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March 2013 |
| Apply Now for the 2013 IOU Respect Exchange Program in Germany Ever wonder what the people in countries who dress differently, eat differently, and have different religious beliefs are actually the like? Not based on those traits, but on what it's really like to walk in their shoes as a young adult looking to make their mark on the world? They wonder about you too. Be one of 24 young adults to sit side-by-side with participants from Egypt, France, Germany, Lebanon, Tunisia, and the United States in the only international exchange program of its kind. Hosted by Hostelling International, IOU Respect is coming to Berlin, Germany, August 16-30. Marking its 8th meeting, inquisitive 18-23-year olds interested in better understanding cultures distinctly different from their own are invited to apply for this meaningful program. There is no fee to participate or apply and costs are covered while in Germany as well. In addition, HI-USA provides a travel stipend to American participants. During these intensive two weeks, stereotypes, politics, religion, and other would be "taboo" topics are explored with the goal of building cultural understanding. Participants engage in workshops, presentations, and outings, breaking down cultural divides and realizing the commonalities of human beings. Alexandra Ponton, a 2012 participant from the USA comments, "Despite moments of unease, everyone maintained a state of open-mindedness…we realized that despite different religious, cultural, and political backgrounds we are all very similar and have the potential to connect." With time devoted to exploring Berlin as well, IOU Respect balances fun with intensive learning, creating a powerful, life-changing experience. Applications are available online and due May 15. Citizens ages 18-23 from any of the participating countries are invited to apply. For more information, click here or contact Megan Johnson, HI-USA Regional Engagement Manager, at megan.johnson@hiusa.org.
Seven Hostels Earn Eco-Certification, Since last June, 15 hostels in the HI-USA network took part in a pilot program involving eco-certification and green house gas management. The Sustainable Tourism Educational Program, better known as STEP, is recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and chosen by HI-USA to gain a snapshot into our baseline level of compliance with the GSTC criteria. As of February, seven hostels earned Bronze Eco-Certification, and the remaining eight will earn the same designation this summer. Michele Machado, HI-USA Sustainability Coordinator and Operations & Environmental Programs Manager at HI-Portland Hawthorne Hostel, has been leading these efforts and is very proud of this historic undertaking. But she is still looking ahead. "Sustainability is not a destination, it is a journey," she said. "The pilot set the stage for further improvements that can be achieved over time and I'm excited to see our staff and guests engage in the process." Read more about the program and see the list of hostels on hiusa.org.
Registration Open for
For more details and to register visit: PeaceBuildingSanDiego.org
Visit 6 Continents in One Year as a Global Ambassador
Now in its third year, YBY is a global search for talent, which provides a unique forum for connecting ambitious and determined people to share their knowledge and ideas. In just two years the initiative has attracted over 100,000 of the worlds' most inspiring millennials from over 220 countries and has appeared in the press in over 25 countries. After completing a series of challenges and tasks, a final winner will be selected to take their international journey in March 2014. The journey will include planting trees to revitalize urban areas in South Africa, caring for lions in Northern Africa, preserving wildlife on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, working to build a medical program in India, and leading special needs kids at a summer camp in the U.S. The first round of finalists are selected in June largely based upon how much entrants connect and share on YBY's social network, so get started now! Visit yourbigyear.com to learn more and register.
Last Chance to Enter HI's Big Blog Exchange
100 finalists will be selected and reviewed by a jury, with the 16 final bloggers selected on April 29 for a trip of a lifetime. From June 7-17, selected bloggers will be transported to a different place, immersing themselves in local culture while blogging on their exchange partner's blog. Participants will be given an itinerary full of experiences and activities to take part in, however, how they document and report their experience is up to them. During this stage, the voting site will re-open and readers can vote for their favorite blogger. A winner will be announced upon returning home, who will be invited to appear on next year's selection jury. Visit bigblogexchange.com to learn more and register.
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| Travel Trivia Congratulations to Fiacre R. for identifying Baltimore, MD as the playoff city with a HI-USA hostel and the largest football stadium. Send your answers to hitravelbytes@hiusa.org |
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