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.

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.