn about many new
things and tried to understand how diverse the world really was. It
wasn't too hard though because I was totally open to the idea of
learning new things.
I went to David Douglas High School as a senior. There were
roughly 3,000 students who attended. I was so glad to be part of
this school. They have many different classes and my favorite
classes were Theatre and Concert Choir. After being accepted into
these two classes, I realized how much I loved to sing and act. For
that reason, I auditioned for the winter musical, Bye Bye Birdie
(December 2008). It was so much fun. This musical gave me a
large number of valuable experiences. I made so many close
friends and had an opportunity to be a part of the biggest
production of the year. There were around 2000 people that
showed up in total for the 7 nights of performance.
After the musical was over, I tried out for concert choir, the top
choir of our school, and I made it. I was so glad to become part of
this group of people who also loved to sing like me. It was such a
wonderful time in choir even though it was so hard for me in the
beginning due to the songs in three different languages. The songs
were in English, German, and Russian. I had a lot of good
memories while working on those songs with all my choir friends.
We performed in many competitions and at the state competition
we were in the top ten and 4th place in the Best in the Northwest
competition. Concert choir has allowed me to see many places in
Oregon due to the many trips we have taken. Without my
involvement with Concert choir, I would have missed the
opportunity to experience so many wonderful places. For instance,
I was able to sing with all my friends in the chamber of the House
of Representative in the capital building of Oregon. Also, it gave
me the chance to meet so many friendly people and one special
person who will always have a place in my heart.
My first production ever was Bye-bye Birdie. However, I was
also involved in the Senior-directed One Acts festival. There were
a total of eight different one acts which were performed for four
nights. The one act that I was in was about a battle between actors
and techies. The "actors" were characterized as narcissistic, stuck-
8
up, and demeaning towards the techies. On
the other hand, "techies" were always
hidden away from the stage, doomed to
serve the performers forever. They always
worked strenuously for the actors but were
never appreciated.
My role was a conceited "actor" with a
Thai accent. My main duty was to be flashy
and sexy to represent how actors are
portrayed. I was also the love interest of a
certain techie who was also apparently my
host sister, Abby Kanu.
Finally, I could not have made it through
the year without the most important people,
the Hanson family. Special thanks goes out to Dean & Kelly
Hanson (Dad & Mom), who have always taken great care of me
whether by helping me to see the world or comforting me
whenever I was feeling blue. Every time I felt lonely or was missing
home, Mom and Dad always made me feel as if I were at home. I
could always talk with them about any problems I had. I want to
thank them for understanding me and accepting me in every way. I
them love with all my heart.
In addition, my stay here in America wouldn't have been the
same without my host siblings: Aaron, Alli, Chris, Marissa, and
Abby. They have made my year so lively. I have never had any
siblings before until now. Including all my friends and my teachers
at David Douglas high school, the have made my life so much
more exciting. And other special thanks for Steve Tran, for every
wonderful memory he has given me, knowing him this year has
been such a highlight in my life.
Overall, my year here in Oregon has been filled with fun and
friendships. I was able to improve my English tremendously as an
exchange student through the wonderful people I met. I was able
to be involved in a major theatre production, Bye Bye Birdie, where
I met tons of new friends. I was involved with Concert Choir and
got to see so many new things with so many great people. I was
also able to be in a second production, the Senior-directed One
Acts. Last but not least, I was able to form a strong bond with my
host family, teachers, friends, and eight pets. I will truly miss every
experience with everyone I have been through in America. Before,
I felt that the year would pass by so slowly, but in reality,
everything passed by so fast. Some people say that this is the end
of the road with all the people and all the experiences, but it is
really just the beginning of a wonderful journey in life.
Joe, Thailand
 Keti and Yana go to Washington DC
My name is Keti
and I am FLEX
(Future Leaders
Exchange Program)
exchange student
from the Republic of
Georgia. This is the
program which
gives high school
students an opportunity to become small
