Getting Involved in your Community

By raising awareness about cultural exchange programs and participating in community service activities students will be positively contributing to a global movement of creating a more peaceful and understanding world.

Spreading the Word: Raising Global Awareness

As an exchange student, you are fortunate enough to explore the world through a study abroad program. It is important to remember that many individuals, including teens and adults in your host community, may not have the opportunity to travel and explore beyond their own neighborhoods, giving you the unique distinction of sharing your culture, beliefs and customs with your community members. This year, take the opportunity to share your knowledge and experiences are and celebrate the important benefits of cross-cultural exchanges and learning all about a new culture and country!

Here are a few ideas to help raise global awareness in your host high school and community:

Help to start a Model United Nations at your high school
Put together presentations for your entire high school, or for a couple of classes.
- Create a video about your cross cultural experiences and what you have learned thus far, and what you plan on teaching to others.
- Dress up in your home country's traditional attire
- Sing your national anthem, or perform a culturally significant dance or play an instrument commonly used in your home country.
Help to organize a cross-cultural potluck lunch where students bring in or make foods from their homeland and talk about the significance of these dishes to their culture and own personal experiences.
Work with your host family, Local Coordinator or high school staff to set up a presentation/discussion at your local community centers, or city hall. Presentations can be done at elementary and middle schools and local clubs as well.

Community Advocacy: Volunteerism & Community Service

As a student advocate, volunteerism is a great opportunity to create meaningful connections in your community and broaden your and your community members’ knowledge and understanding of the world that we live in. SAGA Below are community service ideas and organization contacts that will help you give back to the community that has welcomed you, while honoring citizen diplomacy an d the goals of our program. Remember, you are helping to encourage and inspire youth to become considerate, forward thinking citizens of the world.