Foreign exchange is step toward world peace
CHRISTINE HICKS- USTA Travel
It felt like the United Nations in my bedroom over the weekend. My French friend came to visit and attend a reunion, and her Spanish friend came to visit her, and I introduced both to my Turkish husband in, of all places, the spare bedroom we use as a computer room. For a split second, my brain had a picture of hands held, encircling the globe.

OK, perhaps that's stretching it a bit, but this scene is absolutely a tribute to the American Field Service program of foreign exchange students. Catherine and Eduardo returned to Williamsville for their 40-year high school reunion. Their memories are far-reaching in distance and time, with relationships forged important enough that Catherine and Eduardo would take time, money and effort to return, sharing old and new memories with those with whom they attended Williamsville Central High School during the 1966-67 school year.

I got to wondering how the AFS was doing these days. Evidently well - it's in its 93rd year.

The American Field Service began in 1914, an idea born in the fields of France, where American backed, completely volunteer ambulance drivers were transporting wounded French soldiers to hospitals. In 1919, the idea to arrange an exchange of French and American college students took shape. The ambulance corps reorganized and served in World War II, and afterward, a pledge to sustain and honor that international service created the AFS International Scholarships. More than 50 countries currently participate in the program, which extends multiculturally now between more than 50 countries - not just to and from the United States. Over 11,000 students, young adults and teachers participate each year. And AFS isn't the only organization that offers an exchange program either, which is good news, as far as I'm concerned, because more of this kind of exchange is always better.

They say to truly understand someone you must

walk a mile in his moccasins. Programs such as the AFS offer a chance to walk miles over new terrain, both physical and mental. Participants see cultures from a completely immersed perspective - broadening their own - and pick up a new language in the meantime. It's a confidence builder, too. Working hand in hand with a family, a school and sometimes even former AFSers, exchange students can embrace a completely new experience with confidence and safety. I have often wished such programs were mandatory for every student for at least one school year. The world would benefit greatly from it - each of us would. It's not exactly the dream of world peace, but it would take one giant step in that direction.

So, what did Eduardo, Catherine, Selahattin and I discuss in my bedroom? The world map with pushpins in it, marking places I have been. Clearly we're people who just can't get enough of the world at large. There's a line on the AFS web site that says, "Did you know that the world can fit into your home?" It's true.

(Christine Hicks-Usta has enjoyed more than 30 years of globe-trotting as a member of the travel industry. Direct questions to her at Bee Group Newspapers, P.O. Box 150, Buffalo, NY 14231-0150.)