ambassadors of their home countries and gets to
know a “new world”. We share our culture but we
get a chance to see a lot and study a lot. For me,
and for my friend Yana, who is also FLEX
exchange student from Kazakhstan, spring
break was the best experience ever. We visited
Washington DC for a week. We decided to write
an article about our trip and share our
experience with you.
One of the places we visited in Washington
DC was the most interactive museum in the
world, the Newseum! Yes, the museum where
five centuries of news history is gathered and
meets up-to-the-second technology on
America’s Main Street. The Newseum unifies 14
major galleries and 15 theatres; each of them
gives you a chance to travel in the world’s
greatest news stories. It is a great place to visit
and to glance at how the most famous news
changed the world, how it affected people. One
of the things you can try in the Newseum is to be
a journalist for a couple minutes. Yes, you can
stand in front of a live camera and read news.
Since Yana and I did not a get a chance to
experience that, we are going to play that game
now. In the first part of our article I will be a
journalist and try to ask her questions to help
you understand her impressions about DC, and
then she will interview me.
Keti: Hi Yana, let’s start with the National
Theatre. I’ll tell our reader that you used to do
belly dancing in your country, and you tell us
about your impressions about the belly dance we
saw in the National Theatre.
Yana: In the National Theatre we were able to
see different styles of belly dance, which is
different than what I am used to, but it was very
interesting for me. I think they did a great job. I
was really impressed and was feeling like at
home, back in my country.
Keti: One of the historical places we visited was
George Washington’s mansion at Mount Vernon.
It has been open to the public for about 140
years. Yana, tell us about your visit.
Yana: George Washington’s mansion is an
amazing place to visit. While being there, I had a
feeling that I was a part of his time. It was a
great opportunity not only to be able to study
American history at school but actually see it. It
is great to realize that you are walking on the
same ground that he was walking on. We also
had a chance to take a tour around George
Washington’s property. The Washington family
lived at Mount Vernon more that 45 years until
1858, and then Mount Vernon was turned into
the museum. George Washington inherited it
from his older brother Lawrence. Over the years,
Washington worked really hard to expand the
property from 2000 to almost 8000 acres. These
facts made me better understand what kind of
personality he was. Being able to see how well
everything was organized in the place where he
and his family lived also made me realize why he
was chosen as the first president of America.
Another interesting fact about Mount Vernon is
that a recent movie “The National Treasure II”
was also filmed there. We got to take a separate
tour on how they used the property to make
scenes for the movie and how they “change”
history to make a movie. Not everything you see
in the movies about history is really factual we
found out. (Anyone who has seen this movie…
there is no tunnel at Mount Vernon.)
Keti: One thing that probably will always be an
important memory for me is the National
Cathedral. What about you? Let’s share your
expressions with our reader about it.
Yana: I think that the National Cathedral is the
most beautiful place I have ever seen. It was so
gorgeous that I could not even breathe. I was
really charmed by its huge size, architecture, its
unique style and design. The National Cathedral
is known by its amazing windows that were
made of multi-colored glass. It took a lot of years
for the National Cathedral to be built. It was built
with the help and love of American people who
were giving as much money as they could, but
finally it turned into this gorgeous place. The
National Cathedral welcomes people of all faiths.
That is why I think it is so important for America
where people of many different religious views
live.
Keti: I will never forget the night when we went
to see Memorials. We had a great time, so tell us
about DC at night and the impression the
Memorials create.
Yana: Yes, that is true that we had a great time
visiting Memorials (Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam
Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans
Memorial and the Franklin D. Roosevelt
Memorial). I think DC at night is even more
beautiful than during the day. Visiting the
Memorials we could not only learn American
History but about the people who had very
important roles in it. But also I really enjoyed the
beauty of memorials and Washington DC in
glowing lights at night. We also had a chance to
