EIL Intercultural Learning

So I’m back! Only a few days ago I was in a completely different climate, and now I am back in front of my computer at home with overcast skies outside…Home Sweet Home!

Where do I begin?  12 days of absolute bliss in the Green Mountain State, more commonly known to all as Vermont. As we began our “Mock Congress” on Day 1 of the programme, I knew it was going to be a remarkable and fascinating 12 days!

After a week and a half in the US I am still amazed at the friendliness and enthusiasm of every participant at the Governors' Institute Program. The classes are fascinating whether they be workshops, issue groups or topicals. My issue group, Politics, was a series of intense thought-provoking discussions on every aspect of modern democratic systems. Unfortunately, our teacher, the ever open-minded Tim Kipp, was struck with health problems for the second half of the programme, but we instead enjoyed equally engaging classes on leadership.

Hi all,

It is difficult to even know where to start. The last few days have been well, nothing short of absolutely amazing!!!!!

We arrived here in America after a few delays and trouble in customs happy but very tired. It was a very long journey! Something i have never really experienced so far. We got here after 23 hours of traveling for me with very little sleep. We got to try a traditional american meal of wendys. Along the road trip Kathy and I discovered the joys of "Wheat thins" a kind of healty  junk food as Anna put it. I am sure i willl be bringing some home! The first day we spent helping the camp leaders to prepare for the coming American kids. We got on real well with the Turkish kids already here.

“Education is the power to think clearly, the power to act well in the world's work, and the power to appreciate life." The education to which Young refers is not the kind of education which can be taught in a classroom or extracted from the most enlightening textbook. It is this kind of challenging education that the Vermont Governor’s Institute on Current Issues and Youth Activism provides.

As I sit here, at home in Ireland, a smile begins to form across my face as I try to put to words what was one of the most enriching and enjoyable experiences of my life. It has now been just over a week since I, as part of the Irish delegation, arrived back to the Emerald Isle from the School for International Training in Brattleboro, Vermont where we, as five EIL travel award winners and our exemplary group leader Ruth, took part in the Governor’s Institute on Current Issues and Youth Activism camp along with 55 other Vermont high school students.

Day 3-  Everyone has gotten over the jet lag and made new friends with the help of volleyball and frisbee, although it's hard not to make new friends as everyone is SOOO friendly and open. In a presentation designed to paint the FULL picture of army life we were surprised and shocked to find that the American recruitment system is so flawed and unfavourable to the young people of America. We also viewed a recruiting advertisement from the US army. This adverstisement glorified war and was very misleading to the realities of army life.

This time last week saw the conclusion of one of the best experiences of my life. I was fortunate enough to be one of the 5 Irish participants at Vermont's Governors institute on current issues and youth activism. I think looking back now, all five of us can say that being there has changed our lives in some way, shape, or form. For the whole time we were made feel so welcome by the Americans which lead to us becoming constantly engaged in all activities. We were all asked to choose topicals that we would cover over 24 hours during the twelve day programme.

June 26: We've arrived safe and sound. We were treated to the best pizza in Brattleboro last night as we were weary and hungry. All the staff here are so friendly and warm, after our feast last night we enjoyed a strolling tour through campus and retired to the Cafe to compete in an exciting and fun game of Taboo!
The views here in the green mountains of Vermont are stunning, even though its raining now it can still take your breath away. At 3 today the rest of the participants of the programme will be arriving so we'll be very busy today.
Keep well