SEPTEMBER

2009

CAMP ADAMS
ORIENTATION:

• This event is a
REQUIRED event.

• Dates - October
10th —11th. Welcome 2009-2010 AFS Students!
• Deadline for
registration is no
later than October
2nd.

• You can register

online:
www.afscp.com
(Today's Hot Link)

• Orientation
contact -
Ron Combs

• Registration
contact -
Tami Spears
On August 15, 2009 the 09/10 hosting season volunteers and host families for their participation
began. The students arrived at the Zion Lutheran this year. At 4:30 PM the students were ready to
Church in Camas, Washington for their first be announced. Support Coordinator Bernie
INSIDE orientation. Once the students were all settled Gerhardt introduced the students by country,
into their groups, they started to learn about their “Annika from Austria...Kim from Austria...Jahan
THIS ISSUE:
lives in America. from Azerbaijan” and so on. As the students were
• Personal safety and wellbeing paired up with their host families, they had their
Portland 3
City Walk • Cultural adjustment and coping
• Cultural learning
Culture 4 • Personal goals and expectations
Shock At 3:30 PM the host families arrived with
Pendleton 5
Round-Up

What The 7
Students
Have to Say

Hayley’s Blog 9

Volunteer first picture taken, grabbed their luggage, then

10
were off to start their new life in America.
News balloons and signs in hand, anticipating their new Good luck, happy cultural learning and by all
family member. James Spears, the Area Team means...HAVE FUN!!!
Calendar 11 Chair, gave a fantastic speech thanking all the

AFS-USA works toward a more just and peaceful world

by providing international and intercultural learning experiences
to individuals, families, schools, and communities
through a global volunteer partnership.
 A Message From the Area Team Chair
PAGE 2

What we have done for ourselves uncertainty. Because it's good for easy for them. But they'll make a
alone dies with us; what we have others and good for the world. world of difference.
done for others and the world re- If you don't already know it, I The mission of AFS is and
mains and is immortal. - Albert Pike think it's important that you know always has been "working toward
who founded AFS. It was ambu- a more just and peaceful world"
I hope that quote makes you
lance drivers from World War I through cultural ex-
feel good about your involvement
and World War II. They saw change. Whether this is your first
with AFS . Because it's
young lives cut short on the bat- year being involved with AFS or
true. Whether you're a host par-
tlefields of the first half of the your twentieth, I hope you find it
ent, a host sibling, an exchange
twentieth century and thought joyful. Joyful in one of those self-
student, or a volunteer, you're
there had to be another way; a ish ways that dies with us. The
making a difference in the
way for us to understand each memories you make and the rela-
world. You could have gone
other better. The first high tionships you build this year will
about your life taking care of
James and Aom at school exchanges over 60 years last the rest of your life. But I also
yourself and your family. I know;
ago were between Germany and hope that you take on the year
the Pendleton there's a lot going on. And world-
America. Can you imagine the with gusto and with the knowl-
Round-Up wide economic uncertainty isn't
bravery of those particular high edge that you're making a differ-
helping anything. But you didn't
school students, leaving the safety ence in the world. I think it's
go about business as usual. You
and comfort of their homes for important that you understand
decided that you wanted to make
new families in countries that had and occasionally reflect upon the
a difference in the world and
recently been "the enemy?" And true impact of this journey you've
share your culture with someone
can you imagine the difference undertaken. Savor the trip with
else. And these acts will remain
they made in their host communi- the knowledge that we're all par-
and be immortal far longer than
ties? Brave students from the ticipating in something bigger than
you. You will inspire someone
Middle East are now taking on ourselves.
else to take on the same chal-
similar challenges. It won't be
lenge, regardless of difficulties or
James Spears, Area Team Chair
“What we have

done for ourselves

alone dies with us;

