All posts by Shari Lamont Day

Updates and News

What’s new this September

LifExchange Campus announced two new programs this month, Alternate Spring Break to Jamaica and our Campus Rep program.

Campus Reps –

Are Individuals and Student Organizations

  • Earn a free trip
  • Earn Cash
  • Fundraise for your organization
  • Build your resume

Whether you want to organize a trip for your group of friends or the entire school, LifExchange can help you make it a reality. Campus Reps sell one of our two programs:

For more information or to APPLY NOW click here

We want to help you reach your personal goals while you learn valuable skills to help prepare you for your future. The LifExchange Campus Rep program is challenging, rewarding and most of all, fun.

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Alternate Spring Break in Jamaica

Jamaica is an incredible island, idyllic in all its indigenous beauty but astonishingly poor beyond beachy tourist paradises. LifExchange and Volunteer Jamaica team up to provide you an opportunity to explore a new country, visit the beaches and hike the Dunn’s river waterfalls as well as make a difference in the life of a child. Volunteer teaching english, reading, math or sports in the primary school or help with homework and recreational activities at the SOS children’s orphanage.

Find more information here.

Student Activities, Thoughts and Words, Updates and News

Free and low cost Events in NYC this weekend 9/16-9/18

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Exploring the world in our own backyard

1.  120 artists and galleries present works in individual rooms at the 4th annual 4 heads art fair at governors island.  http://www.4heads.org/

2.  Movie Screenings:  dusk: free outdoor movies 9/17 women on the verge of a nervous breakdown (big screen plaza, 6th ave bet. 29th + 30th), 9/18 the good, the bad and the ugly (habana outpost), 9/20 2001: a space odyssey (big screen plaza, 6th ave bet. 29th + 30th), 9/21 the devil wears prada (stuyvesant town oval)

3.  Apple picking an hour or less from nyc: http://alturl.com/jc9mx

4.  Thru 9/18: get $20 tickets to off-broadway shows 20 minutes before curtain during ‘20at20’:  http://www.20at20.com/

5.  Value Deal:  Good till end of day 9/14.  Two movie tickets and a large popcorn at cinema village for $12 ($27 value, limit 3/person)  http://alturl.com/fj4x2

6.  Sunday, September 18th – The Brooklyn Book Festival is the largest free literary event in New York City presenting an array of literary stars and emerging authors who represent the exciting world of literature today. One of America’s premier book festivals, this hip, smart, diverse gathering attracts thousands of book lovers of all ages.  http://www.brooklynbookfestival.org/BBF/Home

USA Work and Holiday

USA Work and Holiday – we have jobs available now

Citizens of Australia can spend up to 1 year working and traveling in the United States on the 12-month Student Work and Travel J-1 visa through the LifExchange/YMCA’s Working Holiday USA program.

Open year round, the Working Holiday program allows tremendous flexibility for you to either work and travel your way through the US and there are positions available for a November start date to those who apply by September 15th.

Current Job Locations:

Why the Working Holiday program?

  • A Once in a lifetime opportunity to travel and work throughout the US
  • Work in a job for all twelve months or split your job between locations
  • Learn valuable skills, gain confidence and independence

Eligibility Requirements?

  • Be a citizen of Australia
  • 18 to 29 years old
  • Be a current full-time University or TAFE student or have graduated in the previous 12-months?

Do you meet these requirements?  Then contact our office for more information.

What is included?

  • Simple and easy application process
  • Guaranteed Job if you pass employer interview
  • J1 visa sponsorship
  • LifExchange/YMCA support throughout your program
  • Access to the LifExchange Tax Service for easy tax refund processing.
  • Pre-Departure Guide
  • A completion certificate
  • and more

Additional/optional inclusions

  • Travel Insurance for the length of the program
  • Competitive airline prices and travel discounts
Form more information fill out the form below and LifExchange representative will contact you within 48 hours

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URGENT: Evacuation for Ocean City International Exchange Students

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Dear Students living in Ocean City,

At this time, the Town of Ocean City Emergency Services Officials have ordered that all summer work/travel participants must be evacuated from Ocean City today, Thursday, August 25, due to expected arrival of Hurricane Irene to our coast.  You MUST go to the convention center and depart Ocean City NOW.

This is a mandatory evacuation for all J-1 students.

At this time, all students must follow the instructions below:

·      Students must go to the Convention Center (located on 41st Street & Coastal Highway) starting at 10:00am EST today.

·      From the Convention Center students will be taken by bus to Perdue Stadium in Salisbury. There students will board a second bus that will take them to a Red Cross shelter outside of the Eastern Shore, in Baltimore, MD, where students will be safe from the hurricane.

·      Students must bring ALL of their important documents and travel papers, including their passport and DS-2019.

·      Students will be allowed to carry one backpack OR one small carry-on that can fit in their lap on the bus.  In that bag, students need to bring valuables, medicine, some toiletries and some clothes. (This bag will remain with the student at all times).

