Virtually Connect with a Youth Exchange Participant from Iraq
Would you like to make a difference in the lives of high school students from another country? This summer, consider connecting with a youth exchange student through the Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP) to share about Vermont and learn about the world! The program will run from July 5th - 18th and virtual homestay hosts will have the opportunity to engage with their exchange students 2-3 times per week through one-hour sessions. If you are interested in virtually connecting with an IYLEP participant, please fill out this brief interest form to express your interest and availability in engaging with our youth exchange programs this summer.
In addition to a VCWA-facilitated virtual Host Family Kickoff Party and Host Family Closing Party, please find some suggested virtual homestay activities below. Please note this list is not exhaustive, as similar to the in-person program, this is meant to be a “choose your own adventure” experience and left up to the host family and participant to decide on discussion topics and activities.
Virtual cooking class - teach each other to cook a meal;
Give each other a tour of your room, what are items that are important to you and why?;
Give each other a tour of your bookshelf. What books are important to you, why?;
Take each other on a walk around your neighborhood;
Watch a movie, show or documentary together, choose a movie, press play at the same time and leave your video connection open. Talk about what’s happening;
Introduce your host sibling to an older family or community member, share some stories;
Invite your host sibling to a group WhatsApp with your friends for the weekend;
Make each other a playlist of 5 song that represent parts of your life (events, people, memories) or of your favorite music and listen to them together, share why you chose that song;
Invite your host student to a meal with your family. Connect over skype/facetime/hangouts, and put your computer on the table as if they were sitting with you.