what we have
Hosting News
Congratulations to everyone who Aunt/Uncle Families. These two contact Sally Ann Wells our
made our 2009 hosting season a roles help provide support and Volunteer Coordinator at
done for others success! We are currently hosting encouragement for our students sawells@teleport.com.
53 students from 27 different throughout the year. You can find 2. Continue to build out our current
and the world countries. Even in the face of descriptions of these opportunities at chapters by helping increase their
economic uncertainty the Columbia the Columba Pacific website, volunteer base.
remains and is Pacific chapters continued to grow www.afscp.com. If you would like to 3. Increase our communication
and increased their total hosting become or know of someone who methods by utilizing computer
immortal.” numbers over the prior year. Our would like to be a Liaison, please programs such as Global Link
geographic region grew this season contact Bernie Gerhardt at (AFS National’s new in-house
- Albert Pike stretching northward into Chehalis bmgerhardt@aol.com or Andrea systems software) and Highrise
and Tenino, WA. Bravo to everyone Rapp at andrealynne70@msn.com. (web based contact management
for their brilliant efforts and If you can help by becoming an software).
contributions this year. Aunt/Uncle Family or know of With the completion of the
Our country/student breakdown someone who would like to be one, hosting responsibilities for the 2009
is as follows: please contact Andrea Johnson at season, the opportunity opens to
Austria (2); Azerbaijan; Flemish mattj29@gmail.com. prepare for next year. The time is
Belgium; French Belgium; Brazil; As we look toward the future, now to help build for the future.
Chile (2); Colombia; Czech Republic; the Area Hosting Team has set the We encourage participation and ask
Denmark; Egypt; Finland; France (3); following goals. We believe the for your support.
Germany (8); Hungary; Indonesia; accomplishment of these three goals Become involved and build for
Italy (6); Japan (3); Kenya; Moldova; will help prepare the Area Team for the future.
Netherlands; Norway; Paraguay; an even more successful season next
Thank you,
Philippines; Spain; Switzerland (3); year. The goals are the following:
Thailand (6); Turkey; Turkmenistan. 1. Build out defined chapters on the Columbia Pacific Area Hosting Team
As our students begin to settle west side of Portland. If you Stacey Mills
into their families and communities currently live on the west side of Andrea Johnson
we realize the work is not done. Portland or can be involved in
We continue to need Liaisons and helping build our chapters, please
 PAGE 3

Portland City Walk—Brittny from Thailand

On Saturday the 8th of September 2009, there was
a city walk in Downtown Portland. We went to many
interesting places such as the Chinese Gardens,
Saturday Market and some historical places. It was a
great walk. We gained a lot of knowledge and we
know more about Portland too. Of course I had a lot
of fun with AFS friends and volunteers. We also got a
chance to make more friends from different countries.
Last but not least, I would like to thank the trip
planners Jeff Larson and Ron Combs for this wonderful
city walk. :-) Elina from Finland
Supichaya (Brittny) from Thailand and Idil from Turkey
Record number of participants attend the 2009
Portland City Walk.

Funny Stories from Host Parents

Well, he (Alban from Elina from Finland and I were school was the following day. She
“We had no idea

the impact we
Germany) got introduced to a nice discussing food. She was very started a conversation with me
delicacy, lamb with mint jelly. He much at a loss for a particular saying she didn’t know we shared would have on
practically gagged! At least, word and I knew what she was Locas here. Locas, Locas, what is
though, he’s putting Heinz 57 on trying to say and said it to her in that… I couldn’t think of it. She
such a wonderful
everything instead of ketchup like Swedish (which happens to be her said, “At school, Locas.” “Oh,
our past students. 57 is a little 2nd language). She immediately Lockers!” I finally understood her
more dignified for a steak than smiled and then asked what the accent! “Lockers, Yes!” I taught individual. We
ketchup.—The Palter Family word was in English. The mystery her the short ‘O’ and the ‘R’ sound
It pays to know another word that made us girls giggle for Locker. She practiced and we gained more
language! I spent my AFS year was...Cucumber! - The Mueller had a good laugh.—The Reed
abroad in Sweden. I am a bit rusty Family Family than a friend, we
with my Swedish (after all it has Naima, our Kenyan exchange
been 16 years), but I still student, and I were driving home Thanks Families. Keep sending me gained a son.”
remember enough. That was from spending time with my family. these great stories for future
evidently clear one night when Her first day at her new high newsletters!! James & Tami Spears

Idil from Turkey

Over the Labor Day weekend, Idil Kelso Highlander Lassie,
from Turkey and her host parents, swimming with the team.
Mike and Debbie Erickson made a Their first meet was
trip to the area above Merrill Lake, September 10; swimming
close to Cougar Washington to relays. Idil will be the one
find wild huckleberries. The road to watch as the season
was long and bumpy, the view was progresses. The team was
awesome, the rain came and went, exited to have Idil join
but there they were...those little them and have really
elusive berries. We picked a welcomed her.
bucket full, maybe a few more than
that—but the berry juice on Idil’s Go Lassies!!
face tells what happened to the
Idil showing off her take and the rest! Idil after swimming the 400
Idil has officially become a
tell-tale juice on her face. breast stroke relay race.
 PAGE 4

