Call for Entries: “IOU Respect” International Exchange Program

Posted by admin on Mar 14, 2009

Application deadline: April 30, 2009

Are you interested in an intensive foreign travel experience that includes living, sharing, and interacting with other participants, in an effort to bridge cultural divides and facilitate friendships that will last a lifetime? For two weeks this summer, young people ages 18-23 from Germany, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, France, and the United States will gather in France for Hostelling International’s fifth annual IOU Respect international exchange program.

Through a series of fun, engaging workshops and time spent living and exploring France together, participants will:

• Develop awareness, open-mindedness, and respect for other cultures and civilizations.
• Recognize the similarities between the people and cultures of different countries while learning about each other’s — and the host — countries.
• Gain communication tools to respectfully engage others in dialogue that leads to mutual understanding.
• Develop and use skills that enable them to be effective advocates for peace beyond the IOU Respect program.

This year’s program runs from July 31- August 14, and is hosted by Hostelling International France (FUAJ) in Paris and Annecy. Join the 45 million people who visit Paris each year, to see the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, the Seine, and other landmarks in the "City of Light." Annecy, a city lying on the northern tip of Lake Annecy, 22 miles south of Geneva, is also a destination rich in culture and history, with attractions including the Palais de l’Isle, a 17th century town and old prison on an island in the lake. Both areas boast an astonishing number of museums, castles, cathedrals, and places to sample France’s famed cuisine.

Anyone between the ages of 18-23 who is fluent in English and who has not participated in a prior Hostelling International exchange program is eligible to apply. Selected participants are responsible for their flights to and from France. HI-France will cover all remaining costs in France including local transportation, meals, accommodation (Paris and Annecy), and site visit entrance fees. Scholarships for airfare may be available through your country’s hostelling association.