“I did had a wonderful time with my son from 18 years ago. I am so proud of what he is doing. He is helping children with facial deformities get surgery for free. This year they did 150 surgeries. He gets funds and then doctors to volunteer their time to do this. He is also working on an orphanage. And then he tells me this is because of me that he is able to do this... Yes, we did have a great trip.”
Sam had a wonderful year. When he came to see me last year, he was quiet, and a bit unsure, and not particularly ‘connecting’ with his teachers at school in England. He is a completely different person now. He looks quite a lot older, he is SO self-assured, and just couldn’t stop talking animatedly about the friends he’d made, the teachers, the classes etc. What a transformation!
He had plenty of praise for everyone at ERDT, but in particular Tina (local coordinator), who he said was absolutely brilliant, and a good friend to him.
I don’t always get to meet our volunteers and High School students face to face, as they live all over the UK and we often have to use Local Reps to meet them. It was truly wonderful for me to get to see the marked difference the year over there has made to Sam. I felt really proud of him, and he’s not even my son!
Becky Turner is a counselor at Sparta High School. She makes the placement process go smoothly. She is friendly, cheerful, and extremely knowledgeable. My job is made easier because of her. That is where all similarities end, and her unique style begins!
Becky has the responsibility of mentoring the exchange students at Sparta High School. She has advocated and received a budget for this program. She meets with the students every Friday (sometimes even furnishing pizza), and has cultivated wonderful relationships. She is enthusiastic about their achievements and tells them so!
Exchange student shares German culture on LeCenter Leader - www.lecenter.com/news.php?viewStory=561
Max Rottenecker of Germany gets a kick out of American football - www.citizensvoice.com/sports/going_global
Bridging the Culture Divide One Exchange Student at a Time - www.uscenterforcitizendiplomacy.org/get-involved/homeHosting/index.php
Subject: My son is back
Dear Kelli,
Last week we went to pick up Moritz and I can tell you: This was indeed a very emotional day! It was so good to see him again and listen to all his stories! He has grown into a young man indeed and he is still totally overwhelmed by the whole experience! I would like to thank my dear friends at ERDT for making this possible. You took great care of him, you managed to place him in the best host family ever and Im sure that you have changed his life. Thanks again!
Sabine
"Very engaging student, extremely kind, courteous and outgoing - a wonderful student."
"Christoph was a pleasure to have at our school. He fit in very well with our student body."
"Julia was a great addition to our school!"
"All outstanding"
"Makoto was a delight to have in our school!"
"Verena was fabulous!"
“Mira was the finest student I have had, and the most kind exchange student as well!”
“We enjoyed Jennifer’s stay at Crestwood. It was a positive experience for her as well as for us.”
“It was a pleasure to have Ludovic experience our school’s culture for the year!! He is a fine young man!”
“Formerly, I was the director of bands at Maysville and enjoyed the opportunity of working with Simon. He was extremely involved with all aspects of the school community, even earning a trip to the state music festival! Thank you for allowing our school to host Simon. We look forward to working with you in future years.”