Culture Shock
What is culture?
CULTURE is a ways of looking at, living in, and interacting with the world and other people. One
country may include several subcultures, and conversely, one culture may span several large
geographic areas and contain several countries.
Culture is an integrated system of learned behavior patterns that are characteristic of the
members of a society. Culture reflects the total way of life of particular groups of people. It
includes everything that a group of people thinks, says, does and make its customs, language, and
material of attitudes and feelings. Culture is learned and transmitted from generation to generation.
What separates members of a culture from outsiders is that members instinctively know how to
deal with situations involving the hidden dimensions of their own culture. This lack of instinctive
behavior is what results in CULTURE SHOCK—a sense of frustration, isolation, and homesickness.
Students new to our culture don’t instinctively know how to recognize and interpret our culture.
And we, as members of our culture, may not initially recognize cultural challenges that those outside
Lovely Long Neck
our culture may go through.
Women of the
Padung Tribe in
Northern Thailand Symptoms of Handling symptoms of
culture shock culture shock
• Everything is an effort. 1. Recognize the symptoms as legitimate conditions
• Participants really miss familiar that neither the student nor the host family have
surroundings, they long for the comforts caused and are not responsible for making go
CULTURE is a way of home. away. Provide relief and minimize any additional
stress.
• Participants feel very critical of their host 2. Early on, discuss culture shock, and throughout
of looking at, living country, culture and family.
the process, normalize culture shock behavior.
• Participants may even develop physical Know that it doesn’t last forever.
in, and interacting manifestations: headaches, stomach 3. Encourage “reaching out” behavior.
aches, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping. 4. Encourage the participant to pick an area of
with the world and
• Participants feel isolated. interest they have always had and to pursue that
other people. are in-depth while they are here—or to pursue
something new.

Ways to help ease distress from culture shock

1. Allow for “time-out” periods. Culture shock comes and goes. One day a
participant will be fine, the next day, miserable. During this time, keep the
pressure off; postpone “learning” situations.
Cultural
2. Expect periodic withdrawal. It may occur because the participant is feeling
Difference in confused, exhausted, or homesick. Don’t view it as a sign of rejection.
Food—Fried 3. Expect disagreements between the host family and the participant and
between the host siblings and the participant and respond to them.
Scorpions and
4. Be prepared for judgmental remarks. If a participant is feeling very critical
Grasshoppers of his/her host community, they may make very negative or judgmental
are statements that they don’t really mean and which don’t represent their
considered a true feelings about the U.S. or their host family.
5. Encourage extra rest.
delicacy in 6. Avoid “no-exit” (ultimatum) situations.
Beijing, China 7. Tolerate your participant’s intense feelings. Anticipate some tears and
accept them without feeling guilty.
8. Minimize complications and stress as much as possible. The participants
may be already functioning at maximum capacity for the moment.

WWW.AFSCP.COM
 PAGE 5

Pendleton Round-Up “Let ‘er Buck”

On September 17th and The Westward Ho! Parade
18th, the students ventured pays tribute to the early days in
out on their second Area the West and to the pioneers
Team event, the 99th whose descendants participated
Pendleton Round-Up. 42 in the Round-Up.
AFSer’s arrived at the drop-off At 1:00 PM they departed
point at 6:30 AM then set out for home and made a quick
for Pendleton, Oregon. The stop at the fish hatchery at
Round-Up started for the kids Bonneville Dam.
at 1:00 where they watched Thanks go out to the
bull riding, bareback riding and chaperones Mark Gardner,
the Indian relay race. Once Margaret Hill, Jeff Larson, James
the Round-Up was done, the Spears and Ron Combs.
students were able to visit the
Native American village. Dinner AFSers who attended the Pendleton Round-Up
was a western barbeque where
they served hamburgers, hotdogs, baked tribes, the coming of Lewis and Clark and
beans, salad and watermelon. After dinner the Oregon Trail pioneers, concluding with
they rushed off to see The Happy Canyon the fast action of a frontier town.
Native American Pageant. After the show the students headed off
to the teen dance until midnight.
Sleeping?..not much. The students woke up
at 5 AM (YES, 5 AM!) and walked to the
Veterans of Foreign Wars’ Cowboy
Breakfast at Stillman Park. After breakfast,
Native it was free sightseeing time before the
American Westward Ho! Parade.
The unique Westward Ho! Parade began
Princes. with a bang. The students got to see the
Indians who were camped at the Round-Up
grounds dressed in their tribal finery from
grandmother to the tiniest tot. In the
parade there were no motorized vehicles
allowed in the line of the march. All types
Since 1916 the Happy Canyon Night of early transportation were featured, from
Show has thrilled audiences and become the mules with jerk line to oxen-drawn covered
world’s most unique Indian Pageant. Every wagons, Mormon carts, buggies and surreys.
year over 500 volunteers come together to Riding groups and marching bands from the
portray the culture and traditions of local surrounding communities also participated.

