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Student Reflections from GYI 2007
in Edmonton, Canada
GYI was an experience of a lifetime. I met so many new people and learned about so many different cultures too! It's going to be hard saying goodbye to all my new friends. We had many a good time, whether it was learning how to say squirrel with an Australian accent or talking about magical unicorns named Charlie, we all had a blast. I enjoyed my three weeks in this program, I loved the integration of all the nations, and the Global issue aspect was readily open for questions, or discussion. The people were very open about their cultures, languages and countries. I loved learning words, sentences, and phrases in other languages and the interaction I observed was so good to see. I felt right at home with all these people, and I would do it I 00x over again, and not change a thing. All the activities were fun and intriguing, and learning new games from different countries was also super cool. I'm going to miss everyone who was involved in this program, but we all exchanged emails and Facebook, all numbers and addresses, so even though I may not get to see them until next year, it will be great to be able to keep in touch. Anonymous,
'SOLVE THE PROBLEM~
These are the words spray?]painted across the wall of the room we met in almost everyday, and after looking back, they have come to represent the time I have spent in Canada. The problems have ranged from almost imperceptible to blatantly obvious; being lost in a foreign land (and yes, I was lost at least three times), to trying to find a way to connect with someone who is almost a complete stranger and doesn't speak the same language. The only real problem I found, however, was trying to find a way to contribute something valuable to the group. Everyone here is unique and amazing in his or her own way, but that doesn't do any good if others do not realize it. We have to go out and seek ways to discover the hidden talents and specialties of each person and in that way we give our presence value because we have connected with someone else and the other person becomes a permanent part of your life. That, in my opinion, is what GYI is all about. Connecting with people around the world until there is nothing to fear about another country, only thousands of experiences to gain and yet another place you can call home. Kelsey Williamson, USA
I came to GYI, not knowing what to expect and found myself surrounded by an amazing group of people who all shared the same passion for changing the world for the better. I actually feel as though we have made an impact, whether it was through Habitat for Humanity, Mustard Seed, or Finding solutions to global warming. We've all bettered ourselves and become more aware of the challenges we have to face to make the world in which we live a better place. We can all make the difference! Andrew Pederich, Australia
Viva la (el) Global Youth Institute
My first time to camp (believe me). My first time with roommates from three nations. My first time dancing around a campfire. My first time making marshmallows and smores and getting addicted to it. Of course, my first time canoeing with my shirt all soaked up. Neat!
How time flies! A part of me wants to go back to the times we spent in the camp; a part of me wants to go home because I wasn't able to contact with my family. I miss them so much. I will bring all my memories back to let them know how I had been. All the people here are one of a kind! No one is replaceable! No one can be substituted! I am now twisted inside?]?].
Friendship Force is the most amazing organization I've ever seen. I will participate in this organization when I am retired. I will really consider this seriously. Friendship is Everything! Grace, Taiwan
Student Reflections from GYI 2006
in Taipei, Taiwan
"This program changes us. It changes our view of this world. we become more tolerant, patient. We enriched our inner world." Liza, Russia
"This experience, has meant the shattering of my usual routine, the breaking free from my standards and stereotypes. I have found a new part of me that I never knew existed." Mitch, USA
"GYI 2006 has definitely been one of the most memorable experiences of my life. the friendships formed between the different countries and the love shared within my host family was certainly my favorite part of the program." Brian, Australia
"Host families welcomed us with open arms into their homes. They made us part of their everyday life, shared their meals, family, friends, thoughts and worries with us. All above this they gave us so much love and with it we became part of their lives. For this reason we were not only observers of their culture like tourists - no, we were living it! We were experiencing their way of living, got to know their habits, attitudes and values which are all marked by such warm and kind characteristics." Krissy, Germany
"… the whole experience has opened up a world of possibilities. A world where the language barrier can be broken. A world where the customs are no longer scary, but essential to having the most fun and a world where differences and so called normality is all relative. When I think of how GYI has changed me it seems like I have come out of a shell." "Most people, when they travel, remember the sights and sounds and smells of the places they go, but for me the sights I have seen would be nothing without the people I experienced them with. The friends I have made are what I will remember the most about the trip." Kelsey, USA
"This experience has given me a far greater insight into other cultures, broadened my horizons, broken down barriers and improved me as a person. Through this I have learned to avoid stereotypes and found them to, generally be wrong." Will, Australia
"Through this three weeks of camp, as far as I'm concerned, I've transformed myself into a person who is willing to accept other people's opinions, willing to be in other people's shoes and willing to share my own experiences to my friends. Also, I've learned to give my friends a favor, and become a person of global visions." Kyle, Taiwan
"I've learned from different cultures. I've improved my English, and I've got a sister from half way across the world!" Stacey, Taiwan
"I have found that I really learned a lot from GYI. I learned a lot of things that I can’t learn from my school. Moreover, I also meet some good friends around the world. Although I am not a participant this year, being part of staff and one of host families are also significant. To be honest, I lost myself and lost my power of studying when I was freshman. I can’t find the reason why I should keep studying. However, GYI this year makes me find myself again. Now I know how small I am in the world. I find my power back. I promise you and myself I will keep working hard." Amy, Taiwan
Student Reflections from GYI 2005
in Adelaide, Australia
I go home with the conviction that every single experience in your life is eventually a good one. Those three weeks were so intense and I went through many different states of emotion and felt so many different feelings. And even though you might consider some of these feelings as bad ones, I enjoyed them, because they are part of my constantly new developing life. I had lots of different experiences, good ones and bad ones, but I need them, because without them, I would feel like my life is going to waste.
