There's something about the Netherlands that appealed to me right away. I think it was the bustling city of Amsterdam, with all the different ethnic groups on the streets, moving about and speaking hurriedly in their many tongues. It was a bit startling at first! Yet not ten minutes from Amsterdam by train are the flowers, the canals, the windmills, and the cows that one would picture when they think of the Netherlands.

It wasn't just the scenery that made my exchange as great as it was, however. It was by far the people!!! I stayed with a wonderful host family; I made lifelong circles of friends both at school and with YFU. I learned so much about what it means to be an American, and also a lot about what it means to be Dutch. I realized that most of what I took for granted as the "right" or "only" way of thinking was not the only way, just one of many. It was the experiences of living there, of making it work, of learning the language and going to school and meeting new people that made my exchange so successful. I made friends from the whole world over in the small country I grew to love. It's my second home now, a place I can always look back to as somewhere I found out who I was and what I believe in now.

My experience is never far away from my mind, or any decisions I make. It shaped me as a person and made me realize how strong I really am. I wouldn't trade the experience in for anything!!! Best wishes! Veel succes!

Sincerely,
Erin Niese
The Netherlands, semester 1999
Erin_niese@hotmail.com
Alumni Referral Participant 2001

Introducing... the AO Team at YFU! (cont.)

Mory, who volunteered in Iowa, puts in words how many YFU alumni feel about volunteering:

"What I enjoyed most about volunteering is the interaction with the students. At social gatherings there are students from a wide variety of countries, and they all have an interesting story to tell about their home. It is fun and interesting to speak with the students, not only about their home, but how their exchange experience is going.

As a staff person, the interaction with the students is still one of the most enjoyable aspects of my job. When I talk with students who are preparing for an exchange, I get excited all over again. I wish I were in their shoes, at that very first stage again. It's rewarding to be able to give the students tips and information on how they can make the best of their exchange."

We'd love to see you join the YFU volunteer team - maybe someday you'll become a staff person too! The success of YFU and studentsexchange experiences is largely due to volunteers - the volunteers who interview, host, help solve problems, provide support, organize orientations and events. There are volunteers at every stage of the process who, when added together, make a huge contribution! As Katie says, "I believe in the program wholeheartedly and know that it is responsible for wonderful experiences in both the present and future." You can be a part of someone Elise's exchange experience as a volunteer! There are many opportunities for all skill levels, interests and time commitments. Please check out the volunteer information on the YFU-USA Alumni Association website, or email us at volunteer@yfu.org.

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