Welcome New Support Co-Coordinator Andrea Rapp

The Columbia Pacific Area Norwegian sister surprised her reading, listening to music, or
Team would like to introduce several years ago when she and out on a hike during her free
you to our newest member of her husband named their own time.
our Support Coordinator daughter Andrea. Andrea, as Support
team—Andrea Rapp. Professionally, Andrea is a Coordinator, is responsible for
Andrea has been an AFS Licensed Clinical Social Worker all students from Portland
volunteer since 2005. She has and has been practicing as a Metro (Beaverton/Hillsboro/
enjoyed being a group leader Social Worker in Early Aloha, Lake Oswego, Yamhill
for the AFS orientations as well Childhood Social Education and County, North Clackamas,
as a very active liaison for in Community Mental Heath in Northwest/Southwest Portland,
several students. Andrea is an the Portland area since 1998. North/Northeast Portland,
AFS returnee (Austria—1987) You can find her teaching Southeast Cluster) and West
and has been a host sibling to Positive Discipline classes, with outlying areas (Oregon Coast).
many AFS students. Andrea’s her dog or with friends, Andrea Rapp
 PAGE 6

The Dalles Chapter news

The Dalles Chapter welcomed country team while Tim is on
three boys this year: the varsity soccer team.
Alessandro from Italy is hosted September 14th a welcome
by Jamie and DeeDee Carrico picnic was enjoyed by host
who are new to AFS. Alex families and AFS supporters in
from Switzerland is hosted by the community. The boys
Tedd and Rymmel Lovell, The have become friends and
Dalles Chapter Chair and long joined together at football
time AFSers. Tim from games, dances, and other
Belgium is hosted by Tom and school functions. We are
Laurie Nichol, also new to looking forward to a
AFS. Alex has been actively rewarding, intercultural year.
involved with the cross-

A Letter To The Students—

Andreas, Denmark (08/09)
“Every day I remind
My AFS year in USA is for people and make new friends.
myself that I may be me now, one of the single Being used to high school, and
greatest experiences of my life. all the fun stuff that goes along
the only person from My host family has become a with it, I was wrongly skeptical
part of my own family, and my of my own new school. It was
Thailand that american friends I will do just boring, and with no school
whatever I can to keep in teams or school spirit, I almost
people in my host touch with, for they have gave up.
meant the world to me. It is AFS sent me a mail soon
communities will because of this that I choose after, inviting me to the post-
not to end my AFS experience return orientation in Slagelse,
ever meet. I want to with my going home to Denmark. I didn’t expect to
Denmark. I have chosen to get contacted by AFS, but I more presentations with my
leave them with a volunteer for AFS, and went to the camp and reunited friend, Martin, at some local
hopefully be able to give many with all the people from the schools, hoping to convince
good impression of more people this single pre-orientation. We had a even more people to go out
greatest experience of their blast and through games and and have an amazing year with
our country and its own lives, with their own personal talk with others, I AFS, whether it is in USA,
memories of a year, gone by all realized that I am not alone Mexico, France or Germany
people.—Exchange too fast. about returning home, or etc.
When I returned home to alone in starting in a new I had an amazing year, I still
Teacher, 2006-07 Denmark, I was greeted by ”boring” danish school. I have an amazing AFS-
family and friends. People learned to cope with all the experience, and I know you
seemed the same as they things that come from (current exchange students),
always were, and when they returning home, and I got still have more awesome
weren’t I knew it was because more friends at the same time. experiences to come(trust
I had changed, and that my So here I am today. I have me!), and know that even
values are now different, held a presentation to when it’s done this year will be
because of my exchange year. numerous hopeful exchange with you forever.
Time went by, and soon it was students and their parents at a
Andreas, Denmark (Portland,
my first day of school, where I local library. In a few weeks I
OR 08-09)
started getting to know new am gonna be doing a couple

WWW.AFSCP.COM
 PAGE 7

What the Exchange Students have to say...

