Fun Activities in U.S. Host Communities for International Exchange Students

A World Awaits You. A journal of success in international exchange for people with disabilities. International Youth Issue. November 2005

American football games, school musicals, community gardening, dance lessons, sailing and much more. Once you arrive in the United States, you'll find school, host family and community acitivities to participate in right from the start.

FLEX 2005 - Fariyah and Pavlo playing soccer and gardening

Alena Zirko, from Russia, went to school in the U.S. state of Texas, where she attended the fall school dance and a sports competition for blind and visually impaired students, in which she competed in five events. "When I was running the 200 meter dash, we had sighted-guides who led us around the track. My guide happened to be a football player who was in bad shape. While we were finishing the run, he was asking me if I was OK. At that point, I was leading him around the track!" Alena says laughing. "Had he been in a bit better shape, I am sure I could have won the Gold medal, instead of the Silver. At the end, I won a Gold, Silver and two Bronze medals."

"My teacher introduced me to different technologies which I couldn't have learned in Russia. For instance, Braille Grade Two, a scanner and Braille Notes. I am very grateful for the opportunity," says Alena.

Alena also experienced an American wedding and tried downhill skiing with a sighted guide on a trip to Colorado with her host family. In school, she says, "My teacher introduced me to different technologies which I couldn't have learned in Russia. For instance, Braille Grade Two, a scanner and Braille Notes. I am very grateful for the opportunity."

In addition to opportunities for new cultural and educational experiences, your time in the United States will offer opportunities for social and personal development. For some, this may mean becoming getting involved with local, state or even national workshops. Olia Navumcyk, from Belarus, who spent her FLEX year in the U.S. state of California, says, "Disability is not a barrier; it is just a challenge that gives you energy for rising to the new heights. This was the hardest thing to understand.” She was chosen to attend The National Service-Learning Conference: Educating for Change. This conference is the largest gathering of youth and professionals from the service-learning field, drawing nearly 2,500 attendees from across the United States and 18 other countries. The conference connects participants with service-learning leaders and provides access to new ideas and networking opportunities, with more than 200 workshops. Olia was selected after completing a difficult application process.

Aliona, Jane and Roza around the Piano

Photo Caption: You can share your talents with those in your host community -- teaching them traditional dances or songs from home.

Olia was also very involved with her community and learned a great deal about disability in the United States. She volunteered with a community service project that incorporates horse riding lessons as therapy for children with disabilities. This teaches the young people that they can be independent and have fun. "I knew how much my job meant and I truly loved it. Many kids are pretty good in riding and are even going to apply for the Para-Olympic games. It's a great project and I really found myself by doing it," says Olia. She went on to write her Senior Research Project about disability rights in the United States. All that, and she still had time to learn to snow board, rock climb and body surf.

Here's some other activities that exchange students with disabilities have done while studying in the United States:

Roman Vasiliuk kept busy in Kansas playing soccer, participating in the Foreign Exchange Student Club and volunteering for Meals on Wheels, bringing food to people who are unable to leave their homes.
Said Abdiyev enjoyed the cold winter of Alaska by becoming an active member of three language clubs at his school, volunteering in the community and taking guitar lessons.
Marlon Celso participated in The Michigan Youth Leadership Forum, a unique leadership training program for high school juniors and seniors with disabilities to cultivate leadership, citizenship, and social skills.

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Fun Activities in U.S. Host Communities for International Exchange Students

American football games, school musicals, community gardening, dance lessons, sailing and much more. Once you arrive in the United States, you'll find school, host family and community acitivities to participate in right from the start.

What will you do?

Disabled Sports USA

National Youth Leadership Network

VSA Arts

Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities