Stories from the 2014 Exchange
From Jessica:
Check out her video: https://youtu.be/hiChlb9T4YI
Israel was the best experience of my life. As soon as we found out who our Israeli delegation was we all started talking as a group and eventually talked to our individual hosts when we got the information on who our host was. From reading my student's application packet and our first conversation we already had so much in common and I knew we were going to be great friends. I'm incredibly grateful for this trip because it really was the best four weeks I've ever had. We had the great opportunity to show them our city and what we love about it and then tour DC and NYC with them. Being in America with them amazing, and we had a lot of time to really bond with each other. But when we flew to Israel is when everything really hit me. The Israel I pictured was the old city of Jerusalem, but that is not all of Israel. Israel is extremely modern and in many ways is very similar to the U.S. Every moment on the trip was a great adventure from exploring markets in Jerusalem with my friends to riding the train from Modi'in to Tel Aviv and watching the city lights flash by. My greatest gain from it was seeing this place that I had so much interest in my freshman year come to life in front of me and I realized that Israel was not how it is portrayed in the news. It is not what everyone sees on the exterior. It's a beautiful, inviting place and my entire time being there I felt extremely safe and at home. I met people that I consider family now and when we had to get on the bus to leave, it was the saddest moment of my life. I have never cried over anything more than I did that. When I left Israel, it was heart breaking because I didn't feel like I was leaving to go home. I felt like I was leaving my home and my family behind in Israel. I could never ask for anything more from this trip than the experience that I got and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to be apart of the delegation to Israel.
From Rachel:
Check out her video!
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4RDZCJ2vgR5ZHZBR1JBYmY0bVU/edit?usp=drive_web
News footage of bombs exploding on crowded foreign streets echoed in my mind as I tried to focus on my English essay. I couldn’t help but be distracted by claims backing big military boots and crying Palestinian children. I bent over my laptop and furrowed my brow but the words of war and injustice plagued my mind. Is this Israel? I wondered. Is this the land of milk and honey that was the backdrop to my faith, the oasis that my dad spoke of often? I wasn’t too sure.
When I was accepted to go to Israel with the academy, I certainly had my doubts. That summer, the war waged and often I thought that I wouldn’t even be able to go at all. But the day that my exchange student Noam arrived and ran to squish me in a bear hug, I knew this was going to be entirely life altering.
The students that came to visit us were the most incredible people I have ever met. All effervescent, kind hearted and whirl winds of energy, they brought life to our school like nothing had before. I felt connected with them immediately and soon they grew to be my second family. When we finally arrived in Israel, I was greeted by Noam’s family with incredible warmth and generosity. They squeezed me tight like I was their own daughter and stuffed me with food like I was a starving child. They loved me so well and I realized that Israel is full of so many beautiful, kind people. As I toured Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and Masada and Haifa, I saw the wonder that is Israel. I was in awe of stones laid by ancient Romans and rocks touched by the hands of Jesus and a wall of the old temple. I placed a prayer in the western wall, twice actually. I remember touching the sides and closing my eyes and feeling a tangible connection. Because Israel is part of my faith and seeing that so intimately will stay with me forever. Yet Israel is new and vibrant, cities that are hubs of technology and innovation. I toured the Knesset and saw the back of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s head. I found that Israel is both ancient and on the cusp of what is new and ground breaking. And it is safe; I was comfortable and secure the entire trip and never felt scared or even worried. From my experience, Israel is not a country ravaged by war. Rather it is a nation of solidarity and sanctuary that treasures its people.
As the news footage rolls today, I think of my friends in Israel, the people that took care of me and stood by me. I think of the adventures I had and the realizations that occurred in the least likely of places. But mostly, I think of the love I felt in the nation that is attacked by so many. Because my Israel is not one of bombs or gunfire; my Israel is one of family, food, prayer, adventure, and love.
From Sarah
Check out her video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHmLroH95z0
Ever since I got accepted into the Global Studies and World Languages Academy at Tallwood High School, it was my vision to travel to Israel. The end of my sophomore year came around and the applications to travel went out. I spent roughly two weeks perfecting my application. I remember going home with my sister one day and getting a call from Mrs. Gurely, congratulating me on my acceptance. I cried and screamed the rest of the way home.
In the beginning of my Junior year I started counting down the days until my flight would take off. I did every thing I could to prepare. The first 3 months before I left were the most stressful. I was bombarded with current classwork and work that was going to be due while I was gone and ontop of that I had Marching Band rehersal almost every day after school and throughout the whole weekend. I had to keep telling myself that it will al be worth it in the end just to make it through each week.
Finally the day came when the American delegation was at the gates of the airport waiting for out Israeli’s to walk through the gate. That was day one of week 1 out of 4 weeks. They spent the day touring Virginia Beach and going to classes throughout the school and in the evening we all spent the time going to American parties such as Halloween parties and sweet 16 birthday parties, basically showing them what it was like to be an American Teenager. The next week we all traveled to Washington D.C. and New York City. We toured museums, Times Square and anywhere a tourist would go in those two cities.
Then it was my turn to be the foreigner. About 9 hours after our plane took off we landed in Tel Aviv, Israel. The American Delegation spent week 3 touring Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. We bargained in markets, swam in the Dead Sea and the Mediteranean Sea, and visited cathedrals. We did everything I would’ve never expected myself to do in a thousand years. The food was amazing, the schools were amazing, the people, the culture, the language, the religion; everything was amazing. There really is’nt one word that is capable of describing my adventure in Israel. I never wanted it to end but all good things have to come to an end. When we left, everyone was in tears; I remember our chaperones having to practically pry everyone apart. The country itself was magnificent and it couldn’t have been any better and if it wasn’t for the people I connected with along the way, the trip wouldn’t have been the same. I fell in love with every square inch of Israel.
When I got home my family hugged me and kissed me as I showed them the souviniers I got for them and got for myself. But when I showed them the pictures that I took, they noticed something a little different about me. They could never put their finger on it but I knew what it was. This experience of a lifetime changed the way I will forever look at the world. Never will I judge another person based on what they’re wearing, or what they believe in through what I thought was was “acceptable”.
Israel has made an impact on 10 teenagers from America and 10 teenagers for Israel from everyday schools. We still talk to our international siblings every other day saying Shabat Shalom or wishing eachother a happy birthday. If it was’nt for this opporuntity I wouldn’t have so many doors opened that lead to such a bright future. I would be so ethnocentric. I wouldn’t be the leader that I am today with out this opportunity of a life time. I hold every laugh, every person, and every memory close to my heart. Israel left a piece of her in me, replacing the piece I left of me in her. This was an opportunity of a life time. I would do anything for another life to experience it all over again.
From Abbie:
The time that I spent with the Israel delegation was astonishing. I can honestly say that it changed my outlook on life. I was first shocked that I was accepted into the trip, and then accepted to host a student. This was the sole thing that I looked forward to up to the day of the trip. The day that our Israeli students arrived to Virginia Beach, I can’t describe the excitement that all of us Americans felt. We felt that it was our job to make sure that they had the best experience of their entire lives. I think as a whole the Israel Delegation had an amazing time in Virginia but I felt that the relationship between my student. Noa, and I was completely different that anyone else’s. We got along so well and it was as if we have been best friends forever. My family was completely in love with her and she fit right in. The organization paired us so well together and we had all of the same interests. The bond that was quickly formed in Virginia carried our throughout the entire trip. As the first part of our trip ended, we soon went off to Washington D.C. It was amazing to spend a week with our delegation, as well as other delegations from Israel and different parts of America. There was a huge difference between spending time with our Israelis in Virginia and spending time with in Washington D.C. and New York. It was a lot easier to tell how much more comfortable they were to be with all students and their personalities shined through even more. It was amazing to see how alike the Israelis were to us. I felt that all of my classmates would expect students in different countries to be different from us, but that is not the case at all. As the week of New York and Washington came to a close, our delegation felt honored to be of the 3/6 delegations to actually be traveling to Israel. When we arrived we were all so excited to actually be in the country itself. One of the hardest parts of the trip was having to say goodbye tour Israelis for that week that we were touring in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and more. The week was filled with lots of touring but it showed me such an appreciation for the world around us. As cliché as that might sound, it’s completely true and is one of the biggest things that I took away from this trip. The landscape of Israel is so different from Virginia. The Dead Sea and Masada were breathtaking and I never wanted that day to end. The old-city put a life picture to what I have been learning about in church since I was a baby. Being in the presence of so many biblical sites was surreal. The night life in Tel Aviv showed me how the city life wasn’t far off from ours. I loved the combination of the city and the beach. Soon we were reunited with our hosts and were beyond excited. We arrived in Modi’in for our final week of our trip and settled into our hosts houses. We did so many things when we were in Modi’in. One of the best nights that I can remember was our third Shabbat. I loved being with so many people that loved one another. I really enjoyed the company and I was really surprised at how much food and varieties were actually eaten. After the feast the night was still young, and Noa took me out to spend time with her friends. I loved being with her friends and seeing how similar they are to us. In all, Israel was the best experience of my life. I made lifelong friends that I wish I could see every day. I have never cried and been in so much emotional pain as I was when I had to leave Israel. The realization of probably never seeing these friends that you made unbreakable bonds with again, hurts unbelievably. I still talk to Noa to this day and I never want to stop. It makes me emotional when I have to speak about Israel to my friends, family, and guests. Seeing pictures and videos makes me tear up. I don’t know how to explain how this trip changed my life. I suddenly became extremely interested in Israel and the history and politics around it. As I hear people in my class talk about the situation in Israel, I find myself having to join in. This trip changed my attitude, outlook, and life. A lot of people ask me if I could, would I rewind and re-do the trip, and without a single doubt in my mind, yes, I would.
