DCS Montessori celebrates International Education Week
The worldwide celebration of IEW is a unique opportunity to reach out to people in every nation to develop a broader understanding of world cultures and languages. World Link Flex program participants, left to right: Holly Nichols, World Link Regional coordinator, Kirke (Estonia), Viktoria (Ukraine), Ani (Armenia), Alexia (Romania), Sofia (Thailand), Khurshed (Tajikistan), and Diana Visser (DCS Montessori teacher.)
DCS Montessori (DCSM) took part in honoring International Education Week (IEW). IEW is typically celebrated the week before Thanksgiving across the United States and in more than 100 other countries. This week is an opportunity for exchange students worldwide to share with their host communities their cultures and highlight the benefits of international educational exchange programs.
DCSM upper elementary teacher Diana Visser and her family are currently hosting an exchange student, Khurshed Badalov, for this school year. Khurshed and other participating World Link Flex program students were invited to speak to lower elementary, upper elementary, and middle school students about their countries.
World Link Flex program provides its students with an opportunity to build leadership skills and become change makers in their communities. IEW is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Education to promote how international education programs prepare us for a global environment and invite future leaders to exchange ideas and experiences in the U.S.
Host mom and DCSM teacher, Diana Visser, with exchange student Khurshed making non, a Tajik flatbread to share with the class.
“Before I came here, I described myself as a Tajik Muslim. Now I see myself, first of all, as a human being and see others without borders and labels as well,” said Badalov. Presentations were shared from Ukraine, Estonia, Armenia, Thailand, and Romanian and Tajikistan students. Friendships were formed while DCSM students and exchange students learned about one another.
“If you are even considering hosting an exchange student – do it! It is amazing how someone from across the world can become family so quickly,” said Diana Visser.
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Diana Visser