walk on the bank of the Potomac River.
Keti: And finally, one of the most incredible
things, what about your tour in the Capitol?
Yana: In my opinion, the Capitol is one of the
most gorgeous places to visit in Washington DC.
It is famous with its architecture and amazing
interior design. The history of building the Capitol
and decorating it is also very interesting and
unique. That is why I think every person who is
going to visit the Washington DC should
definitely visit the Capitol too. We had a chance
to see the Old Supreme Court, the Old Senate
Chamber and the Old Congressional Chamber.
As more states came into the United States the
old chambers got too small so the Capital had to
be extended on the ends to put in the new
chambers. We also learned that Washington DC
is a planned city. When it was built, it was put
into the center of the 13 original states. But
another interesting fact is that when the building
of the city was planned, they decided to put the
capital in the very center of the city.
Yana: Okay, now we can change our roles. Keti,
tell us about the first place you visited in
Washington DC. What was the most impressive
thing (unforgettable moment) about the National
Gallery of Art?
Keti: Honestly, the hours we spent in the Gallery
were some of the most exciting moments in my
life! It had medium size rooms, with only
pictures, gorgeous frames and unbelievable
colors! You can study a lot about art, about
different artists but the feeling you experience
when you are standing in front of their works is
fabulous. To see the actual works of Picasso,
Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, and so on, was
amazing and unforgettable for me; I think it is
one of the moments when you just have to be
proud of human being’s history and talent.
Yana: What is the Holocaust Museum? Did it
help you improve/enrich your history knowledge?
Keti: It was very powerful and sad experience
for me. As we know it is a living memorial of the
Holocaust, and illustrates almost every detail
very clearly. This visit, of course, helped my
history knowledge; it is always very helpful to
actually see what you have read about. In this
museum you feel that it is your responsibility to
make changes for a better world and not to
repeat the same mistakes. It’s hard not to feel
very depressed, but it is very important to get the
main “lesson” from this amazing museum: that
hatred can destroy everything, that we should be
lead by love and democratic values where the
word genocide does not exist.
Yana: I know that you were really looking
forward to visiting the Supreme Court? Why was
it so important for you?
Keti: Since my childhood it is my dream to be a
lawyer, so everything about law makes me really
happy and curious. I was definitely looking
forward to seeing the Supreme Court of the
United States, the highest judicial body in the
country. I did not get a chance to attend a case,
but I listened to a very interesting section about
the history of the Supreme Court. I wish I could
have been able to see The Supreme Court
during Marshall’s time but since it is not quite
possible I am happy I was able to see the
modern highest court. And I have to mention that
the building is incredible, its immensity “tells” you
that it is the Supreme Court.
Yana: As you already mentioned, we visited the
Newseum. What was the highlight of visiting that
place?
Keti: First of all I have to say that I was
impressed with its location, it is between the
White House and the Capitol, and there is a
beautiful view from there. Well, obviously it is not
the main point of the Newseum, which is the
place where the history of five centuries news is
gathered. There are fourteen different galleries
and several theatres, it was amazing opportunity
to see the development of technology, art,
medicine, or any important aspects of our life.
Yana: Do you agree with the statement that the
Capitol is one of the most memorable places in
DC? What did you learn from visiting it?
Keti: Of course I agree that it is one of the most
memorable places in DC, it is where the major
events happen and it will always remain an
important part of human history. I learned a lot I
did not know before about the building history.
But the most memorable were the Capitol
Rotunda with its amazing fresco on its dome and
the National Statuary Hall Collection.
Yana: This is a little bit about our great trip to the
capital of the United States, Washington D.C.
This trip was unforgettable! We have learnt a lot
of interesting things and visited so many
interesting places there. Of course, we would not
be able to do all this without our great guide,
Rosalie Broding (my host Mom and Keti’s
liaison). The time we spent there went really fast,
but the memories of this trip will stay with us
forever.
Keti, the Republic of Georgia and Yana,
Kazakhstan
9
 YOUR AFS WORLD

