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The students stood with pride as they represented their homelands Saturday evening.
The Carthage community had a chance to meet the world on Saturday as 10 foreign exchange students, under the direction of Sabra Bates, area representative for ASSE International Student Exchange Program, shared their cultures. Each student created a welcoming scene in Ulmer's Community Room with dishes from his or her home, pictures, books, posters and hearts willing to share experiences.
“It went pretty well,” Bates said of the event. “There were enough people to keep the students busy, at the same time, not overly crowded.”
All of the students are living in Southwest Missouri, experiencing American society and education. Most of the students are in the U.S. on a scholarship through the U.S. State Department, called Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange. The ASSE program provides not only everyday living experience, but trips to places such as Jefferson City. The students also have to complete community service hours, presentations and written projects.
“It is a great opportunity, and we're always looking for host families,” Bates said. “Carthage is such a blessing. The high school is very open and helpful.”
Attending the event, was one of the host fathers, Josh Dunaway, of Jasper. He, his wife, Donya, and four children welcomed Alexander Röhr, of Germany, into their home this year.
“We thought it would be great for our kids to experience another culture,” Josh said. “Alex is great – he fit right in ... It's going to be pretty sad when he goes.”
Ukraine student, Anastasiya Pokropyvna, had created a poster of her home in Zhytomyr. She stood by with a smile, ready to share her thoughts on America, her home and culture.
“I'm proud they are interested in us and other countries,” she said of those attending the event. “Some people think exchange students are just here to have fun, but what they don't realize you're representing your country and telling people about it … Of course it was hard (leaving home) but it's very educational. We're here living it, not just visiting famous places.”
At the event on Saturday, Bates was crossing her fingers for a good turnout and positive experience for her students.
“This is good for them,” Bates said at the event, also mentioning the generous Carthage community. “This is one of the greatest services, and we really appreciate the space to hold this event.”
The students stood with pride as they represented their homelands Saturday evening.
The Carthage community had a chance to meet the world on Saturday as 10 foreign exchange students, under the direction of Sabra Bates, area representative for ASSE International Student Exchange Program, shared their cultures. Each student created a welcoming scene in Ulmer's Community Room with dishes from his or her home, pictures, books, posters and hearts willing to share experiences.
“It went pretty well,” Bates said of the event. “There were enough people to keep the students busy, at the same time, not overly crowded.”
All of the students are living in Southwest Missouri, experiencing American society and education. Most of the students are in the U.S. on a scholarship through the U.S. State Department, called Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange. The ASSE program provides not only everyday living experience, but trips to places such as Jefferson City. The students also have to complete community service hours, presentations and written projects.
“It is a great opportunity, and we're always looking for host families,” Bates said. “Carthage is such a blessing. The high school is very open and helpful.”
Attending the event, was one of the host fathers, Josh Dunaway, of Jasper. He, his wife, Donya, and four children welcomed Alexander Röhr, of Germany, into their home this year.
“We thought it would be great for our kids to experience another culture,” Josh said. “Alex is great – he fit right in ... It's going to be pretty sad when he goes.”
Ukraine student, Anastasiya Pokropyvna, had created a poster of her home in Zhytomyr. She stood by with a smile, ready to share her thoughts on America, her home and culture.
“I'm proud they are interested in us and other countries,” she said of those attending the event. “Some people think exchange students are just here to have fun, but what they don't realize you're representing your country and telling people about it … Of course it was hard (leaving home) but it's very educational. We're here living it, not just visiting famous places.”
At the event on Saturday, Bates was crossing her fingers for a good turnout and positive experience for her students.
“This is good for them,” Bates said at the event, also mentioning the generous Carthage community. “This is one of the greatest services, and we really appreciate the space to hold this event.”
