I had the honor recently to be able to give special thanks to two of the school districts in which we place and work with exchange students.
The EF High School Exchange Year Global Education Excellence Award is presented annually to high schools that demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to international understanding and global awareness. This year, in our region, the Lake Oswego School District and West Linn High School were two of a select group of high schools and districts recognized across the United States for the 2018-19 school year.
Presenting the GEEA Award to Lake Oswego School District
It meant a lot to us to be able to present school officials with this national recognition for excellence in global education. This year, West Linn welcomed one of our students and Lake Oswego welcomed three EF High School Exchange Year exchange students in two high schools. It has been incredibly satisfying to see how all four of these students have received such warm welcomes. How the schools manage the exchange students helps the students become an integral part of the schools’ academic and extracurricular life. This in turn enables the wider community to become involved in the exchange experience.
I have loved my life at Lakeridge High School. I was able to participate on the volleyball team and learn about school spirit. The first time we had an assembly and everyone began yelling, “go Pacers!” was amazing to me. I know I will always be welcome here.
Natalie from Germany
I cannot thank these school districts enough for welcoming our students. The community and students have shared an unforgettable experience thanks to the generosity of the school district’s administration, the teachers at the high schools, and students and families. The enthusiasm and dedication of these individuals are a significant component of our students’ success here in the U.S. It’s also part of why we are involved in exchange.
Presenting the GEEA award to West Linn HS
Many thanks to Paul Hanson and Tracey Riddle at West Linn HS; Michael Musick, Jennifer Schiele, and Eden Armstrong of Lake Oswego School District; and our students -- Tage (Norway), Ylva (Sweden), Ludo (Italy), and Natalie (Germany).