PROM 2009

Tiantian, China

Carlotta, Italy
Joe, Thailand

Teya, Thailand Philip, Germany Nils, Germany Tan, Thailand

Visiting Teacher Suwannee from Thailand

These pictures show my Thai class students work. It is artificial flowers made of para rubber skeleton leaves.

Suwannee, Visiting Teacher from Thailand

10
 YOUR AFS WORLD
A Workshop Trip to the Capitol
In the middle of March I was gone
to Washington DC. I spent a week
over there, the time that I have had
was one of the best in my American
year.
The program was named as Civic
Education Workshop. Science Monday
through Friday we talked particularly
about Democracy, Opening votes,
Woman's fights and possibilities in
society.
The most of the attention was
concentrated on our countries. There
were about 100 students from all
Soviet Union countries. So, we
discussed a lot about issues that were spread in generally all over
Soviet Union's states.
For instance, the corruption dispute was the most popular that
bothered Future Leader Exchange Students. All of us had
opportunity to participate in seminars, ask questions, express
opinions and thoughts. It was only the one part of the Civic
Education Program.
Another part was visiting memorials, museums of the capital to
learn visually about Democracy and how American government
does it's job. Capitol Hill, Congress building, White House, Lincoln
and Jefferson memorials are the places where we enjoyed walking
and taking pictures.
A little bit about our exchange students...
My students are Dian from China and Marte from Norway.
I'll go first with Dian....We are very proud how far she has come
with the English language. She is taking Senior English, and at first
she was really struggling and was so frustrated at the American
teaching system of projects, essays, analyzing songs and books.
The first quarter she did not get a passing grade. She worked and
worked late some nights. The teacher said she felt she could not
give any allowances due to the fact she was an exchange student.
She now has a "C" in the class, which is even difficult for the
average student in that particular class. We are so proud of her
and her remarkable work to pass some very hard classes. Her
funniest moments have been her difficulty with sound-alike words
i.e. tongue~tongs, smell~smile, brunch~branch...these are the
ones we really laugh about all the time. We will miss her smile,
screaming at "American Idol" and bugs....she has woken family
members with a very loud scream when a bug is spotted. We have
learned that China has sheltered their people, and they only hear
one side of history (China's). Being a very intelligent girl, it is
amazing the view she has of the rest of the world. We hope that
her stay here has opened her mind to many other views in the
world. With our students we always try to learn" thank-you " first
and then "please", since these are the words we want to hear, and
expect them to use. The Chinese food we have here is not like the
food served in China. For about a month I noticed that Dian would
come to the table, sit down, and then serve herself, before anyone
else was seated. She would also reach across people and food.
Finally I spoke with the teacher from China, it is very common in
China to serve yourself, and not bother anyone to pass food. We
then explained to her the way it was done here, passing food and
waiting for all to be seated before filling your plate. She loves to
help cook, and has learned some different ways of preparing food.
Marte....She has made many friends, she is involved in
drama...was in a school play, behind scene crew in another play,
My favorite moment was when we
went to meet Mr. Smith. This person has
participated, put his efforts during the
revolution between African-American
and white people. Mr. Smith was
acquainted with Martin Luther King, and
he met Luther King just the day before
he was killed. Mr. Smith talked about
revolution time, African-American's
ideas and victory.
Moreover, during that week I met a lot of
friends. As an illustration, there was a
girl from Kazakhstan , I became very
close with her . Perhaps in couple of the
years I will visit her country and invite her to mine.
I also was so much excited when I met my Moldovan friends
with whom I had Pre-Departure Orientation program in Moldova.
There were four of us. I haven't met them for 9 months, during
that period we have changed in different ways.
So, for the time I was gone I learned many additional knowledge
about American theories and concepts as Democracy country.
Also, I believe all those 7 days were fun days for all of us to hang
out with new friends and take hundreds of pictures.
Thank you,
Raima, Kyrgyzstan
played Lacrosse
and was on the
water polo team.
Her classes were
a little easy for
her, but that
permitted her to be
part of these
activities. She
rec eiv e d v er y
good grades. We
have learned that
Norway is a very
liberal country.
She gave some
"interesting" debate answers in her Health classes. There were
some very interesting conversations relating to.....gay marriages,
abortion, drugs, sex and government control as well as gun
control. As far as food we would go to IKEA and get Swedish
meatballs to bring a little Norwegian food here. We will miss
Marte's messy..messy...messy room. She holds the record in our
home for the messiest room. I think the trophy for that will be a
garbage bag and air-freshener for all the stinky clothes. We do
laugh about that, but I doubt her Mom in Norway will. I may even
send her Mom a photo. She has spunk, fire, sense of humor and
compassion.
Whatever you can glean from all of this, feel free. We are sad to
see the year come to an end, but at the same we are ready for
retirement. In September we will travel to New York to see our
second exchange student get married, and one or two exchange
students will also be there. We are very excited to reap the
rewards of the time we have been with our students.
Rick and Linda Landreth
11
 YOUR AFS WORLD
My experience in the U.S.A.—Visiting Teacher Libin from China
Being half-globe away from home
is absolutely hard, sometimes way
harder than expected. But I made my
decision to be an AFS exchange
teacher without a moment’s hesitation
when offered the chance. I knew it
would be a rewarding experience.
And I did learn a lot, far more than I
had anticipated. I appreciate much
for the great contribution made by
AFS to our personal development and
the promotion of multi-cultural
awareness between countries, which
no doubt enhances love and peace of
our world. Here is a brief summery of what I’ve learned or
experienced in USA.
I enjoy working in Woodstock Elementary School, where I
teach from class to class and observe the class of almost every
teacher. Instead of the monotonous military-style classroom
