EIL Intercultural Learning

I found it hard to believe. I was sitting at the edge of a forest. It was four o’ clock in the morning. I was surrounded by American, Turkish, and Irish teenagers. I had only been with them for two weeks but it felt like we knew each other for a life-time. I was certain we would stay in contact and be life-long friends. A coyote howled in the distance. Slightly scared and apprehensive, I hoped I wouldn’t hear it again! Fire-flies (which I previously believed to be a myth?) flew around us. I would have found all this hard to believe if I had been told it was going to happen in the months previous to my departure to Vermont. I didn’t want to go home!

Our journey to Vermont began on the 28^th of June at the Air Canada desk in Dublin Airport at 7am. Katie, our chaperone and almost professional timekeeper had been waiting on our arrival from 6! I was the first to arrive. I was joined shortly by Ryan, Gary, and then Vanessa. Claudia then joined the group from her interconnecting flight. The six of us met and made small talk. I could tell each of us was as excited about the trip as the other. Little did we know, of course what wonderful friendships we would make and experiences we would encounter in the preceding two weeks!  

The following morning we were introduced to the staff and prepared for the arrival of the American students. We were given the initial orientation and then it was down to business.The discussions, debates and forums that took place over the next two weeks really changed my perspective on how I view the world as a teenager today. I learned that, even as young people, my determined generation can change the world for the better. The first night at SIT we had a simulation “mock congress”. This turned out to be an enjoyable and somehow entertaining event which gave me a real insight into how educated and passionate everyone at GIV was about current issues in America and throughout the world.

 

As part of our time at GIV we had to choose an issue group where we studied in great detail a particular topic that interested us. The topics were Leadership, Politics, Global Children, Global Warming and Social Justice. I chose to study leadership and entered the class taught by one of the most interesting and extraordinary men I have ever met, Ken Williams. Ken taught us how to be highly effective teens using 7 simple steps. He taught us many great leadership qualities such as effective listening and leadership styles. He also taught us about co-operation and debating with passion but not malice.

From an educational perspective, there were many interesting and stimulating discussions and presentations shown to us. We heard from Peter Schumlin, who is running for the Goverenor of Vermont. As part of a documentary night option, I saw a film called “Born into Brothels” which dealt with the poverty and harsh life of the street children in Calcutta. We participated in a United Nations crisis simulation which gave me great understanding of how co-operation and understanding between nations is crucial. We discussed gender dynamics and issues which I found thoroughly interesting as we discussed about the roles of males and females in the household/ workplace/ school etc. Towards the end of the programme we held a mock town council meeting where we learned how American town councils are run.

 

I found the talk from Craig Goldberg, a humanitarian doctor, particularly interesting. Craig had gone to Haiti after the devastating earthquake. He told us the story of his experience in Haiti as a doctor and the problems and challenges that were put before him. We were also shown photos taken by Craig in Haiti and it gave me a real sense of awareness as to how bad the earthquake had actually been.  As part of our time at GIV we had to pick a forum theatre to participate in. There were a number on offer like drama, music and puppets but I chose dance.

There were also a number of topicals we had to pick throughout the course of the programme. These ranged from very useful topics such as public speaking, project methodology and fundraising to interesting topics such as the media, education funding and separating the church and state. There were also a number of unusual topics like Crop Circles!

 

From an entertaining point of view, GIV had an endless supply of fun!

Three times during the two weeks we had hilltop time. This was where everyone would gather on a hill at the top of the campus and sing songs, read poetry, play music and express ourselves in many different ways. Of course I represented the Irish and gave a blast of an ‘aul jig on the tin whistle!

 

The hand drumming workshop was one of the highlights of the trip for me. Steve Leicach, who is an absolutely amazing percussionist, taught us various different rhythms and beats on a number of different types of drums. The sounds produced were surprisingly good and we had such a laugh!

 

The 4^th of July was nothing short of EPIC!  Everyone made posters the previous day on current issues that affect us as citizens of the world today. I made one, with my American friend Tori that dealt with the current issue of radiation using a pun. Before the parade I was honoured to read from the American Declaration of Independence along with Ryan and a number of other students. We then marched through the town of Brattleboro with our signs in temperatures well up over 90 degrees. Due to the excess sweating we took a trip to the lake where we played volleyball, soccer and swam to our hearts content. The day was polished off nicely by a barbeque at Simon’s (The programme organiser) house and a panoramic view of the Independence Day fireworks from the hill.

 

The barn dance night was also fantastic. We were brought to a traditional American barn where there was a live country band. We learned many new dances and they even had an Irish dance there that surprised us all! We had a wonderful time and danced away the night until the early hours.

The Irish presentation went down a storm. We began with the national anthem. Ryan spoke about Irish history, Vanessa about the education system, Gary about Dáil na n-óg and I rattled out an ‘aul hornpipe except this time I danced it! And I must say, the room (the beloved Rotch building) did look smashing decked out in the Irish colours.

 

An amazing woman named Molly Christie gave us two great nights entertainment. The first night we had a HIV/Aids talk. The second night she came again and we were taught the art of samba dancing! It was so much fun to experience something entirely different and new.Another great night was had by all when we had what was called the “improv theatre” night.  A man named Cort Dorsey took charge for the night.

Of course, the second last day with the American students was as better than expected. We had the forum theatre performances (mentioned earlier) in the afternoon. That night, for dinner we had the closing banquet. Here, we dressed up to perfection and listened to many interesting speeches whilst eating a gorgeous meal. When the banquet was over, we headed to the infamous El Café where the open mic took place. Of course, the Irishness broke through in me as I got together with Karina, a girl from the camp and we did an Irish dance which went down a storm even if I do say so myself!

 

The following day was goodbye time and whilst I have to confirm that I did not cry myself, there were tears flowing down the faces of even the most unlikely of characters! On our way to the airport I was wishing I would lose my passport! I didn’t want to leave. My time that I spent at GIV has without a doubt been the best two weeks of my life! I loved every single minute of it. My time at GIV has changed me as a person in many different ways. The friends I made there are some of my best and we are in touch nearly every day! I left America a more confident, informed, motivated, mature and determined Youth Activist!

I would like to thank EIL with all my heart for giving me the opportunity to go to Vermont. I will never be able to repay them with thanks! I would especially like to thank Fiona who took responsibility for organising our trip. And of course, the woman of the moment, I thank Katy, our group leader for being “so totally awesome” on our trip. She was incredible!

My life has changed thanks to EIL and I will be forever grateful!