Each summer, the VCWA welcomes a cohort of Iraqi high school students to Vermont as part of a two-week exchange called the Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP).
IYLEP participants stay with local host families as they explore themes of leadership development, civic rights and responsibilities, respect for diversity, community engagement, and social entrepreneurship.
The participants work to develop skills in leadership and civic engagement among participants enabling them to be active change-makers in their communities, foster respect for diversity and a stronger understanding between people of different ethnic, religious, and national backgrounds and build mutual understanding between people of Iraq and the U.S.
14 Host families in or near St. Johnsbury, VT are needed from July 28th - August 10th.
We are seeking families to host participating English-speaking high school students during the two-week period they are visiting Vermont. The VCWA arranges programming during the weekdays (9:00am - 5:00pm), while you share your home with the visitors in the evening and on the weekend. Hosting is a wonderful opportunity to connect with international visitors and experience a new culture without leaving the comfort of your own home! Questions? See FAQs here.
Interested in hosting a high schooler from this delegation? Email marya@vcwa.org or fill out the interest form here.