arrangement in China, the teachers, using their creativity to the
fullest, organize the classroom in the most effective and user-
friendly way, the color and section of the wall, the pictures and
slogans, the seating and furniture arrangement,... Some slogans
strike me as inspiring and encouraging, like “respect yourself,
teachers, classmates, others’ property and our great world”, “No
one can make your dream come true but you” I collected them and
will create my own classroom slogan for my students in China.
Teachers have varied ways to give instructions. I am amazed to
learn over 10 ways to require quiet. If not satisfied with the
textbook, the teachers are free to choose other more appropriate
materials and they are always willing to work extra time to figure
out a more rewarding project for kids. Project! Yes. Independence
study is one essential part of American school. They are free to
ask questions and offer their opinion in class. Rather than taking
non-stop notes, the kids take part in the process of getting a
project done. Eager to know more, they learn by asking more
questions, searching on line, referring to dictionary or other books,
sharing with friends. They grasp the significance of teamwork,
independence and creativity from a young age. Their imaginative
answers make my culture class rather more lively and interesting,
meanwhile broadening and stimulating my thinking.
Encouragement and thanks are frequently given to kids. Whether
or not the answer is what he expects, the teacher will always say
”Nice trying”, ”Nice guessing” “That’s a thoughtful choice”
“Excellent thinking” “Thanks for sharing”. No wonder the kids
always raise their hands high, expectant expression in their eyes,
when a question is asked. Library is a fabulous place in American
school. It is not that more books are available but the librarians
give lesson about happy reading to kids. There is no denying that
reading is definitely important through one’s life, and American
teachers take it serious to develop kids’ reading habits.
The school year is overflowed with a variety of activities, some
for education, some just for fun. Talent show provides kids a stage
to be superstars. Want to be a stagiest on board, then join in the
chess club. Every Monday morning assembly is started with the
excellent performance of the school band. The cheer leading team
never fails to energize the basketball match in the gym. The girls in
the dancing club win rounds of cheers and applauses on the New
Year Celebration. Kids explore natural or historical resorts in and
around Portland on field trip. Creatively bizarre hats are for Crazy
Hat Day, lovely pajamas or sleeping robes for Pajama Day and
hand-made school T-shirt for school T-shirt Day. Kids dress up as
their favorite book characters in the reading parade. In the
appreciation week, parents and kids especially acknowledge
12
teachers’ hard work.
Confronted with unceasing culture shock, still I devour the
happiness of living with my host family as much as working in
school. Tony and Barb are the most honest and frank people I’ve
ever met, while I, seriously marked with Chinese typical tradition,
am shy and reserved. We are on the opposite extreme, thus the
culture shock I’ve been through is way beyond my expectation. To
our delight, every time we manage to settle it. On the 10-month
journey, Barb and Tony, like patient and knowledgeable teachers,
guide me to be a better person. Integrity is the most significant
quality I learn. Being loving and forgiving is the key to happy life.
We can choose to be happy or miserable. It is up to our attitude.
Openly expressing my emotion is difficult for Chinese, but over
time, I learn to summon up my courage and overcome shyness.
Instead of heading for the sink to do dish as a way to thank for
dinner (that’s what I did in the first couple of months), I look into
their eyes and say, “Thank you, the dinner is fabulous”. I form the
habit to say ”have a good day.” every time starting off for school
and “How is your day?” when back home. I no longer feel awkward
when hugging people tight and giving or receiving consolation. I
know I can directly ask for advice and help rather than feeling
frustrated, scratching my head and heaving long sighs. American
people are rather friendly. I can always get help, say, a ride when
needed.
I will miss the celebration of American festivals. Various
candies and exotic costumes at Halloween, inviting turkey and
touching stories at thanksgiving, white snow and warm fireplace at
Christmas, sweet love, dark chocolate and heart-shape cards at
Valentine, refreshing spring air and funny egg coloring and
searching at Easter, each festival, is unexceptionally celebrated
with fascinating stories from long ago, unique decorations and
traditional big dinner. With each festival, I also learn a small
section of American history and get deeper understanding of
American people on this beautiful land.
I will miss the after-school activities I have participated in and
had fun. I never cease feeling happy at trying new recipe and then
devouring dinner in front of TV. Food coming out of the amazing
oven never disappoints me. (I swear I’ll buy a toast oven when I go
back to China. My family and friends will be more than glad to try
American food.) Sitting in church with my neighbor, who refers to
herself as my Grandma in USA, always gives me calm and
cheerful thoughts and reminds me to focus my energy on the
meaning of life but not trivial petty things. Travel to California with
another exchange teacher was a sweet adventure and we are both
intoxicated by what we saw. Spending a week in a vacation home
with my host family, I learned to ski and do yoga. Going sailing on
Tony’s boat, playing golf and driving racing car are luxury
experiences. Sleeping over in the house of the teachers and
students I know from school is always interesting. Focus---the
international students gathering in PSU every Friday night offers a
precious opportunity to practice English, get to know people from
different countries and brings back my college days that I insist is
the best part of one’s life. AFS take us on many trips. We went to
Mount. Hood for skiing, Columbia River Gorge, Seattle,
Shakespeare Festival in Ashland. How nice every activity is.
People in China often forget to enjoy life. That is not right.
The 10-month journey is incredibly enjoyable and beneficial.
Now I am excited to share it with my family and friends back at
home. The most significant part I’m eager to tell them is American
people are very friendly, peace-loving and against war. I wish more
Chinese people can come to USA, which is a really great country.
My thanks to AFS and AFS volunteers are beyond words.
Libin, Visiting Teacher from China
 YOUR AFS WORLD

