hi-usa-educationCultural Exchange Program Seeks Young Adults

by TeachThought Staff and Hostelling International USA

Experiential learning. Cultural competency. The transformative power of travel.

These are probably concepts youโ€™re familiar with, but for 18-23 year olds from Egypt, France, Germany, Lebanon, Tunisia, and the United States, these ideals will take on a whole new meaning this summer.ย Through a program called IOU Respect, four individuals from each of the countries listed above will be selected to participate in an intensive two-week program dedicated to exploring one anotherโ€™s cultures, worldviews, and ways of life.

Held July 25-August 8, at the Yves Robert HI Hostel in Paris, France, the program is comprised of facilitated dialogue sessions, team-building projects, and group outings designed to increase participantsโ€™ knowledge of other cultures. At the same time, delegates are developing skills for intercultural communication and building lasting relationships on a foundation of appreciation, respect, and understanding.

Throughout the program, participants will be facing difficult topics head-on, including religion, stereotyping, international conflict, identity, discrimination, and privilege. โ€œIOU Respect provided a safe environment for honest and candid dialogues,โ€ explained Gina Song, a 2014 IOU Respect participant. โ€œWe discussed topics that are normally viewed as contentious for everyday conversation. We agreed, we argued, we questioned, we reflected, but throughout it all, we learned to respect.โ€

Participants are selected based on a competitive application process, in which applications are accepted through May 15. ย All program costs are covered for participants, including accommodations in Paris. To qualify, candidates must be a citizen from one of the six countries listed above and 18-23 years old.

This program is sponsored by Hostelling International (HI), a nonprofit organization with a global collection of more than 4,000 hostels in more than 80 countries. ย Interested candidates can apply through Hostelling International USA (HI USA), the US affiliate of HI. ย HI USA is a national nonprofit with a mission to create a more tolerant world, and programs like IOU Respect bring this mission to life.

Cultural Exchange Program Seeks Young Adults