From Marielle:
When the morning of November 6th, 2014 started, I had no idea how much this trip was going to impact my life. The 2014 YASE trip taught me numerous skills and gave me the greatest memories that I will remember forever. I met several people and although they came from the same country, they were all very diverse and it was amazing to see the different aspects of one culture. Even though I loved every part of this incredible trip, nothing made me happier than landing in Israel, and what made it better was that it was my very first trip out of the country. From the sight-seeing, to the beautiful architecture, to the fantastic food, the culture, and my lovely host family, no other experience has taught me so much. The trip also made me very close with my delegation which were some individuals I would honestly never see myself talking to. I have never bonded so closely and grown to love a group of people so quickly and I am eternally grateful for that opportunity. Upon going back to school after my trip, I had to make up loads of work which was a difficult process, and resulted in the dropping of my grades in certain classes. However, if given the chance, I would do it all over again. This trip gave me a chance to call another country my home, and I am anticipating returning. Israel was a life-changing experience and I am so happy I was a part of it. I will never forget the trip, the memories and the experiences for as long as I live.
From Ashley:
In October of 2014 I went to Israel. Israel is a gem of a country, and I love it more than anywhere else I’ve ever been. The media portrays Israel in many different lights, none of which are particularly appealing, but I was never once fazed by the American broadcasting networks. They blazon Israel as a dangerous war zone, when in fact it isn’t really, and while it would be wrong to deny that there isn’t danger in Israel, that’s not all Israel is. My experience in Israel was incredible; I went all sorts of places including Jerusalem, Tel-Aviv-Yafo, Modi’in, and Haifa. We visited many historically important sites including the Masada and the Western Wall. My experience was more than that however, I would often sneak away from the group and try and do my own thing, seeing as I get bored in structured situations. My perspective on Israel has not changed the slightest, I always saw Israel for what it is, and Israel is nothing more than a peaceful and extraordinarily wonderful country. While it’s hard to mitigate the blatant lies that cloud this country, they can be easily diffused by venturing there yourself and seeing what Israel really is. I think of my experience and all the incredible people I met every single day and I cannot lie about that, there is not a day that goes by where I don’t relate something to my trip. The culture of Israel is absolutely fascinating and I miss Israel more and more every day, but I don’t worry because I will without a doubt be going back one day. This trip has really changed my life; I don’t think I’ve ever been more in love with a country.
From Kaycie:
My experience ad a student on the Israel exchange was life-changing, and it is something that I will never forget. From hosting to DC to NYC to Israel, the entirety of the exchange was absolutely incredible. I learned so much about the culture of Israel, and I really developed an amazing connection with the Israeli students. We learned and experienced so many things for the first time together, and I wish for nothing more than to be able to go back again. Israel is a beautiful country, and traveling there really helped me to develop my own opinion and view of the country. There was a lot of biased misconceptions about Israel that I had that were proved wrong by traveling there. I really developed a love for all of the Israelis that I met, as they are some of the most kind and welcoming people that I know. The people and the culture of Israel are nothing but lovely, and I am so grateful that I was given the opportunity to travel there, and I cannot wait to return one day.