Maria Natt, Germany
How have I changed? Where to begin? This experience has humbled me. What I’ve experience while I’ve been here has really opened my eyes to how lucky I am. I’ve never experienced anything remotely as heartbreaking as some of the speakers we’ve had or people we’ve met, like those at the Julia Farr Centre. How would I take it if I lost all the abilities I had to communicate, but still had the understanding and intelligence I have now? What would I do if that happened to someone I love? I don’t know how I would cope, and hopefully, I will never have to find out. My problems are miniscule. I worry about a science test while a girl my age in India worries about how she’s going to get her next meal or if she’s going to be raped while she sleeps in the street. I want to be a better person. Before this I said I cared. Now I know I care. I want to get involved and I want to help, even if I can only help one person, I want to make a difference to that person. I feel like I have so many opportunities before me that I need to take advantage of. My fingers itch to practice my cello. I’ve never felt that before. I also feel like I am going to drive the speed limit when I get home. This may seem stupid, but after seeing the people at the Julia Farr Centre, the people who had been bright, productive citizens, that can no longer communicate because of traffic accidents, do I really want to speed? I’ve been thinking about this stuff for awhile. It seems much more important to me now after I’ve been exposed to hardships to get involved. I want to volunteer at a nursing home. I wrote down the websites in the magazine that David shared with us about street children. I’m not just going to be empathetic anymore. I am going to help. Who would have thought I would feel this way after three weeks in Australia, hanging out and making friends with some truly amazing people that I never would have met without GYI. This is not what I expected but I’m glad it’s how I feel. Going back and reading this surprises me. I can’t believe my outlook has changed so much in a mere three weeks.
Morgan Steffen, USA
“I don’t think that GYI has changed me very much. Maybe I’m a little bit more self-confident than before. But I’m sure that after three weeks of the GYI I know more about myself. I’m glad that I made the experience that strangers from other countries can become friends of mine. I also learned that it doesn’t depend on where you are to feel like home, it depends on with whom you stay.”
Hauke
To be cultured does not stop at accepting everyone but goes to understanding others. Who or what are irrelevant as to how and why they are. Acceptance is not understanding. Just so, tradition is what you do, culture is why you do it.
Ethan Forsgren, USA
To say that I have changed doesn’t seem to properly label the transformation I have experienced. GYI 2005 has been for me a door into a world of new perceptions. I see the world as if it was for the first time. I take with me a greater understanding of the relationships between myself, other cultures, the environment and this planet’s history. I feel now that I’m not just an inhabitant of this planet but its steward and must take an active role for I know now that inaction is the greatest enemy of change and we live in a world where change is drastically required. GYI 2005 has been a remarkable experience, one that I could not forget if I tried because the ideas and thoughts I have acquired have become who I am.
Myles Curry, Canada
G is for the good times we had together.
Y is for the youth spirit we’d never run out of.
I is for the international perspective we’ve learned to see things from.
Having done GYI three years, I see myself grow little by little every year. The first time I participated in the program I was a shy Taiwanese girl who smiled more than spoke. Quiet yet accepting, I was introduced to a world totally new to me. Years later, when I was “endowed” with the title of assistant teacher, things grew different. Years of college training and the previous experience made me speak up more than ever. I continue to grow and change. Yet one thing would never fade- that is the broad smile on my face, which is quite inevitable while one is in a program such as GYI.
Jenny Chen, Taiwan
G represents Going outside your comfort zone to experience other cultures.
Y demonstrates Young people’s ability to come together and work for a single goal.
I illustrates the Important friendships that are forged during the program.
Australia for me was like a dream. I read a lot about Australia and then GYI was a good chance to make my dream true. And now it’s my/our last morning in Adelaide with the GYI and I’m sad that the three weeks ran away so fast. I made a lot of new experience, I learned not only to speak English better but also new sports, new opinions, new people, etc. And I’m very thankful that so many people helped me to make my dream true and make my dream so great. Like these three weeks, in a lot of moments, it was very difficult for me, to work with another language, but it becomes easier from time to time. Not only the fact that I was on a fantastic continent, that I know new people and that I heard a lot of new things (also social things) impressed me. It impressed me a lot the comment from Myles when he said, “We not only realize this problem, we want to make a difference.” People like Myles give me a new start to make a positive difference in the world.
Thank you,
Detje Vellema, Germany
I am lucky to have this chance to join this program. I know many new friends around the world. Although the language is really a big problem to me, I still had a good time, really really good time, with them. I learn that I have to accept different culture. I’m also impressed that people would study in America, Germany, Canada, etc. always have a lot of questions, also the courage, to ask. That’s what we Chinese people lack, if I still have a chance to join this program next time, I’ll be excited!! That means I can broaden my horizons again!! I love you guys.
Amy Lin, Taiwan
Through GYI I have learned to embrace the differences between people from around the world. It’s so cool how people from different countries speaking different languages, worshiping different gods can come together and get along so well.
I leave Adelaide with an open mind and ready to share my experiences and stories with others. This experience makes me want to visit my new friends and learn more about other cultures and people.
Claire Wandro, USA
I had a good time in this program. I met a lot of people from different country. I also improve my English in listening (speaking is still poor).
Teachers are kind and patient. Thanks them a lot. I learned more experience to get to know people from different countries. Everyone is kind. I’m glad to join this program!!
Kylie Cheng, Taiwan
Some things change me more than others. GYI is one of those things. I came here self-centered, intent on my own teenage purposes, but the terror in London and the shocking realizations that despite cultural difference, we are all human and that the joys and moods I go through are experienced by all have left me in wonder of all I have to learn. I don’t mean things like calculus and physics, but I mean people. People are the most important subject of all and while this new understanding does not do something as obvious as change my hair color, it has left me with an entirely new sense of self.
