Аудирование "An exchange programme experience"

An exchange programme experience.

I’m really glad to be a participant of the programme whose goal is to foster better understanding between Americans and Europeans.

I spent a busy month in Indiana studying American society and culture and at the same time presenting Belarus to Americans and other participants. All in all there were 55 of us, smart, talented young people: 10 Americans and 45 representatives of different European countries.

Over the course, we met with US politicians, scholars, and journalists, participated in debates, practical workshops, and seminars. We explored a wide range of topics. Among them were media literacy, intercultural communications, volunteer service, communication skills, critical thinking, tolerance and respect for diversity, youth leadership, team building and the list goes on. And we also learned how to organise and participate in community service activities. Alongside that, we worked on our own social projects to carry out on coming back home.

The varied cultural program included trips to Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. There was also an International Culture Night, a talent show, the 4th of July picnic, shows and concerts, movie nights and sporting events.

I liked staying at the university dorms but the ten days I spent with my host family was really a special time.

I must say, that although I was aware of the famous American smile, I still found it rather hard to react sincerely and felt embarrassed in the beginning. As for the problems, air conditioners became the main one and I’m not kidding. July in Indiana is the hottest month and almost every day the thermometer rose above 300C while inside the classroom it was about 200C. Add icy cold drinks. No wonder that within a few days I caught a cold.

The programme has helped us examine what we need to know about each other to communicate better and to face the many challenges of the 21st century together. It has created friendships that go beyond borders. It has given me the desire and courage to change something in this world and to make a difference.