Philippe Corbaz Eisenhower International School Governor’s Global Education Conference March 10, 2010 – OSU in Stillwater, OK
San Luis Potosi, Mexico Sister city since Oct Exchange since 1992 Population about 700,000 Same time zone Amiens, France Sister city since Oct Exchange since 1999 Population about 170,000 Seven-hour difference
AMIENSSAN LUIS POTOSI
San Luis Potosi 17 years Eight weeks in fall Mexican students come during the same period Cost about $1,600 School schedule Amiens 10 years Three weeks in Nov. (used to be May) French students come at a different time Cost about $1,300 School schedule and Wednesdays
Emily Wood
Cultural understanding Language skills Lasting relationships
Looking back on the time I spent in San Luis, I have come to understand and greatly appreciate the opportunities I had during the exchange. I had the chance to meet new people, try new things, and see and experience a new culture. I learned a lot about myself and about the world around me. I became a more self sufficient and independent person. I learned about a whole new culture and was able to adapt to it. I gained the strength to be put in an uncomfortable situation and make the best of it. Because of my experience, I am now less afraid to leave home and find my place in the world. I will carry the lessons learned from that trip forever. It will always be one of the greatest experiences of my life. Excerpt of an essay nominated for the 2010 Princeton Book Award, used with permission and read by Joshua Corbaz
San Luis Potosi Many changes in personnel Immigration status for Mexican students Second school in the exchange Amiens Lack of support from their elementary principal Dates of coming of French students Time spent in class Both Exchanges Parents following rules Budget cuts in education funding Money to fund activities for ambassadors in Tulsa Selection of students
Communication Ambassador training
San Luis Potosi Teacher exchange Amiens Extend from 3 to 4 weeks Send 2 chaperones
Thank you for your attention!