Alyssa Songsiridej USA
I had left my country for the first time and I was walking to meet someone I had never known, I stepped into an unknown house with nothing but expectations and they looked at me and talked to me with their expectations of who I was and what I was there to do. It was uncomfortable and to them I was not the imagined guest and to me they were not the imagined hosts. Three weeks later I look back and that room, laden with my dirty clothing and bags and their pictures lining the walls, seems like home to me. The daily routine of a knock at my door at 7:30, telling me that the bathroom was empty seems normal. Though I never did become perfectly comfortable with them, nor them with me, I have learned that home is not a place but a feeling and that a true home can be anywhere, even halfway around the world.
Matt Kearney, USA
I’m more interested in global issues. The GYI made me a person who is willing to think more about the world and the future. I’m now more interested in other people of other cultures, other traditions. It’s also interesting to learn how other people of my age live in different parts of the world, and you can also learn from them. I saw differences and similarities.
Jonas Fabian, Germany
The Global Youth program here in Adelaide has given me many insights into other cultures and mentalities which I might not have got to know otherwise, at least not in such an intensive way, Spending three weeks together with international students has taught me a lot about getting along with others, meeting new friends from all over the world and passing the language barrier. I got to know international traditions which were presented in the country reports, I experienced a great time with disabled people and I learned about accomplishments that people have made during their life. All this has encouraged me to improve my behavior as best as I can, to set new goals in my life and to try to achieve these goals in order to live my life in the best and most exciting way.
Ina Betke, Germany
I think the Global Youth Institute was a great experience for me and I learned a lot. Especially to go in a team, to accept other opinions and to look widely. In my opinion the camp time was awesome. Victor Harbor was the right place to get to know each other better and I am convinced that we had a really funny time there. I would say the Global Youth Institute helped me to understand that the world has to be more broadminded and I can start to change this.
Friederike Zack, Germany
I have enjoyed my time upside down, not because of the program in entirety but because of the surprises between and hidden. I like it here because I was not forced to think, no result has been demanded of me; rather I wanted to think, I yearned to think, not for any reason but that I was ready. This trip has been what I needed, it has encouraged, probed, and challenged my mind because I wanted it to.
Rebecca Gernes, USA
The world has become small to me, now I feel like I know the world. By meeting all these people I have seen differences become things that are in common. We have all become friends, and the world no longer seems so spread out. I now have a friend on every occupied continent.
Sara Schoneberg, USA
My whole perspective of life has changed because of my GYI experience. While I have learnt about so many problems in our world today, I have also become aware of the difference young people, including myself, can make in these situations. I now realize that everyone is our neighbor, no matter how far away they me live-we are united. Friendships have no nationality and last for eternity. Most of all I have come to appreciate each day I have on this planet and that one voice can change the world.
Alison James, Australia
I guess as I look around the room it’s just the stories that I’m reminded of that I think will really stay with me. Mahesh with a cast on his arm, Anna with a massive tear in her jeans, the fact that I feel like a coffee. All these fun things happened that I can remember and tell people in the future. I’ve also just realized while paying Sara out about her night last night that when I came here, most of these people were complete strangers, now many of them are friends. I am completely comfortable around them, and although I realized the likelihood that I might never see many of these people, I won’t forget them and the experiences I’ve had with them.
Alex Harms, Australia
After 18 years of ignorant sleep, I can return home truly alive. There was one moment – I remember it vividly – when my eyes were, metaphorically, opened. The massive blanket of selfish inaction abruptly thrown off. I will never be able to be concerned with my daily life without thinking about the global disasters plaguing us all, right now. My excuse, “What can I do to help? I’m only one person.” was taken from me. I have the potential to save the world. Alone. So does everyone else. And it doesn’t stop there. I am required by humanity, we all are, as living beings on this planet, to exercise that potential. To act. Honor is not found in discussing all that is wrong, but in initiating change to make it better.
Dan Sherman, USA
GYI ’05 has made me realized that I live in a very unique community. Learning the customs of international visitors has opened my eyes to the diversity of our world. Even within “western” culture, there are differences. The greatest thing that I have gained from this is, I hope, friends for life across the globe. Three weeks is such a short time, in retrospect, and it saddens me that we are going our separate ways. Maybe it was just too good to last.
Hamish King, Australia
The 2005 GYI has changed everyone, for the most part for the better. Each change was personal although many are similar. For me this change came in the form of new found independence and the breaking down of subconscious stereotypes. I also learned to treasure my own culture and embrace that of others. This enabled me to make many new friends mainly from other countries but also from my own country. GYI 05 has changed me for the better and I am glad I participated.
Mahesh Umapathysivam, Australia
When I stepped on the plane in Des Moines, about to go on the longest trip of y life, I was a quiet kid who had never really met anyone who had had a life unfamiliar to mine, never met anyone who had not lived in Iowa for a large time of his life, did not attend the same school as me, did not live in or near sleepy Des Moines. My only knowledge of other cultures consisted of rough stereotypes as told by people who visited these places for brief periods of time. Now that I’ve done the first real different thing of my life, I’m someone who opens up much more, someone who does not believe, deep down, that all Australians say “g’day” too much and love to get drunk and wrestle kangaroos deep in the outback, someone who actually knows and is friends with people who do not attend Central and for that, I am a far better and more open-minded person.
John Thelen, USA
The GYI 05 had made me a better and nicer inhabitant of the world. I met a lot of nice and interesting people of other countries and I have heard their opinion of the world. I think I will try to be in Germany the person that I’m now here in Australia. The people told me about their experience in their lives had shown me that a little thing (like a little decision) can change a lot of things in the world. Thank you that I could be here!!