·      STUDENTS CAN NOT BRING ALL OF THEIR SUITCASES WITH THEM. There is no way to transport them with students (and they can not be left behind at the Convention Center).  They will be safest left in students’ apartment or if their employer has a place they can store them.  Students should leave their suitcases labeled with their address in their home country in case they need to be shipped to them.

·      Students will be given blankets, a cot to sleep on, food, drink, and all things necessary including medical care while they are at the shelter in Baltimore.

·      There will be computers for students to use at the shelter in Baltimore, so that they can keep in touch with their family and your program sponsor.

·      After the hurricane passes, and it is safe to return to Ocean City, students will be transported back by buses.

The storm is expected to hit Ocean City on Saturday, August 27th and continue throughout Sunday, August 28th.

Students, please be sure to contact your family before leaving Ocean City, so that they are aware of your plans to evacuate.  PLEASE keep in touch with your families, the YMCA and LifExchange.

Remember, students’ safety is important to everyone. Please go to the Convention Center immediately.

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER s:
LifExchange:  (203) 984-2574
YMCA :  (212) 727-8800
Ocean City Emergency Number – 410-723-6602

Thank you for your cooperation.  Be safe and be in touch!

Shari

Australia Work and Holiday, Thoughts and Words

Plan your Work and Holiday Adventure to Australia in a few simple steps.

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Why sign up for a Work and Holiday Program?

Earn money while traveling, build your resume and have new adventures.

Step 1:  Book your Work and Holiday program – Doing it all yourself can cost a lot of money and time.  Use a company that offers a lot of assistance and inclusions to make your time smooth and planning easy.  For information check out the LifExchange, Global Work and Travel Work and Holiday package that includes everything you will need to land a job, have housing assistance and to be prepared as you make your journey.
Step 2:  Apply for your Work and Holiday Visa as early as 60 day before you plan to travel.  You can apply for your Work and Holiday visa online directly with the Australian Government.  The process can take as little as two weeks as long as you meet all the eligibility requirements and have an up to date valid US passport.  To apply online visit: https://www.ecom.immi.gov.au/visas/app/uu?form=WH
Step 3:  Organize your flight – Booking your flight is best to do after you have spoken to your Work and Holiday Program operator.  They can tell you when the start dates are for your preferred employment and suggest the best arrival time.  They may also know what airlines offer special deals or fly most often from your departure region.
Step 4: Travel Insurance – Travellers heading overseas are strongly advised to purchase travel insurance. Medical costs can be very expensive when travelling internationally, and many companies will not let you depart on a tour if you do not have sufficient insurance coverage. To ensure your peace of mind and protection in the event of an emergency, we strongly recommend getting insurance.   Travel insurance can cover things such as health, medical, travel (incl. lost luggage and documents), special events, and emergency evacuation.  Click here to request more information.
Step 5:  Learn more about Australia before you head out.  Check out these recommended guides!
Step 6:  Read about other peoples experience participating on Work Abroad programs around the world.  Visit LifExchange testimonial page or read this great article from Matador Network written by a work abroad Australia traveler.
Step 7:  Have an adventure of a lifetime!  Make sure you take advantage of the opportunities to visit local sites, meet new people and most of all HAVE FUN!
J1 Summer Work Travel, Thoughts and Words, Updates and News

Tips to NYC travel

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Once you have completed your Work and Travel program successfully you may choose to travel in the US before returning home to University.  For many LifExchange participants NYC is on your list of places to visit.

Here are some tips to assist you with your planning

The Basics:

Buying a metro card:  We recommend you but an unlimited 7 day pass for $29.00.  This allows you to travel 24 hours per day for 7 days anywhere I the city for one cost.  Find out more at the MTA.  Taxis are not cheap – with the heavy New York traffic and the compulsory tip, expect to pay $10 for even a short cab ride.
Accommodations:  For cheap accommodations look up http://AirBnB.com for in home stays, or for a little less visit http://Hostelworld.com.  Both of these options are cheaper than a hotel unless you are traveling in a group and willing to share a hotel room.  Depending on the dates, Hostels can be found for around $30 – $45 a night, depending on whether you want a private or shared room. Book your accommodation before you travel, especially in peak season.
Food: Most hostels don’t serve breakfast, so a diner breakfast will set you back about $10 – not including the tip. New Yorkers don’t do things by halves – and this includes their food portions.  Try the street vendors, there are a lot of great meals you will find for less then $5.00.  China town and the East village are also great neighborhoods for great finds.  Want to splurge and treat yourself to something great?  Visit Open Table for suggestions and reservations.

