VOL. XXIV, NO. 3
DECEMBER 2, 1982
Three students apply
Maine West resumes American Field Service program
Maine West resumes American Field Service program
Maine West has resumed the American Field Service (AFS) program this year and as a result three students have applied to participate in the program.
"I believe AFS is a good organization and a good idea for the school to support. A lot of kids are involved. AFS gives students a chance to go abroad," said Miss Rosalie Streng, cosponsor for AFS.
"The program was cancelled due to lack of parent involvement. We need the parents' help. They do some of the interviewing for the students and the hosts, organize fund raisers, and give moral support," continued Miss Streng.
AFS offers students a chance to go abroad and learn in a foreign country for either a summer, 10-12 weeks, or a full year. The program also offers families here a chance to host a foreign student.
For a student to be eligible for AFS, he or she must be 16 years old and able to pay for his trip. Miss Streng said that the students chosen are very flexible and are able to easily adapt to their environment. This year's candidates, who will find out in January whether or not they will go abroad, are Chris Chrobak '85, Tom Corcoran '84 and Laura Larsen '85.
Both Chris and Laura heard about John Whitney '82 visiting his foreign host family in Mexico and found the program interesting. Chris and Laura are both members of the International Club which also aroused their interest.
"I believe AFS is a good organization and a good idea for the school to support. A lot of kids are involved. AFS gives students a chance to go abroad," said Miss Rosalie Streng, cosponsor for AFS.
"The program was cancelled due to lack of parent involvement. We need the parents' help. They do some of the interviewing for the students and the hosts, organize fund raisers, and give moral support," continued Miss Streng.
AFS offers students a chance to go abroad and learn in a foreign country for either a summer, 10-12 weeks, or a full year. The program also offers families here a chance to host a foreign student.
For a student to be eligible for AFS, he or she must be 16 years old and able to pay for his trip. Miss Streng said that the students chosen are very flexible and are able to easily adapt to their environment. This year's candidates, who will find out in January whether or not they will go abroad, are Chris Chrobak '85, Tom Corcoran '84 and Laura Larsen '85.
Both Chris and Laura heard about John Whitney '82 visiting his foreign host family in Mexico and found the program interesting. Chris and Laura are both members of the International Club which also aroused their interest.
"I think it would be a really good experience. I would learn a lot. It would be a challenge to see if I could survive," said Laura, who hopes to go to Spain, for the summer of '83. "I'm really kind of nervous to find out whether I'll make it, and anxious to go. I'm also scared that I won't make it," she added.
Chris agreed with Laura saying "I think it would be a good experience," and added, "you could learn about new cultures," Chris prefers to go to a Spanish speaking country, but said a student doesn't really have a choice, because the committee decides where the student will go. "I feel excited and nervous, a lot of nervous, and a little scared that I won't communicate," said Chris. "Even if I don't get chosen, the screenings and the whole process has been a learning experience in itself."
Currently the exchange student at Maine West is Olwen Pate '82, from Zimbabwe, Africa. Olwen, who is with the Rotary International Foundation, has been staying with the Coburns since January 22, 1982, and will return to Africa January 5, 1983.
"Rotary is a fantastic organization because with its youth program it promotes interest, understanding, and builds bridges across the world. It not only brings exchange students to different countries, but it also supports them and organizes them in the countries," said Olwen. "I think coming to Chicago really impressed on me that it is a huge place. It's somewhat awesome. I got a culture shock, especially with the initial friendliness of America."
Olwen concluded, "I think Maine West has showed me that there can be a wonderful school. This is a wonderful school. It has everything at your fingertips. I am thankful I came to Maine West."
Mr. Don Smith and Miss Streng are both co‑sponsors for the AFS program.
Chris agreed with Laura saying "I think it would be a good experience," and added, "you could learn about new cultures," Chris prefers to go to a Spanish speaking country, but said a student doesn't really have a choice, because the committee decides where the student will go. "I feel excited and nervous, a lot of nervous, and a little scared that I won't communicate," said Chris. "Even if I don't get chosen, the screenings and the whole process has been a learning experience in itself."
Currently the exchange student at Maine West is Olwen Pate '82, from Zimbabwe, Africa. Olwen, who is with the Rotary International Foundation, has been staying with the Coburns since January 22, 1982, and will return to Africa January 5, 1983.
"Rotary is a fantastic organization because with its youth program it promotes interest, understanding, and builds bridges across the world. It not only brings exchange students to different countries, but it also supports them and organizes them in the countries," said Olwen. "I think coming to Chicago really impressed on me that it is a huge place. It's somewhat awesome. I got a culture shock, especially with the initial friendliness of America."
Olwen concluded, "I think Maine West has showed me that there can be a wonderful school. This is a wonderful school. It has everything at your fingertips. I am thankful I came to Maine West."
Mr. Don Smith and Miss Streng are both co‑sponsors for the AFS program.