Ian Mille,
It was a wonderful trip for me, even though sometimes I couldn’t understand what people said. I learned lots of things, like table manners from my host family and I met some people from different countries. I also learned a lot from them.
Mike Chen, Taiwan
The major change for me has been that I’ve discovered not all Americans are the war-mongering, shotgun-wielding rednecks I thought they were. I’ve also found out that most Germans aren’t neo-Nazi communists and that not all Canadians are hockey nuts who fight with grizzly bears for fun. Seriously though, although my cultural perceptions and stereotypes were never bad, GYI has undeniably broadened my cultural horizons. I’ve come away with the understanding that when it comes down to it, we are all pretty much the same.
Davor Pavlin-Premri, Australia
After sitting and watching inspirational speakers the past two days, I know I will have a different outlook on life when I return. I have been questioning everything I ever believed in and reaffirming my ides and opinions in the same thought. GYI came at a pinnacle point in my life. It gave me hope for the future and the mind set to do the impossible in the world. The generous and kind attitudes of my host family and other Aussies I met showed me how the world is not so filled with hatred. And in this present hour, the world needs hope and times of laughter. I know the people I have met on GYI will be in my thoughts for the rest of my life. They showed me how people from such different places can find a common ground. The three weeks spent in Australia will be priceless memories. The tings and ideas I have seen here make me want to just travel and find more opportunities. I really have learned that there are more important things to life than material wealth. I know that coming here on GYI will change my path for the rest of my life.
Emily Varn, USA
For centuries the world has experienced the relative passing of time, land, with time has risen out of boiling oceans has given rise to the seed of life that has flourished in some instances, been squashed in others. The world has seen the rise of humans and the relentless rise and fall of their petty or powerful empires and ideals, it has viewed my birth, all of our births, and our lives to date with cold, featureless eyes, letting us go about our lives as we see fit, and it has seen, during an infinitely small length of three weeks, the cosmic blip that has been GYI and maybe if we are very luck, it will see the change that we will strive to make in response to our experience.
Eric Parsonage, Australia
I have grown more confident and have improved my English. I have met many new people and have made many new friends. I now appreciate my home in Brazil more.
Thank you for the experience.
Gloria Silveira, Brazil
This program has forced me to deal with a great deal of unknowns, something that I am not at all good at. Beyond the question of weather and customs, there were the language barriers and the expectations to get around a strange city on your own. Rather than discourage or frustrate me, though, I think that this experience has made me much more open and welcoming to change and the unexpected, and has created a more fluid and flexible person out of me. In addition to having created friendships with people from all over the world, I was able to strengthen the loose relationships I had with the people from the USA, and for both I am forever grateful.
Claire Anderson USA
When I first arrived in Adelaide, I thought to myself, “This isn’t too much different from home.” However, as time progressed during the tree weeks, I realized that the appearance was deceiving. Living with my host family, the Higginsons, I realized the subtle differences that made Adelaide unique, from the friendliness of the people to strangers, to its obsession with the Crows and Port Adelaide’s Aussie Rules Football team. On my first day of the 2005 GYI, I wasn’t sure what to expect. In a way, I was worried about meeting new people, but I shouldn’t have been. Everyone was nice and had wonderful personalities. I know that in school we were taught that each person is unique and not to stereotype people. But it was on this trip that these words really hit home. The people from Taiwan, Brazil, Germany, Canada, Australia, and the US all had their individual characteristics that defined who they were, regardless of their country (although their culture helped shape them). I was very glad to have participated in the 2005 GYI and glad to have discovered for myself the uniqueness and individuality of each participant.
Annie Ye, USA
Student
Reflections from GYI 2004
in Des Moines, USA
I have grown
in confidence, most likely this will give me the
courage to try new things in the future.
Australian participant
Now I want to
help the people from other places help themselves
so they can enjoy this life without having to worry
so much about basic life needs.
US participant
I've learned
a lot about tolerance and respect that should be
given to other countries. I know how the
Italian food tastes, how many fast-food restaurants
Des Moines has, and what it means to share the same
humor with the people from Taiwan.
German participant
One thing
that has surprised me is that in spite of our
differences we can share our ideas about the world
problems and the resolutions of those
problems.
Italian participant
I have played
soccer for the first time in 8 years. I have
had conversations with near-strangers. I have
been convinced to learn a second language
completely and perfectly, to travel for my entire
life, to talk for my entire life, and to
continuously astound myself and be astounded by
others.
US participant
It has made
the world much smaller in my mind, in the news you
rarely get information on other countries and if
you do it seems remote and far away, and so
superficial boundaries are established between
people but after I have been through this I can see
how really weak these barriers are and how easy it
is to break them.
US participant
Instead of
dismissing ideas because I don't agree with them,
my mind has expanded to appreciate even those
opinions that make me mad. Valuing all that
everyone has to say has made me more excited to
travel and truly discover more in depth of all
this.
US participant
I understand
that even when I don't like people at first, there
is a 90% chance that I'll like them later, when I
try to make friends with them.
Russian participant
The change is
in your mind
It's a widened point of view,
A broader smile on the face,
And the unlocked door to your heart.
Taiwanese participant, full text is attached
below,
I'm a more
independent person. I thought I always needed
someone to go with me places, either my friends or
parents, but now I am more willing to go places and
do things by myself.
US participant
I leaned that
I can never really guess at someone's personality
because I am always wrong. I think all of
this experience is nothing compared to the friends
I made here. That is and will remain the most
important aspect of this experience for me at
least.
US participant
Now, I can
"speak" English and understand enough. I
leaned how to play beach volleyball, I leaned how
to be tolerant, patient. We learned how to be
together.
