Global Issues Retreat
March 23-25, 2007
A weekend retreat in Ohio’s Hocking Hills presented a chance for international exchange students and local youth to discover each others’ values and beliefs in a peaceful atmosphere.
This session included an African Drumming workshop, an Introduction to Swahili lesson, a session about the fascinating country of Turkey, among other interactive activities. Students in attendance hailed from Brazil, Japan, Venezuela, the Republic of Georgia, and the U.S. Some comments from student participants at the 23rd Annual Global Issues Retreat March session (excerpted from anonymous survey):
On getting acquainted with peers from other schools: “It’s great to meet cool new people from your city because even if you never do anything with them again, you'll have a special bond with someone else from your city that no one else will understand.”
On getting acquainted with peers from other countries: “I liked how no matter what we were doing, the exchange students could tell us how they did it differently at home. Each one had a totally different life from me and its fun to hear about them.”
On having a forum for self-expression: “I found I could actually express myself better with near strangers than with some of my friends!”
General reaction to the experience: “All in all, the GIR was really the most fun I've had all year. I really think it’s helped me to become a better person, and more understanding of the various cultures around me.”
This session included an African Drumming workshop, an Introduction to Swahili lesson, a session about the fascinating country of Turkey, among other interactive activities. Students in attendance hailed from Brazil, Japan, Venezuela, the Republic of Georgia, and the U.S. Some comments from student participants at the 23rd Annual Global Issues Retreat March session (excerpted from anonymous survey):
On getting acquainted with peers from other schools: “It’s great to meet cool new people from your city because even if you never do anything with them again, you'll have a special bond with someone else from your city that no one else will understand.”
On getting acquainted with peers from other countries: “I liked how no matter what we were doing, the exchange students could tell us how they did it differently at home. Each one had a totally different life from me and its fun to hear about them.”
On having a forum for self-expression: “I found I could actually express myself better with near strangers than with some of my friends!”
General reaction to the experience: “All in all, the GIR was really the most fun I've had all year. I really think it’s helped me to become a better person, and more understanding of the various cultures around me.”
As our city, nation, and world continue to grow more interconnected, Council forums are a great resource for every resident. Best wishes to the Columbus Council on World Affairs in your pursuit to bring the world home to Columbus.
- Michael Coleman,
Mayor of the City of Columbus
- Michael Coleman,
Mayor of the City of Columbus