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International Exchange and Multicultural Programs
410-715-3162
E-mail: International@ColumbiaAssociation.com
The mission of CA's International Exchange & Multicultural Programs (formerly Sister Cities Programs) is to foster international understanding and to celebrate the diverse cultures of Columbia.
International Exchange Programs
Summer High
School Student Exchange
Experience a different culture
and travel abroad! The International Exchange Program
offers exchange opportunities for youth and
adults with Columbia's sister cities — Tres
Cantos, Spain, and Cergy-Pontoise, France.
Since 1977, the Columbia Association has been offering summer exchange programs for high school students. Students
spend approximately two weeks during the summer
living with host students and their families to
experience Spanish or French culture, languages
and traditions in Tres Cantos, Spain, or Cergy-Pontoise,
France. After returning to the United States,
students host their Spanish or French student
counterparts for another two weeks. Group activities
are organized for participants, both abroad and
in the U.S.
Applicants must be high school students
who reside in Howard County and have completed
high school level three of Spanish or French or
have the equivalent language fluency by the end
of the academic year of participation.
Application deadline is February 17, 2012
Application for 2012 Sister Cities High School Student Exchange
Scholarships are available for Columbia residents who live on or work full-time on property subject to the Columbia Association assessment and whose household income is within the CA guidelines. CA's Income Qualified Application provides reduced rate qualifying information, or call Laura Smit at 410-715-3162 for more information.
Summer Exchange Chaperones
Adults over age 21 who speak Spanish and French accompany each group of students to France and Spain. Chaperones live with host chaperones and later host them here in the U.S. For additional information on being a chaperone and/or to apply, see the Chaperone Application for 2012 Sister Cities High School Student Exchange.
Learn more about Summer High School Exchange
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 2011
Sister Cities 2011 International Exchange Program
- 10
France was amazing
- 11
I love my French sister and family
- 12
Activities in Spain
- 13
This was the best summer of my life
- 14
Spain was amazing
- 15
Spain is a beautiful country
- 16
Activities in USA
- 17
- 18
Requirements and what you need
- 19
What you get
- 2
High School Student Exchange
- 20
Cost of the Program
- 21
How it works
- 22
An opportunity for an unforgettable Summer
- 23
High School Student Exchange Student
- 3
Sister Cities Programs All Around the World
- 4
Columbia Sister Cities. Think Global
- 5
Columbia Sister Cities Map
- 6
France and Spain
- 7
Here's What Happens
- 8
Activities in France
- 9
France was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
CA International Teen Committees
Sister Cities Teen Advisory Committee:
This committee is made up of alumni of the Sister Cities Summer High School Exchanges with Cergy-Pontoise, France and Tres Cantos, Spain. The committee helps to promote and improve next year's Sister Cities Exchange. Meetings are held monthly at CA Headquarters.
International Youth Coalition:
Are you a Howard County high school student interested in learning about the world's different countries, languages, and cultures? The International Youth Coalition (IYC) brings together internationally-minded teens for monthly meetings to develop fun and service-oriented projects to help make Howard County a more welcoming place for youth born in other countries. To join the International Youth Coalition, or for more information, please contact Laura Smit at 410-715-3162; international@columbiaassociation.com. The International Youth Coalition is a collaboration between the Columbia Association, Glenelg Country School & some HCPSS high schools.
World Cup Soccer - Uniting Strangers with Soccer
Free Tournament, Sat. Nov. 5 at Glenelg Country School, 12793 Folly Quarter Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042. Player Sign-in: 1:00 pm, Matches start 2:00 pm. International Buffet after matches. To sign up to play, email your name, position played, email and phone to talaa@glenelg.org. Organized by Glenelg Country School with Columbia Association's International & Multicultural Programs and the Teen Advisory Committees.
Young Artist Competition 2012
Youth as the Catalyst for Change
Columbia residents, ages 13 to 18, are invited to create an original art work illustrating their vision of this year's Sister Cities Young Artist Competition theme, Youth as a Catalyst for Change. What does that mean to you? The world today is more connected than ever. With the help of social media and innovative new methods of communication and mobilization of groups, change can occur at a faster pace than ever before. Throughout the world, this new generation of youth is harnessing this power to create change and promote progress. The 2012 theme is an opportunity for you to use artwork to express how communication, technology, and individual initiative can lead to dramatic social change. Submissions can highlight your experience with social media, how you are creating change in your community, or how global communication and exchange has had an impact on your life.
All two-dimensional artwork, no larger than 24" x 30" (60cm x 75cm), is accepted. Watercolor, oils, pastels, pen & ink, charcoal, photography, mixed media and collage, as well as computer-generated art are acceptable. All work must be two-dimensional Entries must be submitted by April 13, 2012 to the Columbia Art Center. Local winning art work will be entered in the Annual Young Artist Competition of Sister Cities International, in which 10 winning entries will receive awards.
For more information, or an entry form, contact Columbia Art Center at 410-730-0075 or download an entry form from ColumbiaArtCenter.org. Click here for more information about the Sister Cities International Young Artist's Showcase.
Multicultural Programs
Columbia
International Day: (Saturday, July 23, 2011 • 2-10 p.m., Downtown Columbia Lakefront) The event, first held in 1995, highlights
and celebrates the cultural and ethnic diversity
that distinguishes Columbia and provides an
opportunity to meet the visiting French and Spanish students and
chaperones from Columbia's two Sister Cities.
Students who have traveled to France and Spain provide information about the summer student exchange. Columbia International Day includes live music and dance performances representing a variety of cultures, international food and crafts vendors and children's activities.
Additional information will be posted here as available or contact dale.wasmus@columbiaassociation.com. Visit ColumbiaCalendar.org for schedule of events.
2011 Columbia International Day Vendor Application
2011 Columbia International Day Food Vendor Application
Culture
Cafe: Culture Café is
an initiative created by International Exchange and Multicultural Programs that recognizes the many cultures from
around the world that make up Columbia's diverse
community. Community members including exchange students studying in Howard County schools volunteer to help organize, perform at and assist the day of these events. E-mail International@ColumbiaAssociation.com to get involved! Culture Café events are free and
open to the public.
To learn more about these programs,
call Laura Smit, Program Manager, 410-715-3162 or e-mail International@ColumbiaAssociation.com.
International & Multicultural Programs for adults are also offered.
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