From Jessica:
Check out her video: https://youtu.be/hiChlb9T4YI
Israel was the best experience of my life. As soon as we found out who our Israeli delegation was we all started talking as a group and eventually talked to our individual hosts when we got the information on who our host was. From reading my student's application packet and our first conversation we already had so much in common and I knew we were going to be great friends. I'm incredibly grateful for this trip because it really was the best four weeks I've ever had. We had the great opportunity to show them our city and what we love about it and then tour DC and NYC with them. Being in America with them amazing, and we had a lot of time to really bond with each other. But when we flew to Israel is when everything really hit me. The Israel I pictured was the old city of Jerusalem, but that is not all of Israel. Israel is extremely modern and in many ways is very similar to the U.S. Every moment on the trip was a great adventure from exploring markets in Jerusalem with my friends to riding the train from Modi'in to Tel Aviv and watching the city lights flash by. My greatest gain from it was seeing this place that I had so much interest in my freshman year come to life in front of me and I realized that Israel was not how it is portrayed in the news. It is not what everyone sees on the exterior. It's a beautiful, inviting place and my entire time being there I felt extremely safe and at home. I met people that I consider family now and when we had to get on the bus to leave, it was the saddest moment of my life. I have never cried over anything more than I did that. When I left Israel, it was heart breaking because I didn't feel like I was leaving to go home. I felt like I was leaving my home and my family behind in Israel. I could never ask for anything more from this trip than the experience that I got and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to be apart of the delegation to Israel.
From Rachel:
Check out her video!
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4RDZCJ2vgR5ZHZBR1JBYmY0bVU/edit?usp=drive_web
News footage of bombs exploding on crowded foreign streets echoed in my mind as I tried to focus on my English essay. I couldn’t help but be distracted by claims backing big military boots and crying Palestinian children. I bent over my laptop and furrowed my brow but the words of war and injustice plagued my mind. Is this Israel? I wondered. Is this the land of milk and honey that was the backdrop to my faith, the oasis that my dad spoke of often? I wasn’t too sure.
When I was accepted to go to Israel with the academy, I certainly had my doubts. That summer, the war waged and often I thought that I wouldn’t even be able to go at all. But the day that my exchange student Noam arrived and ran to squish me in a bear hug, I knew this was going to be entirely life altering.
The students that came to visit us were the most incredible people I have ever met. All effervescent, kind hearted and whirl winds of energy, they brought life to our school like nothing had before. I felt connected with them immediately and soon they grew to be my second family. When we finally arrived in Israel, I was greeted by Noam’s family with incredible warmth and generosity. They squeezed me tight like I was their own daughter and stuffed me with food like I was a starving child. They loved me so well and I realized that Israel is full of so many beautiful, kind people. As I toured Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and Masada and Haifa, I saw the wonder that is Israel. I was in awe of stones laid by ancient Romans and rocks touched by the hands of Jesus and a wall of the old temple. I placed a prayer in the western wall, twice actually. I remember touching the sides and closing my eyes and feeling a tangible connection. Because Israel is part of my faith and seeing that so intimately will stay with me forever. Yet Israel is new and vibrant, cities that are hubs of technology and innovation. I toured the Knesset and saw the back of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s head. I found that Israel is both ancient and on the cusp of what is new and ground breaking. And it is safe; I was comfortable and secure the entire trip and never felt scared or even worried. From my experience, Israel is not a country ravaged by war. Rather it is a nation of solidarity and sanctuary that treasures its people.
As the news footage rolls today, I think of my friends in Israel, the people that took care of me and stood by me. I think of the adventures I had and the realizations that occurred in the least likely of places. But mostly, I think of the love I felt in the nation that is attacked by so many. Because my Israel is not one of bombs or gunfire; my Israel is one of family, food, prayer, adventure, and love.
From Sarah
Check out her video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHmLroH95z0
Ever since I got accepted into the Global Studies and World Languages Academy at Tallwood High School, it was my vision to travel to Israel. The end of my sophomore year came around and the applications to travel went out. I spent roughly two weeks perfecting my application. I remember going home with my sister one day and getting a call from Mrs. Gurely, congratulating me on my acceptance. I cried and screamed the rest of the way home.
In the beginning of my Junior year I started counting down the days until my flight would take off. I did every thing I could to prepare. The first 3 months before I left were the most stressful. I was bombarded with current classwork and work that was going to be due while I was gone and ontop of that I had Marching Band rehersal almost every day after school and throughout the whole weekend. I had to keep telling myself that it will al be worth it in the end just to make it through each week.
Finally the day came when the American delegation was at the gates of the airport waiting for out Israeli’s to walk through the gate. That was day one of week 1 out of 4 weeks. They spent the day touring Virginia Beach and going to classes throughout the school and in the evening we all spent the time going to American parties such as Halloween parties and sweet 16 birthday parties, basically showing them what it was like to be an American Teenager. The next week we all traveled to Washington D.C. and New York City. We toured museums, Times Square and anywhere a tourist would go in those two cities.
