Main Aims:
For the
majority of the students involved in this exchange, it is one of the first
outings away from their family atmosphere and it is almost sure that it is their
first trip abroad. They are in a crucial stage in their life, in which they have
to learn how to stand on their own feet without the help of their family.
Also they have
to live in a country, with customs, traditions and language which are different
from theirs. They are aware of the need of understanding and making themselves
understood in a foreign language, which they have been studying for several
courses. This fact is very encouraging for them, not only to improve the
language through practice, but also from their own point of view. It is an
important challenge for them to face: adapt themselves to a new country, family
and a completely different atmosphere.
There is no
doubt that being able to deal with this situation is an excellent preparation
for their near future.
So the main
aims we have in mind for this exchange are as follows:
-
Putting into
practice the language learnt at school within the American host family.
-
Getting in
contact with the American culture and traditions through the activities
planned in Buffalo.
-
Being
open-minded towards other ways of living and customs different from ours.
-
Encouraging
the good understanding among students from different countries so that they
can make friends.
-
Getting new
positive experiences so that the students become more mature.
-
Trying that
they can tell their experiences to the classmates in order to continue with
this exchange in the years to come.