Russian participant
Student
Reflections from GYI 2003
in São Carlos and Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil
Well, I couldn't write about only one great
experience we had here in Brazil because there was
so many, but there's one at the beginning of the
trip and another at the end that sort of complement
each other.
We had a barbecue in Torrinha and the family who
was hosting it, decorated the whole house, made
some really great food and hired a band to play for
us. There was many people there, including the
mayor of Torrinha and some friends of the
Family.
I think it was our third day together as a group
so we were still kind of divided by country, only a
few people were closer to each other. Everyone was
eating and talking and having a great time. As the
band started playing Samba and Forró,
Fabricio and I started dancing, and suddenly
everybody wanted to dance too, so the Brazilians
and I started teaching them how to dance Samba and
Forró. It was really funny at the beginning
because even though they had never danced it before
they just didn't care. I realized that they just
wanted to have a good time. I remember that after
sometime the band also played an Italian song, so
the Italians were all dancing and they started to
teach us how to dance it. It was really hard but
even though I couldn't do it right I just kept
dancing. We were all laughing and dancing together,
including the teachers, who were really great at
dancing Forró. So all of us were having a
wonderful time and we were very comfortable to each
other and I felt like I knew them for years. We had
so much fun that evening. So by the end of that
night I really felt I was part of that group.
There was also the day we went to Corcovado to
see the Christ. It was a wonderful day, there was
almost no clouds at the sky, so we were up there
and we could see all of Rio de Janeiro, all the
ocean, the beaches, the buildings and everything
juts looked so small and so beautiful. So we made a
circle and we held hands and each of us was
supposed to thank or say something nice about the
trip. At that moment I wanted to tell everyone that
I had a great time and I loved meeting them but I
just said I loved all of them so, it was like an
impulse or something, but it was really cool that
most part of them said it back. Some of them were
just making jokes but I knew everyone was very sad
to say goodbye. I felt really stupid because I was
crying and all but after the circle everybody was
kind of crying. I gave everyone a big hug and one
of them told me that I shouldn't cry like that
because it's normal that people come and go out of
your life. The only thing I couldn't forget about
was the friendships I have made. So, at that day I
was very sad because everyone was leaving but I was
also very happy to have made friends for life. It
was definitely a wonderful experience that I'll
never forget.
Marilia Couto Cardoso, Brazil
I came into GYI/ and this trip with little to no
expectations. I was along for the ride. I guess I
wanted to have some fun, meet people and learn
about Brazil. The trip far exceeded my impressions
of what it would be like. I can't specifically
pinpoint one event that stood out, but I can pick
one for each place we stayed. When we were in Sao
Carlos, being with my host family, getting to know
them was so fun and is something I'll never forget.
Paraty was really great. The beach was spectacular,
the food was great, the restrictions were a little
overkill, but the place we stayed was very
accommodating. Rio was the icing on the cake for
me. I got everything out of it that I had hoped to,
except maybe spending more time with the group.
Corcovado, Sugarloaf, Copacabana, Ipanema, how
memorable... I'll never forget the view from
Corcovado, I'll never forget getting slammed by
waves at Ipanema. So, as I said, there are so many
things that I got out of the trip it would be hard
to pinpoint one thing. But by far, the people and
the setting we were in made the trip so worthwhile,
and it made it that much harder coming home.
Joseph Frederick , USA
To choose your most memorable experiences from
GYI Brazil is like trying to pick your favorite
jub-jub they are full of fruity goodness. I mean
there are so many would I choose a memory from one
of the nights at the clubs, or maybe the
everlasting boat ride, or when our bus got lost and
we ended up driving through some field in a big
tourist bus. So could you really expect me to just
choose one memory? I had to pick two. Not just
because they were both great memories but I
probably couldn't fill up one to two pages with
just one.
For my first best memory I had to look back on
July 9. The day started out with the normal routine
at camp. Jake, Frabrico and I being woken up by
peters trade mark saying in his Austrian accent
"its 8oclock it 8oclock". So after being woken up I
headed down to the restaurant at camp I remember it
was a cloudy morning and the air had that thickness
that you get when it rains during the night. Being
one of the first people at breakfast I filled my
plate with the usual bread and fruit and sat down
at a table. Soon after Ma walks by and wishes me a
happy birthday. Up until this point I had totally
forgot it was my birthday; being half a sleep still
it didn't quite get it and I gave he a puzzled look
and she looked at me and said "Myles it's your
birthday today." I looked at my watch and was
almost shocked to find out it actually was my
birthday. That was the start to my birthday. The
rest of the day we did the normal things at camp. I
think it was about 6oclock when the bus came to
take us into town to go to the mayor's house. On
the whole ride there each country took turns
singing happy birthday in their own language. I
remember getting of the bus and looking up at this
big two story house and one of the American girls
jokingly saying how it could use a fresh coat of
paint because the outside didn't look to be in the
best condition. But as we went into the backyard I
think we all changed our minds about the house.
There was a swimming pool surrounded by bushes with
flowers and vines that appeared to be plastered
right on the wall that surrounded the property. The
hosts had set up tables with candles on top and we
got a warm welcome. I walked inside and the next
person I met I swear I will never forget. It was
none other than the Chad or Thales. We hit it off
and we joked and goofed around all night. After we
ate and were mixing around a band came out to play
and it didn't take long before the Italians where
on the dance floor showing off their moves and
getting everyone involved. The next event that
comes to mind is me and Tom getting called up to
celebrate our birthdays. Then the Brazilians
picking me up and Thales yelling out a bunch of
funny words in Brazilian making me laugh almost
till I cried. It would not be the last time he did
this to me. It seemed like to soon after this that
we all said goodbye to our host's and boarded the
bus and headed back to camp. Everyone went back to
their rooms and went to bed and I remember laying
there thinking to myself this morning I didn't even
remember it was my birthday and no this is a
birthday I will never forget.