2. What is your funniest moment differently than in Germany and I
you have experienced so far in felt very uncomfortable most of
America? the time—Hendrik, Germany
• My funniest moment is hearing • Seeing people with scary tattoos,
Americans burp all the time—Riho, rings in their mouths or at the
Japan middle of their tongs (Yak!!) and
• My first visit of an American SUPER HUGE earrings that will
supermarket. It was a Wal-Mart swing with they walk—Aom,
and I was completely fascinated Thailand
about the big bottles and other • My first school day was my
“I think the funniest
What did the Exchange Students packages—Hendrik, Germany strangest moment because
have to say when they were asked everything was new and I moment was when I
the following questions?
• Watching Americas Funniest
Videos—Aom, Thailand didn’t understand so much—
• My first football game was the Simon, Switzerland said that I love
1. What groups, clubs and/or
sports have you joined? funniest moment. I was playing • I am not used to eat bread
there with the CHS band and also every other meal like “cooking” but
• I will be on the swim team starting breakfast (toast), lunch
in November. I know joining watching the game—Simon,
Switzerland (sandwich) dinner (grilled everyone
Clubs is a good opportunity to cheese bread) etc.. Because
make new friends—Jahan, • When I do something wrong, I will
remember it forever and it is very we normally eat rice— understood me to
Azerbaijan Thatchanont, Thailand
funny too—Thatchanont, Thailand
• I’ve joined the international club, • My funniest moment was say “cocaine”.
actually all the exchange students • My strangest moment was when
the bus didn’t come on my second when I danced with my host
in my school have joined this club brother to a movie end title. People asked me if I
but I love it too. I also joined the school day and I came half an hour
late to school—Lucia, Germany Also when I got a very funny
Japanese Club which I have a trip email from my grandpa from would take a lot of
to Portland to see the Taiko’s Lost • I think the funniest moment in Germany, he wrote many
and Found performance—Aom, America is when I study in acting
jokes—Lucia, Germany drugs in Germany” -
Thailand class and my friends they are all
acting so funny—Britny, Thailand • The strangest moment in the Silke, Germany
• I joined the Jefferson dancers— US is when my friends told me
Laura, France • The funniest thing was when I first that she has a first boyfriend
• I’ve joined a dance club—Riho, heard the word pooped out :) -
since she’s in 4th grade...isn’t it
Japan Annika, Austria
strange?? - Britny, Thailand
• I joined the Camas High School • The state fair was the funniest • One day I went boating with some
band—Simon, Switzerland thing—Alberto, Chile
friends. When I woke up the next
• I am joining the Madison High • I think the funniest moment was day I had about 30 mosquito bite
School Cross Country Team— when I said that I love on my leg! That was kind of
Thatchanont, Thailand “cooking” but everyone strange because I never had this
• In school I joined the cross country understood me to say “cocaine”. before—Anna,
team and I take powder puff People asked me if I would take a Germany
lot of drugs in Germany ;) - Silke,
football. In one week I go to • My strangest
Germany
outdoor school—Lucia, Germany moment was
• I have joined the acting class— maybe my first
3. What is your strangest moment day of school
Britny, Thailand you have experienced so far in
• I will be joining the German club when I was
America?
and Tennis team—Anna, Germany going fr o m
• The strangest moment is that no class to class
• I joined the soccer team and I’m one knows about my country— w i t h o u t
going to help with homecoming— Jahan, Azerbaijan k n o w i n g
Annika, Austria • My first strangest moment was my anyone...but
• I will join the basketball team in first day of school!! I was sooo now it really
Aloha High School—Chayanit, nervous! - Laura, France got much
Thailand • The positions of traffic lanes are better. I made
• I joined the tech team for drama. I opposite between America and my first friends
really like the people and it is very Japan—Riho, Japan that’s great! -
interesting to see how everything • The strangest moment was the Silke, Germany
goes—Silke, Germany assembly at my high school Yuma from Japan and Pauline
because it works so much from France
 PAGE 8

Mt. Hood Railroad Trip—Claudia, Italy

On August 20, my host dad pretty. It seemed so quiet. the mountain that is the most
Garry, my host sister Selina, Then we came back to Hood photographed in all of the US.
her husband Scott, their son River where we started from I really enjoyed this day trip
Ethan and I took a trip on the in the morning. and I spent a very beautiful
Mt. Hood Railroad that started My host sister, her husband day!! Thanks to everyone that
in city of Hood River on the and son returned home while made this possible.
Columbia River. It was really my host dad and I traveled
Claudia from Italy
relaxing!! The train rocked around Mt. Hood to a
and traveled so slowly, I even beautiful place called
fell asleep. The landscapes Timberline Lodge which
were really pretty and we is located at the base of
took lots of pictures from the Mt. Hood. There we
train. We arrived in Parkdale, took some pictures of
where we had lunch. We Mt. Hood and the Italian
didn’t visit the entire village, flag outside of the lodge.
but what I saw was very I think that Mt. Hood is

