Exchange program offers students a greater understanding of other cultures

Nov. 6, 2008 – Exchange students from Sedan, France had the experience of a lifetime during a recent visit to the Voorheesville Central School District.

During a 10-day exchange, twenty-one students and two teachers from the Mabillon High School participated in high school classes, visited cultural landmarks and lived with host families in the community, learning first-hand about American culture.

In Voorheesville High School teacher Judy Zielinski’s class, students sampled New York state cold-weather staples: apple cider and apple cider donuts. Under the direction of two visiting chefs, students worked together to make apple crisp and apple strudel.

The group visited the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge Mass., the Olympic Center in Lake Placid, the Saratoga Race Track in Saratoga Springs, the City of Albany and Thacher Park.

The program also opened Voorheesville students’ eyes to the world.

“Students learned about school and family life in France, sharpened their language skills and, most of all, made new friends,” said Voorheesville foreign language teacher and international club advisor Bob Streifer.

Before bidding the district au revoir (French for good-bye) for a three-day visit in New York City, one of the host families held a farewell gathering to celebrate the wonderful exchange.

The program is organized by the Voorheesville International Club. Many thanks go to French teachers Deborah Devenpeck and Bob Streifer, international club president Anna Onderdonk and all of the host families for their involvement and support of the district’s international program.

This was the third exchange from Sedan, France, and the district looks forward to other exciting exchanges in the future.

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