Then it was my turn to be the foreigner. About 9 hours after our plane took off we landed in Tel Aviv, Israel. The American Delegation spent week 3 touring Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. We bargained in markets, swam in the Dead Sea and the Mediteranean Sea, and visited cathedrals. We did everything I would’ve never expected myself to do in a thousand years. The food was amazing, the schools were amazing, the people, the culture, the language, the religion; everything was amazing. There really is’nt one word that is capable of describing my adventure in Israel. I never wanted it to end but all good things have to come to an end. When we left, everyone was in tears; I remember our chaperones having to practically pry everyone apart. The country itself was magnificent and it couldn’t have been any better and if it wasn’t for the people I connected with along the way, the trip wouldn’t have been the same. I fell in love with every square inch of Israel.
When I got home my family hugged me and kissed me as I showed them the souviniers I got for them and got for myself. But when I showed them the pictures that I took, they noticed something a little different about me. They could never put their finger on it but I knew what it was. This experience of a lifetime changed the way I will forever look at the world. Never will I judge another person based on what they’re wearing, or what they believe in through what I thought was was “acceptable”.
Israel has made an impact on 10 teenagers from America and 10 teenagers for Israel from everyday schools. We still talk to our international siblings every other day saying Shabat Shalom or wishing eachother a happy birthday. If it was’nt for this opporuntity I wouldn’t have so many doors opened that lead to such a bright future. I would be so ethnocentric. I wouldn’t be the leader that I am today with out this opportunity of a life time. I hold every laugh, every person, and every memory close to my heart. Israel left a piece of her in me, replacing the piece I left of me in her. This was an opportunity of a life time. I would do anything for another life to experience it all over again.
From Abbie:
The time that I spent with the Israel delegation was astonishing. I can honestly say that it changed my outlook on life. I was first shocked that I was accepted into the trip, and then accepted to host a student. This was the sole thing that I looked forward to up to the day of the trip. The day that our Israeli students arrived to Virginia Beach, I can’t describe the excitement that all of us Americans felt. We felt that it was our job to make sure that they had the best experience of their entire lives. I think as a whole the Israel Delegation had an amazing time in Virginia but I felt that the relationship between my student. Noa, and I was completely different that anyone else’s. We got along so well and it was as if we have been best friends forever. My family was completely in love with her and she fit right in. The organization paired us so well together and we had all of the same interests. The bond that was quickly formed in Virginia carried our throughout the entire trip. As the first part of our trip ended, we soon went off to Washington D.C. It was amazing to spend a week with our delegation, as well as other delegations from Israel and different parts of America. There was a huge difference between spending time with our Israelis in Virginia and spending time with in Washington D.C. and New York. It was a lot easier to tell how much more comfortable they were to be with all students and their personalities shined through even more. It was amazing to see how alike the Israelis were to us. I felt that all of my classmates would expect students in different countries to be different from us, but that is not the case at all. As the week of New York and Washington came to a close, our delegation felt honored to be of the 3/6 delegations to actually be traveling to Israel. When we arrived we were all so excited to actually be in the country itself. One of the hardest parts of the trip was having to say goodbye tour Israelis for that week that we were touring in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and more. The week was filled with lots of touring but it showed me such an appreciation for the world around us. As cliché as that might sound, it’s completely true and is one of the biggest things that I took away from this trip. The landscape of Israel is so different from Virginia. The Dead Sea and Masada were breathtaking and I never wanted that day to end. The old-city put a life picture to what I have been learning about in church since I was a baby. Being in the presence of so many biblical sites was surreal. The night life in Tel Aviv showed me how the city life wasn’t far off from ours. I loved the combination of the city and the beach. Soon we were reunited with our hosts and were beyond excited. We arrived in Modi’in for our final week of our trip and settled into our hosts houses. We did so many things when we were in Modi’in. One of the best nights that I can remember was our third Shabbat. I loved being with so many people that loved one another. I really enjoyed the company and I was really surprised at how much food and varieties were actually eaten. After the feast the night was still young, and Noa took me out to spend time with her friends. I loved being with her friends and seeing how similar they are to us. In all, Israel was the best experience of my life. I made lifelong friends that I wish I could see every day. I have never cried and been in so much emotional pain as I was when I had to leave Israel. The realization of probably never seeing these friends that you made unbreakable bonds with again, hurts unbelievably. I still talk to Noa to this day and I never want to stop. It makes me emotional when I have to speak about Israel to my friends, family, and guests. Seeing pictures and videos makes me tear up. I don’t know how to explain how this trip changed my life. I suddenly became extremely interested in Israel and the history and politics around it. As I hear people in my class talk about the situation in Israel, I find myself having to join in. This trip changed my attitude, outlook, and life. A lot of people ask me if I could, would I rewind and re-do the trip, and without a single doubt in my mind, yes, I would.
From Marielle:
When the morning of November 6th, 2014 started, I had no idea how much this trip was going to impact my life. The 2014 YASE trip taught me numerous skills and gave me the greatest memories that I will remember forever. I met several people and although they came from the same country, they were all very diverse and it was amazing to see the different aspects of one culture. Even though I loved every part of this incredible trip, nothing made me happier than landing in Israel, and what made it better was that it was my very first trip out of the country. From the sight-seeing, to the beautiful architecture, to the fantastic food, the culture, and my lovely host family, no other experience has taught me so much. The trip also made me very close with my delegation which were some individuals I would honestly never see myself talking to. I have never bonded so closely and grown to love a group of people so quickly and I am eternally grateful for that opportunity. Upon going back to school after my trip, I had to make up loads of work which was a difficult process, and resulted in the dropping of my grades in certain classes. However, if given the chance, I would do it all over again. This trip gave me a chance to call another country my home, and I am anticipating returning. Israel was a life-changing experience and I am so happy I was a part of it. I will never forget the trip, the memories and the experiences for as long as I live.
From Ashley:
In October of 2014 I went to Israel. Israel is a gem of a country, and I love it more than anywhere else I’ve ever been. The media portrays Israel in many different lights, none of which are particularly appealing, but I was never once fazed by the American broadcasting networks. They blazon Israel as a dangerous war zone, when in fact it isn’t really, and while it would be wrong to deny that there isn’t danger in Israel, that’s not all Israel is. My experience in Israel was incredible; I went all sorts of places including Jerusalem, Tel-Aviv-Yafo, Modi’in, and Haifa. We visited many historically important sites including the Masada and the Western Wall. My experience was more than that however, I would often sneak away from the group and try and do my own thing, seeing as I get bored in structured situations. My perspective on Israel has not changed the slightest, I always saw Israel for what it is, and Israel is nothing more than a peaceful and extraordinarily wonderful country. While it’s hard to mitigate the blatant lies that cloud this country, they can be easily diffused by venturing there yourself and seeing what Israel really is. I think of my experience and all the incredible people I met every single day and I cannot lie about that, there is not a day that goes by where I don’t relate something to my trip. The culture of Israel is absolutely fascinating and I miss Israel more and more every day, but I don’t worry because I will without a doubt be going back one day. This trip has really changed my life; I don’t think I’ve ever been more in love with a country.
From Kaycie:
My experience ad a student on the Israel exchange was life-changing, and it is something that I will never forget. From hosting to DC to NYC to Israel, the entirety of the exchange was absolutely incredible. I learned so much about the culture of Israel, and I really developed an amazing connection with the Israeli students. We learned and experienced so many things for the first time together, and I wish for nothing more than to be able to go back again. Israel is a beautiful country, and traveling there really helped me to develop my own opinion and view of the country. There was a lot of biased misconceptions about Israel that I had that were proved wrong by traveling there. I really developed a love for all of the Israelis that I met, as they are some of the most kind and welcoming people that I know. The people and the culture of Israel are nothing but lovely, and I am so grateful that I was given the opportunity to travel there, and I cannot wait to return one day.
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Study Sessions:
It is STRONGLY recommended that you attend as many study sessions as possible. If you need to miss one, no worries, but if you have to miss all of them we have a problem! Meetings start at 2:15 and end at 3:30 unless noted. (Please note that I have attached assignments to each date. Be prepared to discuss or share with the group the assignment for each date)Topics of each session in order are listed below:
September 16 Pages 1-60 Six Days of War Famous People -Rachel Kidd
September 22 Pages 61-126 Six Days of War Geography- Marielle Djamou
October 1 Pages 127-169 Six Days of War Sports - Ma Vanessa Thompson/ Technology- Kaycie Ludwig
October 9 Pages 170-239 Six Days of War Fun Facts- Sarah Villa/Jessica Durham
October 23 Pages 240-277 Six Days of War History- Ashley Sanico/Ryan Schneider
October 27 Pages 278-327 Six Days of War Government -Abigail Watkins/Richard Fetter
Please read the Competition Rules for the DC/ New York segment of the trip. If we do go to Israel, you will each have to create a presentation that will be given while in Israel.(TBA)
The competition will include the following topics:
Government, History, Culture, Technology, Sports, Geography, famous People, and Fun Facts. Each student will be assigned a topic to research. Remember, each student diplomat will be responsible for sharing their information with the group (15 minute presentation). Keep the research focused on Israel. Feel free to switch topics with another diplomat; just let me know if you do switch topics. Great websites include: The CIA factbook, US State Department, BBC, Al Jazeera.
