LPHS Exchange Program Earns High Honors, Needs Host Families

In a sense, Switzerland native Miranda Fiedler calls Lincoln Park High School home—at least for now.

The young girl considers the school "the center of my exchange student life," she said, connecting her with friends, interesting people and diversity. And she's not the only one.

The school has been selected to receive the 2013 Top AFS School award from AFS-USA, a leader in international high school student exchange programs. The organization was, at one time, known as the "American Field Service."

Schools honored with the inaugural nod have partnered with the organization in many ways to foster global citizenship through intercultural learning—both inside and outside of the classroom, according to a news release.

They work to host international students, send students abroad and collaborate with AFS-USA to inject intercultural and experiential learning opportunities into school curricula.

"The high schools selected from around the country for this public recognition are making a profound difference in the lives of students and in society at large," said a news release, announcing the award. "The ability to speak another language, to navigate in a different cultural context, and to marshal a global perspective are skills that today’s students need to succeed in our increasingly interdependent world."

That's exactly the case for Yousra Nakkach, of Morocco.

“It's always been my dream to come to the United States," she said, in a written statement. " ... Thanks to AFS this dream became true, but also thanks to my great school LPHS I got the chance to experience the real American high school life and get all the support and help to succeed in my school year."

Lincoln Park High School's assistant principal, Elizabeth Brown, said the school's community values its AFS partnership, as well as the impact those from the program make on others around them.

"From sharing their cultures, languages and international perspectives with our students and staff, to participating in everything LPHS has to offer, our AFS students are a special part of the school community and we are honored to host them each year," she said, in a statement. "We look forward to continuing our partnership ... and helping to build relationships between young people from around the world.”

AFS is a worldwide, nonprofit organization that has been spearheading international high school student exchange for more than 65 years. Each year, it sends sends about 1,000 U.S. students abroad, provides $3 million in scholarships and financial aid, and welcomes 2,300 international high school students to U.S. high schools and host families, according to its website.

The organization is currently looking for families to host exchange students for the 2013-2014 academic school year. For more information or questions, contact Linda Mellis, volunteer and AFS Chicago coordinator by calling 773-327-9123 or e-mailing lpmellis@gmail.com. You can also reach out to Traci Larson-Lee at 847-329-4676 or TLarson-Lee@afs.org

The entire list of honored schools can be found on the organization's website.

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