ITD conducted two international exchanges for high school students and teachers in the spring of 2009.  One exchange paired a Spanish and a US high school, and the second paired one Dutch and two US high schools. 

The project providee an intellectually and personally challenging experience for participants.   The theme of "Immigrants, Minorities, and Integration in a Changing Society" was used as a lens to see the host country and culture.  Components in each country lasted three weeks, and involved eight students plus accompanying teachers.  The students participated in classroom sessions, site visits, community service, social and cultural activities, and collaborative projects. 

Funding was provided by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Youth Division.

THE US-SPAIN EXCHANGE

IES Angel de Saavedra high school in Córdoba was paired with Amherst Regional High School in Amherst, Massachusetts.  Eight Spanish students and one of their teachers participated in a program in the US from January 7 to 27, 2009.  In addition to their time in Amherst, they spent several days in Boston and New York City.  Four American students and a teacher had a corresponding three-week program in Spain, from April 15 to May 5, 2009, including several days in Seville and Madrid as well as in Córdoba.

THE US-NETHERLANDS EXCHANGE

City+ College (a public high school) in The Hague was paired with two US high schools in Massachusetts: Northampton High School (NHS), and Al-Noor Academy High School in Mansfield.  Eight Dutch students and two teachers participated in a program in the US from February 22-March 14, 2009.  These students were hosted by ITD for the first and last days of the program.  From Feb 25-March 4 they were hosted by NHS, and from March 4-11 at Al-Noor.  Four American students, two from NHS and two from Al-Noor, had a corresponding three-week program in the Netherlands, from April 4-25, 2009, including several days in Amsterdam and other cities, as well as their time in The Hague.

To see the independent evaluation of this project, click here.