Questions will cover a range of subjects on Israel including:
Government Abigail Watkins/Richard Fetter
History Ashley Sanico/Ryan Schneider
Culture (Music, Art, Literature) Jessica Durham
Technology Kaycie Ludwig
Sports Vanessa Thompson
Geography Marielle Djamou
Famous People Rachel Kidd
Fun Facts Sarah Villa/Jessica Durham
Prizes:
Prizes will be awarded to the captains of the winning team.
Note: Many of the questions will be taken from preparation material.
Topics/Activities for Study Sessions:
1. Preparing for the Competition in New York
2. Preparing the presentations
3. Security Concerns
4. Present your presentation- critiques and polish for the big trip!
5. Guest Speakers
Can't wait to start learning?
Check out http://www.free-hebrew.com/ for lessons in Hebrew now. Super short and easy phrases we'll need overseas!
Passport:
If you have not applied for a passport, make sure that you do that immediately. Here is the Web site for the City Clerk with information about obtaining a passport. If you let Mrs. Ruth Hodges Fraser know that you are in the GSWLA at Tallwood, she will not charge you for your passport picture. http://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/city-clerk/passports/Pages/default.aspx
Packing List:
Please keep in mind that laundry can be done at all of the hotels and at the
homes. I recommend you pack 7 days worth of clothing. Remember, your checked bag
can't weigh more than 50 pounds and you will be buying things to bring home.
Keep it under weight!! Also, stay away from items that identify you as an
American, like shirts with American flags on them.
1. Sturdy and comfortable walking shoes
2. A jacket (windbreaker type)
3. a sweatshirt or button up sweater for layers
4. One or two long sleeved shirts
5. T-shirts or other short sleeve tops for 7 days
6. One nice top that goes with your khakis for meeting VIPs (Tallwood polo?)
7. A pair of jeans
8. A pair of khakis
8. A couple pairs of shorts
9. Socks and underwear
10. A bathing suit
11. A passport holder that can be hidden under your clothes
(Do I really have to say to make sure the passport is in there too?)
12. Rechargeable batteries (no extra batteries may be packed) and the charger.
Batteries must be in the device or they will be thrown out
13. A normal flashdrive (no flashdrives shaped like pigs, or surfboards, they tend to get
tossed out by TSA; I've no idea why)
14. An adaptor plug so you can charge your various devices - click here for a
suggested one from Mr. Falls
15. A bottle of sunscreen (we are visiting a desert, duh!)
16. A backpack for carrying items (trust me ladies, this is much better than a purse!) Be sure it is comfortable to wear on your back or front.
17. A hat or other head covering (again, we are visiting a desert people!)
18. Sunglasses (Do I have to say it again? Desert!!)
19. A camera with lots of storage space (maybe pack multiple cards)
20. A phone with wi-fi or an ipod with wi-fi (so ET can phone home)
Home section
21. Hosting gift - see section below
22. A travel towel for the Dead Sea - LLBean has some that are not very heavy and that are easy to pack. Amazon always is a good place to look for deals too! This is worth the extra money ($10 - $20)just for the weight and the space.
23. Plane sleep pillow and eye mask - recommended for comfort, but not required by any means
24. Want to bring a ball to play with? Be sure to let all of the air out of the ball or TSA will do it for you and not in a nice way.
25. One formal outfit for the formal dance
Have suggestions for the packing list? [email protected] and I'll add them!