Some AFSers have

become world

leaders. Surin P. was Elisa (Germany 07/08) Visits Oregon

from a rural village Elisa (Germany 07/08) National Park. They spent a then traveled to Hawaii to
visited her host parents (Garry couple of days in Yosemite and tour four Hawaiian islands in
in Southern Thailand and Marilyn Hays) for several Elisa fell in love with the area. three weeks. They visited the
weeks this summer. Elisa She felt it was one of the most islands of Oahu, Kauai, Maui
and was hosted in arrived from Germany on June beautiful places in the world – and Hawaii. In an email to her
30 and was able to visit friends the waterfalls, tall granite rock host parents, she described
Minnesota. He went and family members. She even formations, and panoramic her trip to Hawaii as
joined the family for a trip to views from Glacier Point. “awesome” and being one of
on to earn a Ph. D. the Florence area during the They departed Yosemite the most exciting places in the
4th of July weekend. She National Park and traveled to world. Overall, she described
from Harvard and enjoyed visiting the Oregon San Francisco to meet Marilyn her six weeks in America as a
Coast Aquarium at Newport, who flew down from Portland. trip of a lifetime.
became his country’s taking a sand dune buggy ride Elisa, Garry and Marilyn spent
and a enjoying a BBQ on July five wonderful days in San Garry Hays
Minister of Foreign 4th at the beach. Francisco, staying in the
Elisa and her host dad, Fisherman Wharf area. Elisa
Affairs. Garry, took a trip down the enjoyed visiting and eating in
Eastern Cascades and High the Italian area, Chinatown,
Sierras, visiting Crater Lake Japan town, Fisherman’s
National Wharf, Sausalito, riding the
Park, Lake Trolley Cars, and walking
Tahoe, around the Golden Gate
Virginia National Park area.
L a k e s After, spending a fantastic
(south of time visiting very scenic areas
Bridgeport, of Oregon and California and
CA), June spending time in her dream
L a k e s city, San Francisco, she
(south of departed for the San Francisco
Lee Vining, airport to meet her Father
CA), and who was traveling from
Yosemite Germany. She and her father

WWW.AFSCP.COM
 PAGE 9

Hayley’s Blog—American in Thailand

Hailey is an American student from costumes. we got to the house that we were
Oregon who is spending a year in During dinner we decided that acting a bit punch-drunk. But after
Thailand through AFS. Here is Gaia (a girl from Italy) and Anja showers and laughing about how
excerpt from her Blog. (German girl) would spend the loopy we were we no longer felt
night with me at the host family’s tired. So we talked. Of course we
100 days, wow. Just the idea of
house here. And Susan (Chinese talked, we’re girls. That’s what
being in another country, away
teacher), Jelly (Belgian teacher), and girls do! Unfortunately we talked
from familiar family and friends, for
Jannia (German boy) would stay until 3 in the morning and just as
this long is hard to imagine. But,
with Meri. We managed to make we went to bed the rooster right
here I am! 100 days after I arrived
dinner last till 8 pm with our non- outside my window started
in Thailand.
stop talking. It was nice to have crowing nonstop. Obviously, we
Thursday morning was the
exchange students living so close to did not get much sleep that night.
beginning of English camp and Meri
Krasang. In the morning I had to pack up
(a 6 week exchange student in
After dinner we started off all of my things (since we left to go Hayley
Chumphonburi) and I started off
singing a song called “Down and home right after the camp was
the camp by singing some songs,
Up” where for every ‘down’ you over) and the 3 of us headed to
reciting the camp rules, and helping
squat and ‘up’ you stand. Then you school for breakfast. After we ate
to teach some American Square
“walk to the left and walk to the we went to our group stations.
Dance as we waited for 5 other
right. Turn around and walk walk Each station covered different
exchange students to arrive. We
walk.” Repeat, but replace the subjects in the English handbook
heard that their van broke down
word ‘walk’ with clap, run, jump, and each group spent about 20
just outside of Surin (about an hour
and this weird banging motion. So minutes at each station. My station
and a half from Chumphonburi) so
we did the whole song once, then covered identifying animals, body “AFS Exchange
they didn’t arrive until 1 pm. But
again, then they told the Thai parts, and nationalities. If we had
once they got to camp, we divided Students open
students to stand up and we did it time I would have them close their
into 4 groups, 2 exchange students
2 more times. I’ll tell you, that’s a books and I would quiz them on
per group, to have the Thai windows to the
real good workout for your legs! I some of the subjects. The third
students ask us questions in English.
think we did a total of at least 40 group I got was actually very smart.
Since there were only 7 exchange world for our
squats. After a few more songs They knew a lot of the nationalities
students I got a group all to myself.
each group presented their skits. and even how to spell some of the
After the question and answer students.
One group did a talent show, country names.
period was over we helped the
another did a skit about the Loy The closing ceremony was after
students create a skit where they They inspire
Krathong festival, and one group lunch and the principal of the
could do just about anything they
even did a skit about Snow White. school presented gifts to the Thai
wanted. The only rules were that exploration of
Once the skits were finished trainers at the camp. They even
it had to be in English and every
(around 9:30 pm) the students gave some stuff to us! Each
student had to say at least 2 lines. diverse cultures
went to bed and we had a brief exchange student got a towel, a
My group decided to base their skit
meeting to discuss the next day. CD with pictures from the camp,
off of one of the camp songs called through everyday
And after that? A barbeque! That’s and a 5 kg bag of organic rice.
“I’m a cat”. They paired off with
right, they ate more food at 10 pm When I told my host family that it
each pair choosing an animal from
at night. I was so full I could hardly was for us they joked about how it
contacts.” School
the song and then wrote a
eat any, but Gaia and Anja were was for *me* and that I had to take
conversation about things that the Counselor
really excited to have food. We it with me when I go back to the
animals like to do. The skits were
joked about how they’re starting to US.
performed after dinner so it gave
turn Thai and just how things will
them plenty of time to memorize
be when we go home. Sawadee ka!
their lines and make their
We were so tired by the time Hayley, Oregon USA

Orientation and Trip Notes

Dear Exchange Students,
It has been a month since you arrived in the USA. I hope everything is going well with you. This is
going to be a year full of activities and events designed just for you. I hope you will participate in as
many events as possible. I know that you will be making many friends this year and may want them to
join you in some of the specific AFS events. However, because of liability issues non-AFS students will
not be able to attend our orientations, trips or special events. There will be lots of non-AFS activities
that your friends can be included. Again, have a good year.
Bernice Gerhardt, Volunteer Support Coordinator
 Volunteer news and notes...
PAGE 10

“It Takes a Village!” program and our students Host Family Info in the left menu.
A big thanks to all of you need the village to make this Then click on the On-line Pre-
(volunteers, gateway families year one they will remember Arrival Host Family Orientation.
and host families) who have forever. THANK YOU! Once there look for the Easy
stepped forward to support As you may or may not Way section and click on the
our students and families this know, the State Department is Online Presentation button.
year. conducting a detailed audit of This will be a great aide to our
We still need a few more compliance for our exchange more remote placements and
trained liaisons, so if you know programs this year. So we are to our repeat host families.
anyone who would benefit busily pulling the last few We don’t want these online
from being a part of our pieces of paperwork together trainings to completely replace
program– remember to a n d m a ki n g s u r e o u r the valuable face-to-face
Thank you
encourage them and direct volunteers are registered and interaction we share, but this
volunteers for them to our website for properly trained and oriented. will be a boost for us to
helping with volunteer registration. The new rule for liaisons is maintain training compliance.
arrivals! Www.afscp.com. Please they must have training Let us know what you think
recruit friends, neighbors, contact annually, so we are about it!
teachers and family members still playing catch-up to get our There ill be opportunities
to get involved with our kids permanent liaisons trainings. coming up this Fall to promote
and families—invite them to We are advocating for online AFS and assist in activities for
join the ranks of AFS training—especially for our kids. Don’t be shy—let
volunteers—as aunt/uncle; big- experienced liaisons, but that your local coordinator or one
brother-big sister; liaison; is still in the IT works. of the team members know
school contact or local If you haven't already, I what you want to be doing!
volunteer. Remember, you encourage you to familiarize L o t s o f op p or t u n i t i e s :
are giving them a gift—the yourself with the new Online Fundraising for optional
privilege of getting to know Host Family Orientation activities? Sitting information
our wonderful kids and model that has been tables at back-to-school nights
families; the joy of forming introduced. Even if you and Farmer’s Markets?
lifelong relationships and attended a face-to-face Chaperoning activities?
developing a deeper orientation this year. There Become a group leader for
understanding of another are valuable cultural tips and Orientations? Interviewing US
culture. Invite them to our reminders in this presentation. students going abroad? The
gatherings and include them I even learned a few things world is your oyster!
whenever possible. We also going through it! Worthwhile
have many returning for volunteers and families! Peace be with us all!!!
volunteers re-registering—you Ch e ck i t ou t : G o t o Sally Ann Wells, Area Team
all are the heartbeat of our www.afswiki.org then click on Volunteer Coordinator

Flu Shots for Exchange Students

As a reminder, flu shots can get the parents’ Participant Medical Plan does
(whether for the regular flu or permission for the shot; it not pay for routine physicals,
for the Swine Flue) are would be good to also inform inoculations, vaccinations, or
vaccinations. the Sending Partner of the examinations, even if required
Natural parents must give expense so that the Parents by schools. As an example,
permission for vaccinations can a rrang e with th e schools often require sports
and are responsible for the participant how he/she will pay physical examination prior to
cost of vaccinations. for the shot. Contact your allowing participants to engage
Vaccinations are not covered local AFS Volunteer to initiate in school sports. Participants
by the AFS Medical Plan. The contact with the Sending and/or natural parents are
plan does cover expenses if a Partner. expected to pay for these
participant gets sick. If a local Any claims sent to GMMI expenses directly.
school district or state decided for vaccinations will be denied.
to require this vaccination, The language from the Retrieved from “http://
then the Sending Partner Medical Pamphlet is as follows: ww w . a f s w i ki . or g / i nd ex . p h p /
(Student’s home country AFS) Expenses for Routine Physical flu_shots_for_hosted_students
must be informed so that they Exams or Preventative Care The