A bit of local flavor in the Columbia Gorge—

AFS Students visit the Columbia Gorge
As Sam Craig wrote in The Dalles Chronicle, “International students got a
taste of what the gorge offers.” The Dalles Chapter invited 25 students and
chaperones from the Col. Pac. Area to spend two days touring the east end of
the scenic Columbia River Gorge. Their first stop was Horsethief Lake for a hike
along the cliffs to see pictographs and the petroglyphs, “She-Who-Watches”.
“They braved the bracing wind and poison oak, escaping relatively unscathed,
except for a couple of ticks who hitched along for a ride.”
The next stop was in Dallesport to have owner John Schreiner share and
show behind the scenes his exotic animal farm for an up-close and personal
visit with the critters. Most visitors to the farm are not allowed to get out of their
cars. Camels, zebra and giraffe can be glimpsed only through rolled down
windows. John’s Baby Kangaroo is rarely seen since it stays with him all the
time, but on this trip students go to hold and cuddle the Joey.
Riverenza Court was the next stop for lunch hosted by the chapter and
arranged by AFS volunteers, Molly Ott, Kim Johnson and Julie Ryan. Thank you ladies.
In the afternoon students were whisked away to the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center to learn more about the history of the area
with the special Ice Age Exhibit, step back in time before Celilo Falls was covered by The Dalles Dam to see Native Americans who
fished the river for salmon and some of their Indian artifacts, take a close look at local flora and fauna, and explore with the Lewis &
Clark Exhibit. After spending a couple hours in the museum, the students got a chance to see the museum’s rescued bald eagle that
lives in a specially made cage outside and is part of the raptor education program.

The next adventure of the day was meeting and greeting 11 volunteer families who agreed to a one-night hosting opportunity. They
provided a hearty potluck dinner then took their exchange student or adult chaperone home to get acquainted and share a bit of the
AFS experience.
After breakfast the following morning, the students reconvened, said good-bye to their new friends and were off to their final
destinations, Maryhill Museum of Art and Stonehenge Replica, 20 miles east on the Washington side of the river.
After meandering through the museum, the warm no wind morning drew many of the students outside to the view from high above
the Columbia River. Carolina Noziglia commented, “A lot has changed since we drove through last Sept. to the Pendleton Round-up.
Then everything was brown and yellow, now it’s nice and green.
The gorge trip ended for some with stops at Bonneville Dam, the Sturgeon Pond, and Multnomah Falls depending on chaperone and
schedules. This definitely was a trip to remember.