Myles Curry, Canada
I remember the first day we arrived in Brasil.
Everyone secluded themselves within their own
country groups, and even in their own cliques
within the countries. The first night out at Caso
de Cafe was when everyone started talking, getting
to know each other. The Brasilians were all so
hospitable and welcoming. They helped everyone
order "food", told us what was good, and what
wasn't.
Going home to Emanuel and Eliane's apartment
every night was always very comforting. It was very
small, and Emanuel told me their neighborhood was
considered a poor neighborhood in Sao Carlos. I
wouldn't have traded it for the nicest house in the
city. They were so hospitable; always saying their
home was my home. The apartment had a certain smell
to it, a smell of spices, which always let me know
I was at home. It was the perfect host family for
me. I remember being introduced to everyone. When I
say everyone, I mean everyone. The Brasilians in
Sao Carlos all seemed so friendly. I remember the
many "tudo bems" and the kissing on the cheek over
and over. I remember being frustrated sometimes
when I couldn't communicate, and I needed to.
Being at camp during the first week, after only
three days had passed, I thought the three weeks
was going to go by so slowly. When we got back to
Sao Carlos, I felt like we had to leave too soon.
Everyone had gotten so close to their hosts, and
all the people there. I had grown to love my hosts
so much, Dana and Sarah's as well. The Sunday we
had to leave, we took some pictures by the bus. We
are all smiling in them, but you can see the
sadness, too. I miss São Carlos and those
people more than any other part of the trip. The
daily trips with Emanuel and Eliane to the "best
bakery in town" as I heard many people call it. The
Goyaba juices Eliane made for me with the fresh
goyabas they had, the many ham and cheese
sandwiches, usually in the morning with hot milk
and chocolate, the favorite pop, Guajana, and of
course eating pizza with a knife and fork many
times. The many field trips we took around the
city. We went to the Faber-Castell factory, a sugar
cane factory, and many other places. The Brazilians
would always oblige and help translate at these
field trips and whenever they were needed anywhere
else.
These were just some of my memories from the
city of Sao Carlos. The sights, the sounds, the
smells. Everything that, if I ever go back, will
let me know that I am right at home. These were
some of the greatest memories ever. Memories that I
know will be etched in my mind forever, and maybe
longer.
Suzanne Wedeking, USA
Student
Reflections from GYI 2002
in Varel, Germany
I remember when we first arrived in Varel,
Germany. Everything was so strange, so new, and I
was so tired. I wasn't sure I'd like it here. I
wasn't sure I'd ever get used to being here. I
wasn't sure I'd be sad having to leave it. Not only
was I adjusting to living in some stranger's house,
I was invading someone else's space, someone else's
home. Not only was I adjusting to a new country
with different customs and cultures, I was
adjusting to a whole nother language. A language I
couldn't speak, couldn't understand. Not only was I
adjusting to new people and new friends, but they
were from all over the world--all speaking
different languages!
The toilets flushed differently, the food tasted
different, and the houses were built differently.
Who knows how many unwritten cultural laws I've
broken; who knows how many strangers I've
unknowingly offended.
But now, almost three weeks later, I know I'll
miss this place, these people, this language. I'll
miss sitting in my window reading, writing,
thinking. I'll miss the quaint, clean, neatness of
small-village northern Germany. I'll miss the red
bricks, the huge clouds, the organized lawns, even
the rain. I'll probably even miss the '80s elevator
music! I'll miss the funny shaped cars and the
cheese rolls. I'll miss the fresh croissants and
juice every morning.
I will not, however, miss the carbonated apple
juice or carbonated water! I swear, I'll never get
used to opening bottled water and having it explode
all over me! I'll never be able to convince myself
that it's just water!
But I will miss the thrill of a successful
buying conversation where the sales lady still
believes I actually speak German. I'll miss
strangers talking to me in German only to find out
I can't understand them. I'll miss friendly
strangers struggling to speak the little English
they know and I'll miss them telling me how they
once visited Connecticut or that they have some
relative in Vermont.
I will not, however, miss the rough public
toilet paper or having to pay for the use of it!
Nor will I miss the long, crowded, confined bus
rides and the constant tiredness.
I'll miss learning a new language straight from
the locals and I'll miss being in a strange place
where everywhere I go and everything I do is new
and exciting. I love being a part of something so
important that it draws important people out of
their busy offices to come greet us, something so
important that the media covers stories on us.
Here I've petted a jellyfish, swum in the North
Sea, bought things with euros, climbed two hundred
and eighty-some steps up a modern windmill, paddled
a 10-person canoe four hours doen a German canal,
got lost in Berlin, whistled at the Amsterdam
airport, and--best of all--made countless,
unforgettable friends.
Shannon Blair/USA
On the first day of our camp, each one of us
made a personal shield with our names and
information on it. Attached was a mailbox which
provided others with opportunities to send a
message or a thank-you note to you. My mailbox was
quite empty on the first few days, but as the camp
was drawing to an end, we were encouraged to write
our appreciations down to someone. Soon afterwards,
my box was merrily filled with notes. It was really
great wither to read the mails or to write back.
There are always some words that you just can't
express will to somebody personally and through
this, I made lots of new friends.
Jenny Chen/Taiwan
I think the last evening at the camp was an
event which I will never fotget. During the last
days we got to know each other quite well, that the
atmosphere was comfortable.
Imke (our president) bought a lot of candies and
some students organized a guitar, that we could
have a little party.
