Spotlight on Alumni
In the News - July 2004
Alumni Involvement at YFU Orientations
Alumni staff at the 2004 Japan pre-departure orientations
Pre-departure preparation for students going abroad is a top priority for Youth For Understanding USA. Through pre-departure orientations, students gain information that will enhance their exchange experience and maximize their learning while on program. Orientations bring students together with YFU staff, volunteers, and alumni to address all aspects of being an international exchange student.
A vital aspect of all YFU orientations is the involvement of program alumni. Alumni are uniquely qualified to help prepare and educate students for the exchange experience. Mamiko Reeves (YFU ’83), Site Director for the Japan pre-departure orientations in 2004, talks about the importance of alumni participation at orientations: "Alumni can empathize with the students. They have been there and have lived the experiences. They provide real life exposure, as well as positive feedback and energy to the orientation."
Students agree with Mamiko. David Holzman, a 2004 Japan-US Senate Exchange scholar, believes recent alumni can relate well to current students. "Anybody can tell you what to do to be prepared, but alumni were actually there. They are closer to our age, not 20 years older. They know what we need to know and can communicate more valuable information to prepare us for our experiences ahead."
Since returning as a student, Jesse Ruud (YFU ’92) has worked on the YFU staff, as well as been a YFU volunteer. According to Jesse, "Alumni serve as a link between those who went and those who are getting ready to go. It is important to have people who have been there recently who can help build enthusiasm and excitement within the students."
Tommy Buadaeng (YFU ‘00) says the most frequently asked questions he gets from students are about school life and about how to get along with host parents or host brothers and sisters. Questions about what to give as gifts are also very common, as are questions about food and eating etiquette. And for the unusual questions students have? "One student asked where to buy video games and another was worried she wouldn’t like the food and would go hungry all summer," remembered Tommy.
YFU USA is very fortunate to have alumni who return home excited about staying connected with YFU. YFU has many opportunities for alumni, including volunteering, the National Alumni Council, and helping with student orientations. Alumni involvement speaks highly of the YFU experience and the impact that international exchange has on students. Sara Cole (YFU ’00) welcomed the chance to help prepare students during orientations. "Working with the students, in a way, allows me to relive my experiences abroad," says Sara. "The first step in going is to learn and get into the mindset of being an exchange student. That is where we as alumni can help most."
To learn more about alumni activities and volunteering with YFU USA, please visit http://www.yfu-usa.org/alumni/.
All YFU Programs are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.
Last Updated: Tuesday, July 06, 2004 04:59 PM