It is STRONGLY recommended that you attend as many study sessions as possible. If you need to miss one, no worries, but if you have to miss all of them we have a problem! Meetings start at 2:15 and end at 3:30 unless noted. (Please note that I have attached assignments to each date. Be prepared to discuss or share with the group the assignment for each date)Topics of each session in order are listed below:
September 16 Pages 1-60 Six Days of War Famous People -Rachel Kidd
September 22 Pages 61-126 Six Days of War Geography- Marielle Djamou
October 1 Pages 127-169 Six Days of War Sports - Ma Vanessa Thompson/ Technology- Kaycie Ludwig
October 9 Pages 170-239 Six Days of War Fun Facts- Sarah Villa/Jessica Durham
October 23 Pages 240-277 Six Days of War History- Ashley Sanico/Ryan Schneider
October 27 Pages 278-327 Six Days of War Government -Abigail Watkins/Richard Fetter
Please read the Competition Rules for the DC/ New York segment of the trip. If we do go to Israel, you will each have to create a presentation that will be given while in Israel.(TBA)
The competition will include the following topics:
Government, History, Culture, Technology, Sports, Geography, famous People, and Fun Facts. Each student will be assigned a topic to research. Remember, each student diplomat will be responsible for sharing their information with the group (15 minute presentation). Keep the research focused on Israel. Feel free to switch topics with another diplomat; just let me know if you do switch topics. Great websites include: The CIA factbook, US State Department, BBC, Al Jazeera.
Questions will cover a range of subjects on Israel including:
Government Abigail Watkins/Richard Fetter
History Ashley Sanico/Ryan Schneider
Culture (Music, Art, Literature) Jessica Durham
Technology Kaycie Ludwig
Sports Vanessa Thompson
Geography Marielle Djamou
Famous People Rachel Kidd
Fun Facts Sarah Villa/Jessica Durham
Prizes:
Prizes will be awarded to the captains of the winning team.
Note: Many of the questions will be taken from preparation material.
Topics/Activities for Study Sessions:
1. Preparing for the Competition in New York
2. Preparing the presentations
3. Security Concerns
4. Present your presentation- critiques and polish for the big trip!
5. Guest Speakers
Can't wait to start learning?
Check out http://www.free-hebrew.com/ for lessons in Hebrew now. Super short and easy phrases we'll need overseas!
Passport:
If you have not applied for a passport, make sure that you do that immediately. Here is the Web site for the City Clerk with information about obtaining a passport. If you let Mrs. Ruth Hodges Fraser know that you are in the GSWLA at Tallwood, she will not charge you for your passport picture. http://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/city-clerk/passports/Pages/default.aspx
Packing List:
Please keep in mind that laundry can be done at all of the hotels and at the
homes. I recommend you pack 7 days worth of clothing. Remember, your checked bag
can't weigh more than 50 pounds and you will be buying things to bring home.
Keep it under weight!! Also, stay away from items that identify you as an
American, like shirts with American flags on them.
1. Sturdy and comfortable walking shoes
2. A jacket (windbreaker type)
3. a sweatshirt or button up sweater for layers
4. One or two long sleeved shirts
5. T-shirts or other short sleeve tops for 7 days
6. One nice top that goes with your khakis for meeting VIPs (Tallwood polo?)
7. A pair of jeans
8. A pair of khakis
8. A couple pairs of shorts
9. Socks and underwear
10. A bathing suit
11. A passport holder that can be hidden under your clothes
(Do I really have to say to make sure the passport is in there too?)
12. Rechargeable batteries (no extra batteries may be packed) and the charger.
Batteries must be in the device or they will be thrown out
13. A normal flashdrive (no flashdrives shaped like pigs, or surfboards, they tend to get
tossed out by TSA; I've no idea why)
14. An adaptor plug so you can charge your various devices - click here for a
suggested one from Mr. Falls
15. A bottle of sunscreen (we are visiting a desert, duh!)
16. A backpack for carrying items (trust me ladies, this is much better than a purse!) Be sure it is comfortable to wear on your back or front.
17. A hat or other head covering (again, we are visiting a desert people!)
18. Sunglasses (Do I have to say it again? Desert!!)
19. A camera with lots of storage space (maybe pack multiple cards)
20. A phone with wi-fi or an ipod with wi-fi (so ET can phone home)
Home section
21. Hosting gift - see section below
22. A travel towel for the Dead Sea - LLBean has some that are not very heavy and that are easy to pack. Amazon always is a good place to look for deals too! This is worth the extra money ($10 - $20)just for the weight and the space.
23. Plane sleep pillow and eye mask - recommended for comfort, but not required by any means
24. Want to bring a ball to play with? Be sure to let all of the air out of the ball or TSA will do it for you and not in a nice way.
25. One formal outfit for the formal dance
Have suggestions for the packing list? [email protected] and I'll add them!