The Italians sang a song for us and we taught
the others a German song ("An der Nordsee
Euste").
As it was time to go to bed, nobody wanted to
go, because we've had so much fun.
Imke, Antonio, Mike, Tom and I we were the last
persons leaving the room, because we couldn't stop
showing each other magic tricks with the cards.
Everybody was in such a good mood and everything
was so harmonious, that I am sure these memories
will stay with me.
Alina vonEssen/Germany
World Cup Final 2002
At the time I arrived in Europe, I couldn't tell
that Brazil and Germany would face each other in
the World Cup Final. A sequence of games finally
made it certain. I was behind enemy lines. That day
became even better when my father, which I hadn't
seen for a year, showed up.
The first goal was a moment of glory that didn't
last so long, since the Germans around me were
devastated. By "Germans around me" you should
understand my host brother Eike, my host sister
Elena and her boyfriend Tim. My Brazilian flag
would wave one more time when the second goal was
scored. The level of interest on the game just
wasn't the same, even though it wasn't officially
over.
My host parents arrived later. They weren't very
happy. My father stayed for the night and left the
following morning.
Thiago Pereira/Brazil
One thing I remember most was concentration camp
Bergen-Belsen. For one forth I'm Jewish and it was
really interesting for me. For the other forth I'm
Russian and so there was one more reason why my
heart started to work faster. I was looking on the
tomb where was lying five thousand dead people and
I realized that some of them could be my ancestors.
It was my dream to go to the concentration camp but
I thought that I will go first to Buchemwald. It
was really hard for me to stay there. I was under
very big pressure. Footprints of six years you can
see in this deserted square with rectangle hills on
it. That is just the best thing I could see in my
summer vacations. My dream became true and I'm very
happy about it.
Anton B. Federov/Russia
Among all the great experiences I had over this
trip, our field trip to Berlin was probably the
most memorable. During our day in the city we saw
many interesting sites such as the Pergamon Museum,
the Riechstag, the Brandenburg Gate, along with
many other historical monuments and buildings. It
was only after finishing this day of sightseeing
when the real fun began. We had gone to a large
mall in central Berlin to eat and do a little
shopping. When we split off into groups, we were
told to be back at the mall around 9:00. Amazingly,
everybody was on time and ready to go back to the
hostel for some much-needed rest. We all trekked
over to the subway station that would take us out
of the city and into the suburb where we were
staying. It wasn't as easy as we thought. The
subway station that was to be our ride out of
Berlin was absolutely barren. There were no people
and even worse, no trains. After waiting for a
while, our crack team of German guides decided that
we should walk to go find some other mode of
transportation. So we walked. We had been walking
all day, so I thought another mile wouldn't hurt.
One mile turned to about tree miles of zigzagging
through the main boulevard and eventually stopping
in front of the Russian Embassy. Mrs. Ellerhoff
then told me that for this whole time we really had
no direction or ideas of what to do. Luckily, there
was a place to get ice cream so I really didn't
care for the time being. After siting on the
pavement and talking with all the GYI kids for an
hour, we were informed that there was hope of
getting back. This hope was another mile away. We
eventually found the train station, only this time
there were people and trains occupying it. Because
the subway in Berlin is based on the honor system,
we all neglected to pay for a pass and hopped on
for our ride back. About ten stops and two hours
later, we finally reached the hostel and jumped
into bed. It was long, strenuous, and sometimes
boring, but looking back on our night in Berlin I
realized that there was something fun and most
definitely memorable in getting lost in one of the
largest cities in Western Europe. Jake Rosenberg/USA
I want to write about our art project, though
this part of GYI activities could be described by
other students, but I like this one very much. I
like the Werner's original idea of our art project,
who is an art teacher. The idea was that every
student had a piece of wood to reproduce a part of
the picture by Picasso. This project showed us that
every person is very different but if he works in a
group we can reach high results. I also had some
fun making borderd of the objects, mixing colors
and drawing my piece of picture, because I haven't
done this since I was in 3rd grade. On Monday we
put all the pieces together and they were looking
nice. Also I want to say "thank you" to people who
organized this art project, because these two
pictures will be kept in a place where German youth
will be spending their time, so it will be a
present for German students by international, and I
also hope to come back one day to this exhibition
and say that I took part in the creation of this
picture.
Vladimir Zaslavski/Russia
If I have to think about one experience that
made me feel completely the GYI program, I think
about the art project: while we were working on
each wooden piece, no one could see more that two
or three lines with some colors, but when the
pieces were put together, everybody managed to
recognize the image. This is a perfect example of
teamwork, and fits the characteristics of the GYI:
in this project everybody could feel as an
important part of the group, understanding that his
contribute, even if it seems small and useless, is
very important for all the others. Antonio Colosimo/Italy
Doing the art work with everybody was the most
unforgettable experience for me in this program. It
was inspiring, interesting, and full of
imagination. Under the directions of the art
teacher, each of us painted a small part of the art
work, using warm colors or cold colors only. At
last, those small pieces went together and made a
marvelous piece of art work which was donated to
the orphanage, as a reward to Varel. It was not
only a game with colors, but also a
self-revolution. You'd never know that painting
could be so fun and meaningful, because of the true
meaning of teamwork and the spirit of donation.
Maybe after 300 years, our artwork will still be on
the wall of the orphanage. That really means a lot
to me, and makes me want to go back to Varel again,
just for one more glance of my artwork. It's indeed
a great idea to accomplish this social service in
Germany! Pei-Ying Shen/Taiwan
The sand of the path is crunching under my feet.