Rymmel, The Dalles Chapter Chair

13
 YOUR AFS WORLD

Southeast Cluster News—A trip to Seattle

On an early morning in April, seven students and two teachers,
accompanied by chaperones Boerge Pedersen and Bernice
Schuchardt boarded the Amtrak train to Seattle. Students making
the trip were: Feroz from India, Chonlawit "Joe" from Thailand,
David from Colombia, Oda from Norway, Dianhong from China,
Carolina from Chile, and Nazumi from Japan. The teachers were
Eva from Bolivia and Vicky from China. The trip takes about 3
hours and the time was spent playing card games, visiting, eating
and just enjoying each other's company. Upon arriving in Seattle,
we took a city bus to a stop near our hotel, The Eighth Avenue
Inn. After checking in, we walked to the Space Needle. and later
walked to Pike's Market. After dinner, Boerge walked to the
downtown shopping area with the students. The next morning 5:45 p.m. train back to Portland. We were so lucky as the
Boerge took a group to the Music Experience and later to the weather was beautiful.
Underground Tour, and then back to the train station to catch the
Bernice, Southeast Cluster Chapter Chair

My trip to Seattle and Ashland

Space needle is my favorite part of the Seattle trip. On top of
it, we got the view of the whole city lying serenely in lovely
sunshine. Awesome!!! Still, I feel it a pity that we didn’t get the
taste of the night view from above. The music project is positively
entertaining and informative. The statue made up of guitars is way
impressive. The instrument and costume display brought me back
to a time when Seattle was regarded the city of music. Walking
through the streets of Seattle, I came to comprehend why it’s
renowned as a city of coffee. The varied cafes give out the
fragrance of both coffee and peace. To be honest, I don’t enjoy
the underground tour.
It’s one of the best trips during my stay in USA. Perhaps it has
to do with my major in collage: English Literature. Professional
actors presented excellent performance to us. I rather enjoy the
first play we watched: Equivalism At the end of the play,
everybody stood up, giving the performers long rounds of
applauses. Isn’t that touching? The hotel room was spacious and
cozy. The food was delicious, the town was beautiful. Sleeping on
the way to there and back home was pretty relaxing. I so
appreciate the volunteer driving us there.
Libin, Visiting Teacher from China

The Dalles Chapter News—Peace Roses and Day Lilies...

The Dalles Columbia Gorge Chapter hosted a potluck dessert
in April to say “Thank You” to volunteers and host families.
Chocolate seemed to be the favored ingredient that came in
cookies, cakes, brownies, and pies.
Erin Costello of Hood River, returnee from Ecuador, opened
the program, showing pictures and sharing about her AFS
experience last summer. Monica Alfaro Murrilo from Costa Rica
and Giulia Castelli from Italy concluded the program with
information about their home country and a picture presentation.
Each student presented her host family, Greg & Kim Johnson
family, Greg & Molly Ott family, and Jerry & Susan Bull family,
with a Peace Rose to plant in their garden. The liaisons Jerry &
Sue Kindrick and Rymmel & Tedd Lovell were surprised with a
lovely pink Day Lily for their garden. This was also a time for the
chapter to present a scholarship to Haley Shannon departing in
Aug. for Italy. Congratulations everyone for a great year, for
enriching our community and helping our AFS family grow.
Rymmel Lovell, The Dalles Columbia Gorge Chapter Chair

Poem from a Host Dad...

Throughout the year, we've grown together.

AFS friends are friends forever.
The days grow short as June gets nearer,
Family is becoming closer, friends becoming dearer.
Soon you must go your way, and I must go mine,
We'll always remember the time we shared;
the memories will shine.
But whatever fate chooses as the rest of your forever,
I'm glad that, for a year abroad, we got to be together.

