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International Exchange and Multicultural Programs
410-715-3162
E-mail: International@ColumbiaAssociation.com
The mission of CA's International Exchange & Multicultural Programs (formerly Sister Cities Programs) is to foster international understanding and to celebrate the diverse cultures of Columbia.
International Exchange Programs
Summer High
School Student Exchange
Experience a different culture
and travel abroad! The International Exchange Program
offers exchange opportunities for youth and
adults with Columbia's sister cities — Tres
Cantos, Spain, and Cergy-Pontoise, France.
Since 1977, the Columbia Association has been offering summer exchange programs for high school students. Students
spend approximately two weeks during the summer
living with host students and their families to
experience Spanish or French culture, languages
and traditions in Tres Cantos, Spain, or Cergy-Pontoise,
France. After returning to the United States,
students host their Spanish or French student
counterparts for another two weeks. Group activities
are organized for participants, both abroad and
in the U.S.
Applicants must be high school students
who reside in Howard County and have completed
high school level two of Spanish or French or
have the equivalent language fluency by the end
of the academic year of participation. Scholarships
may be available for students requiring financial
assistance
Application for 2010 Sister Cities High School Student Exchange
Summer Exchange Chaperones
Adults over age 21 who speak Spanish and French accompany each group of students to France and Spain. Chaperones live with host chaperones and later host them here in the U.S. For additional information on being a chaperone and/or to apply, see the Chaperone Application for 2010 Sister Cities High School Student Exchange.
Learn more about Summer High School Exchange
Young Artist Competition 2010
Columbia residents, ages 13 to 17, are invited to create an original art work illustrating their vision of this year's Sister Cities Young Artist Competition theme, Your World: What Makes You, You? Art work should show how international travel and/or cultures and language have influenced you and your community. Watercolor, oils, pastels, pen & ink, charcoal, photography, mixed media and collage, as well as computer-generated art are acceptable. All work must be two-dimensional Entries must be submitted by April 15, 2010 to the Columbia Art Center. Local winning art work will be entered in the Annual Young Artist Competition of Sister Cities International, in which 10 winning entries will receive awards.
For more information, or an entry form, contact Columbia Art Center at 410-730-0075 or download an entry form from ColumbiaArtCenter.org. Click here for more information about the Sister Cities International Young Artist's Showcase.
Click here for 2010 local winner Alyssa Kurien
Multicultural Programs
Columbia
International Day: (Saturday, July 24, Noon-10 p.m., Downtown Columbia Lakefront) The event, first held in 1995, highlights
and celebrates the cultural and ethnic diversity
that distinguishes Columbia and provides an
opportunity to meet the visiting French and Spanish students and
chaperones from Columbia's two Sister Cities.
Students who have traveled to France and Spain provide information about the summer student exchange. Columbia International Day includes live music and dance performances representing a variety of cultures, international food and crafts vendors and children's activities. New this year will be a Columbia International Village highlighting groups who work with international residents of the community and showcasing arts and crafts. Click here for more information.
Culture
Cafe: Culture Café is
an initiative created by International Exchange and Multicultural Programs that recognizes the many cultures from
around the world that make up Columbia's diverse
community. Community members including exchange students studying in Howard County schools volunteer to help organize, perform at and assist the day of these events. E-mail International@ColumbiaAssociation.com to get involved! Culture Café events are free and
open to the public.
International Student Advisory Council: This council is made up of high school teens who are interested in international exchange and/or multicultural programs. Alumni of the Sister Cities High School Student Exchanges to France and Spain help to promote and improve the programs. Teens can also help to create and run multicultural events and culture cafes. Members can also assist with Columbia International Day, Dia de la Familia and other events. Membership is on an annual basis, following the school year. Two students from the International Student Advisory Committee are selected to be the teen representatives to CA's International & Multicultural Advisory Committee. Meetings are held monthly at CA Headquarters.
To learn more about these programs,
call Laura Smit, Program Manager, 410-715-3162 or e-mail International@ColumbiaAssociation.com.
International & Multicultural Programs for adults are also offered.
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