I pass elegant and elaborate buildings decorated
with gold and beautiful gardens around it. In front
of me, there is an alley with huge trees. I try to
imagine members of the royal family and their
guests walking through the park and enjoying the
landscape. I enjoy the atmosphere of this place but
then we turn right and I can see it: Sanssouci. The
majestic castle exceeds all my expectations. Now I
know why tourists want to visit this place.
Finally, we are standing in front of it and I try
to imagine carriages arriving. I've never seen such
an impressive building. Manuela Sies/Germany
I liked the days in the camp a lot. The day I
liked most was Tuesday, June 25th. We left the camp
for the windenergy park Aurick-Westerholt in the
morning. The view from the top of the windmill was
great and the stairs haven't been as bad as I
thought they would be. After this, we drove to
Wiesmoor, where we started our paddling tour. I was
in a boat with eight other students from different
countries. We spent some hours on the small canoe.
I think it was fun with all these guys. Sometimes
it was action and sometimes just relaxing. At the
end we were the last boat and we were all wet, but
I enjoyed the trip. Last but not least because the
German soccer team reached the semifinal. Imke Benner/Germany
Even before I came to Varel, Germany, I knew
about the famous mud-flats. It seems that everyone
who visits here MUST have a walk through it. We've
had lots of cold, gloomy, rainy days since we came
here, but fortunately the weather was quite nice on
the day we went trekking through the mud. At least,
the mud was not too soft so that I didn't have to
keep trying to yank my foot out of it. In the
beginning everyone was just concentrating on moving
forward, byt very soon many people decided that it
was a waste to let all that beautiful mud lie
around on the ground, so they began to use it to
decorate other people's faces. In the end
practically everyone had mud and sand in their hair
and all over their bodies, and I'd gotten a
mouthful of sand. It was a fun experience, really.
But one trip is enough for me! Sharon Hwang/Taiwan
My best experience of GYI 2002 was being the
host of two nice American girls: Sarah &
Christy B. We had much fun together, but I am also
glad that I had the chance to meet students who
were in Des Moines last year again and make new
friends. The best moment in GYI was going to
Wilhelmshaven with Sarah, Christy and my parents.
That weekend, there was a big festival called
"Wochenende an de Jade". There you can see many
stands with a lot of unique things and delicious
food. The best part was for me, and I think Sarah
and Christy, too, was the roller coaster had a
special rate that day, so the ride was extra long.
It lasted for about five minutes. We were spun
upside down several times. We could see the water
when our heads were hanging over the railings. We
got as nice view of the harbor of Wilhelmshaven but
upsidedown. It was very funny. Imke Weber/Germany
All this story had its beginning when my
grandmother asked me if I would like to know
Europe, Germany, so my answer was immediately "of
course." Then she told me that there is an
international organization where teens and young
people can share experiences and situations that
could change your life, and one of the most
important purposes is to have friends from many
countries. So I decided to travel to Germany, but I
thought this trip will be madness, because it's the
first time I travel alone, without my parents and
too far from my country and have a chance to make
my own decisions. For that I was really sure, that
it will be nice.
Now, the Institute is going to finish and I'm
glad to have spent three weeks very funny and
interesting with all. Juan Diege Guevara/Peru
Student Reflections from GYI 2001
in Pisa, Italy
I get goose bumps when I read the final words of my journal written in Italy. “It was an anti-climatic night to my three weeks. It was like tomorrow I wouldn’t be going home. This was just an ordinary day in my life. This is my family, this is my home, this is my life. How can I possibly say good-bye? How can I possibly leave?” For an ordinary day, it was extraordinary, just like the three weeks preceding it.
After hours of travel in planes, trains, and automobiles, I arrived in Pisa, Italy, on June 23, 2000. Through the Global Youth Institute, I was to spend three incredible weeks in Pisa living with an Italian family and meeting students from around the world.
For the past 11 years, the Friendship Force of Greater Des Moines and Des Moines Public Schools have collaborated in the creation of the Global Youth Institute, bringing together students from around the world to foster friendships and discussion of issues of global significance. The institute alternates between staying in Des Moines and being hosted by Friendship Force Clubs in other parts of the world each year. Individuals from 19 different countries have participated over the years. One week of the program is spent in a camp environment while families host students for the remaining two weeks.
While in Italy, I saw and experienced the Italian culture and life not as a tourist, but through the eyes of an Italian. I saw Michelangelo’s David and St. Peter’s Cathedral. I walked in Caesar’s Forum and viewed the masterpieces of the Uffizi Museum. I stared up into the dome of the Sistine Chapel. I stood in some of the most spiritual and beautiful places of the world. I walked through history of religion, art, war, and democracy. But more importantly, I created my own history with my experiences.
The Global Youth Institute is unique because it not only offers exquisite travel, but a chance to create lasting international friendships. I learned about the culture and customs of Austria, Taiwan, Japan, Russia, and especially Italy. I learned that people are people, regardless of nationality or heritage. However, while I had these thoughts before I left American soil, it was through experiencing the truth of this human bond that I learned about myself. I discovered who I am and that I have the ability to shape my experiences in life.
The friendships I formed were no different from those formed with other Americans. Humor and laughter transcend language or cultural barriers. I shared experiences and jokes with Taiwanese, Italians, and Austrians. Teenagers and all people are no different in Italy and Russia than they are in America. We are all one. Sitting around playing Trivial Pursuit and watching T.V. with my host family, I felt like one of the gang.
I read my journal and study my photographs, and I swell with emotion. I learned the meaning of patriotism. The Italians, and other nationalities understand the meaning of pride in one’s country. From the insanity of Italian soccer to the friendly laughs I received at forgetting a line of our national anthem, I gleaned the importance of respecting my country and heritage. In the enormity of the world, I learned we all have a place. I found mine.
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