14
 AREA TEAM
Chair
Bonnie Richardson-Kott The Calendar 2009
Chair-Elect JUNE 13 AREA TEAM MEETING
James Spears
Treasurer JUNE 13 END OF STAY PICNIC—End of Stay Picnic at Oaks Park. Ron Combs
Tom Hilleary r1p2combs3@aol.com
Hosting Co-coordinators
JUNE 21 FATHER’S DAY—Don’t forget your Dads and Host Dads!
Andrea Johnson
Stacey Mills
JUNE 28 END OF STAY ORIENTATION – MANDATORY – 4:00 p.m.– 5:00 p.m. This is the
Sending Coordinator
Emily Leis end of stay. Lents Park, Portland, OR
Orientation Coordinator JULY 18 The Dalles Host Family and Liaison Orientation—3:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a 45
Ron Combs minute dinner break. Contact Rymmel Lovell for information. tlovell@netcnct.net
Support Coordinator JULY 19 INTERNATIONAL ORDER OF FORESTERS PICNIC—The Foresters would like to
Bernie Gerhardt
invite AFS to join them for the annual picnic at Oaks Park. Contact Ron Combs for
Volunteer Coordinator information. r1p2combs3@aol.com
Sally Ann Wells
AUGUST 15 ARRIVALS ORIENTATION AND STUDENT PICK UP
Liaison Coordinator
James Spears
SEPT 10—11 PENDLETON ROUND-UP—Contact Ron Combs for information.
Returnee Coordinator
OPEN r1p2combs3@aol.com
Newsletter Editor OCT 9 SCREAM AT THE BEACH— Contact Ron Combs for information.
Tami Spears r1p2combs3@aol.com
Website Coordinator OCT 23 CAMP ADAMS SET UP
James Spears

CHAPTER/CLUSTER OCT 24—25 CAMP ADAMS ORIENTATION—MANDATORY— Contact Ron Combs for
COORDINATORS information. r1p2combs3@aol.com
Beaverton/Hillsboro/Aloha JAN 30, 2010 MID-YEAR ORIENTATION—MANDATORY— Contact Ron Combs for information.
Linda Landreth r1p2combs3@aol.com
Columbia Gorge JAN 31 SKI TRIP—Contact Ron Combs for information. r1p2combs3@aol.com
Rymmel Lovell
Lake Oswego FEB 23 WORLD QUEST COMPETITION—Contact Sally Ann Wells (503) 452-1868
Lorie James
McMinnville/Yamhill County
MARCH OREGON SPRING BREAK, INTERNATIONAL FAIR, VANCOUVER FUNDRAISER
Tami & James Spears
North Clackamas
APRIL WASHINGTON SPRING BREAK, EARTH DAY
Maggie Frieske
North/Northeast
MAY ASHLAND SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL TRIP, PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION,
Chris Cradler
TOUR OF PORTLAND AND SATURDAY MARKET, STARLIGHT PARADE, DAY
Northwest/Southwest AT THE ZOO
OPEN
JUNE GRAND FLORAL PARADE, END OF STAY PICNIC, DEPARTURE
Southeast/Gresham/Sandy
Bernice Schuchardt
Tillamook/Oregon Coast
OPEN Help Change The World
Camas/Washougal Each year, more than 2,500 international high school students come to the U.S. with AFS to
Ruth Ladage attend high school and live with host families. These outstanding young people are eager to
Vancouver/Battle Ground
experience life in America. Hosting a student for a year or semester is something your family
Bernie Gerhardt can do to bring more understanding to the world. It’s also a great way to add an international
branch to your family tree!
Longview/Kelso/Toledo
Host families provide a bed, meals, and the same guidance you would give to your own
Debbie Erickson
children. All kinds of families can host! AFS families come in all shapes and sizes, including
YES/FLEX Student Coordinators single-parent families, families with no children at home, non-traditional families, and families
Maggie Frieske with young children. If you’re interested in sharing your everyday life with a young person
Rustam Kocher from another country and culture, become a host family!
Rymmel Lovell All AFS Exchange Students are supported by trained local AFS Volunteers to help your
Visiting Teacher Coordinators family and hosted son or daughter gain the most from your time together, and full-time AFS
Barbara Rogers staff are also available to support students and host families.
Jerrie Nelson
Sally Ann Wells

WWW.AFSCP.COM
15
AFS
COLUMBIA
PACIFIC
Tami Spears
1025 NE Irvine St.
McMinnville, OR 97128

...Embrace the mission of AFS to build a more

just and peaceful world through international
exchange
Visit www.afsusa.org
For more information about hosting
exchange students

Want Souvenir/Scrapbook? E-Mail: Ron Combs r1p2combs3@aol.com

For more information and for our newsletter archives, visit the Columbia-Pacific website at
www.AFSCP.com