WWW.AFSCP.COM
 Area Team
Chair PAGE 11
James Spears
Chair-Elect
OPEN
The Calendar 2009—2010
Treasurer
Tom Hilleary
Hosting Co-coordinators
OCT 10-11 CAMP ADAMS ORIENTATION—REQUIRED EVENT—Contact Tami
Stacey Mills Spears for registration tami@spearsintl.com
Andrea Johnson
Sending Coordinator OCT GRAPEFRUIT SALE BEGINS—Fundraiser—Contact Ron Combs
Emily Leis (503) 314-5243 or r1p2combs3@aol.com in the Portland area
Orientation Coordinator
Ron Combs
OCT 23 SCREAM AT THE BEACH—Contact Ron Combs (503) 314-5243 or
Support Coordinators r1p2combs3@aol.com to sign up for event.
Bernie Gerhardt
Andrea Rapp
Volunteer Coordinator
NOV 16-20 INTERNATIONAL WEEK—REQUIRED EVENT FOR YES & FLEX STU-
Sally Ann Wells DENTS
Liaison Coordinator
Andrea Rapp (interim) DEC CHRISTMAS CANDY SALE—Fundraiser—Contact Ron Combs (503) 314-
5243 or r1p2combs3@aol.com
Returnee Coordinator
Eric Sussman
Communications DEC 5 GRAPEFRUIT PICK UP—8 AM to Noon at Jackson Middle School—
Coordinator Contact Ron Combs (503) 314-5243 or r1p2combs3@aol.com
Tami Spears
Website DEC 5 EASTSIDE PORTLAND CLUSTER CHRISTMAS PARTY—6 PM to 10
James Spears PM—Contact Ron Combs (503) 314-5243 or r1p2combs3@aol.com
CHAPTER/CLUSTER
COORDINATORS DEC 19 YAMHILL COUNTY CHAPTER HOLIDAY PARTY—Contact Tami or
Beaverton James Spears (503) 883-9023 or tami@spearsintl.com
Stacey Mills
Columbia Gorge JAN 2010 VALENTINE’S CANDY SALE—Fundraiser—Contact Ron Combs
Rymmel Lovell (503) 314-5243 or r1p2combs3@aol.com
Hillsboro/Forest Grove/Banks
Jim & Erin Linhares
JAN 30 MID-YEAR ORIENTATION—REQUIRED EVENT— Contact Ron Combs
Lake Oswego (503) 314-5243 or r1p2combs3@aol.com
Lorie James
North Clackamas
Maggie Frieske JAN 31 SKI TRIP—OPTIONAL EVENT—Contact Ron Combs (503) 314-5243 or
r1p2combs3@aol.com
North/Northeast
Chris Cradler
Portland West FEB EASTER CANDY SALE BEGINS— Fundraiser—Contact Ron Combs (503)
Sally Ann Wells 314-5243 or r1p2combs3@aol.com
Southeast/Gresham/Sandy
Bernice Schuchardt APRIL 16-17 THE COLUMBIA GORGE TRIP—OPTIONAL EVENT—$10 fee 25 maximum at-
Tigard/Tualatin
tendees—Contact Ron Combs (503) 314-5243 or r1p2combs3@aol.com
Andrea Johnson
Tillamook/Oregon Coast MAY 1-3 ASHLAND SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL TRIP—OPTIONAL EVENT— Con-
Sue Cudd tact Ron Combs (503) 314-5243 or r1p2combs3@aol.com
Wilsonville
Michelle Labrie-Ripple MAY 15 PRE-RETURN ORIENTATION—REQUIRED EVENT— Contact Ron
Yamhill County Combs (503) 314-5243 or r1p2combs3@aol.com
Tami & James Spears
Camas/Washougal MAY 30 DAY AT THE ZOO—Contact Jeff Larson
Ruth Ladage
Longview/Kelso/Toledo
Debbie Erickson JUNE END OF STAY PICNIC EVENT—Contact Ron Combs (503) 314-5243
Vancouver/Battle Ground or r1p2combs3@aol.com
Bernie Gerhardt
YES/FLEX Student JUNE 12 GRAND FLORAL PARADE—Contact Ron Combs (503) 314-5243 or
Coordinators r1p2combs3@aol.com
Maggie Frieske
Rustam Kocher
Rymmel Lovell JUNE 27 DEPARTURE DAY
Visiting Teacher
Coordinators
Jerrie Nelson
Sally Ann Wells
AFS
COLUMBIA
PACIFIC
Tami Spears
1025 NE Irvine St.
McMinnville, OR 97128

Want Souvenir/Scrapbook? E-Mail: Ron Combs r1p2combs3@aol.com

For more information and for our newsletter archives, visit the Columbia-Pacific website at www.AFSCP.com