Things to do:

The Statue of Liberty – (http://www.statueoflibertytickets.com/) ferries for the Statue leave every 25 minutes from 8.30am-4.30pm from Battery Park. Perhaps the most recognizable icon of the USA, expect a long wait with queuing and security checks before boarding the ferry.  The ferry continues on to Ellis Island, where you might find a long lost family member on the Immigrant Wall of Honour.
The Staten Island Ferry is free- and while there is not much to see on Staten Island you will get stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan Skyline. This ferry runs 24 hours a day.
Central Park – Probably the only place in the city you’ll find some peace and quiet. It would take a week to view the whole of this park, but try and fit in a few of the highlights during your stay. Strawberry Fields, dedicated to the late John Lennon, is worth a visit and the Jackie Onassis Reservoir is beautiful on a sunny day.
New York Public Library – Worth a visit if only to view the two famous stone lions sitting outside – said to represent Patience and Fortitude. Oh, and it’s free.
Ground Zero- For decades, the World Trade Centre was the most visible tourist attraction in Lower Manhattan. Post 9/11, the site is surrounded by a Viewing Wall, that allows visitors to see the rebuilding that is now underway. The names of the 9/11 victims are included within the wall.

Cheap Stuff

Although New York is an expensive city, there are plenty of things you can do for free or cheap. The city is best seen on foot. In addition to the most current cheap options listed below, check out The Skint for day to day activities and options for great stuff to do in NY.

Among the free things to do are Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, the Staten Island Ferry, most national park sites many of the museums, some guided tours, and all TV show tapings.
 Studio tickets for SNL, Daily Show, Letterman and more
Tickets to other shows taped in NYC are easier to snag and usually for free. Here’s an updated list of shows that tape with a live audience in NYC:
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Colbert Report
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
Late Show with David Letterman
Good Morning America
The Early Show
The View
Live! with Regis and Kelly
The Martha Stewart Show
The Rachel Ray Show
The Dr. Oz Show
The Wendy Williams Show
MTV studio audience
Who Wants to be a Millionaire
The Marriage Ref
The Tyra Banks Show
Comedy Central Presents
Other resources:
On Friday mornings during the summer both Today Show and Good Morning America offer free outdoor concerts. Usually no tickets are required.
The automated Twitter feed @DailyTix tweets when new tickets are available for the John Stewart or Stephen Colbert shows.
Free hours at NYC museums, zoos and gardens
Museums with free or pay-what-you-wish hours in 2011
Mondays
Museum at Eldridge Street – Free 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (normally $10)
Yeshiva University Museum – Free 5 to 8 p.m. (normally $8)
Tuesdays
McKim rooms of the Morgan Library & Museum – free 3 to 5 p.m. (full museum access is $15)
Brooklyn Botanic Garden – Free all day (normally $10)
China Institute Gallery – Free 6 to 8 p.m. (normally $7)
Staten Island Museum – Free noon to 2 p.m. (normally $3)
Wednesdays
Bronx Zoo – Pay-what-you-wish donation all day (normally $16)
Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust – Free 4 to 8 p.m. (normally $12)
El Museo del Barrio – Free 6 to 9 p.m. (normally a suggested $9)
Staten Island Zoo – Free 2 to 4:45 p.m. (normally $8)
Yeshiva University Museum – Free 5 to 8 p.m. (normally $8)
NY Botanical Garden – Free grounds access all day, but excludes the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, Rock and Native Plant gardens and tram tour (grounds-only access normally $6)
Van Cortlandt House Museum – Free all day, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (normally $5)
Queens Botanical Garden – Free from 3 to 6 p.m. (normally $4)
Australia Work and Holiday, Thoughts and Words

11 Safety Tips and other Tidbits for International Travelers

1.     Use the same safety precautions you would at home!  I live in NYC and there are everyday precautions I use when I travel and at home – Avoid walking alone on deserted streets after dark, keep your money in a secured location, carry a cell phone when possible.  Most mobile carriers have international plans or you can buy a prepaid cell phone at many airports to be used for local or emergency calls.

2.     Learn about the local culture – pick up a travel book before you depart home.  Read about the place you are going to visit.  Some great travel guides will tell you where the best local pubs and eateries are.  Don’t just visit the designated tourist site’s, go to a coffee shop and chat with a local to learn more about the city you are visiting.  One of my best travel days many years ago was when I found a group of tourists from Sao Paolo on the same tour as myself in Curitiba.  They were local to the country but we were on the same adventure.  We quickly became friends as they taught me how to order brigadeiros with my coffee con leche and what stops were worth seeing with my hop on hop off bus pass.

3.     Know the local currency and understand the exchange rate.  The quickest way to loose money is not to understand it.

4.     Transportation – Before you even depart check out the public transportation routes and schedules.  Find out if you need any special license or an IDP to drive.  Want to travel by taxi? Find a Taxi Stand – You can usually find a taxi stand on the street in any country in a large city — even if you can’t read the words, you’ll notice taxis congregating near the sign. Generally, only taxi’s authorized to carry passengers are allowed to stop at these taxi stands, meaning the taxi is as safe as that country mandates, and the cab driver licensed. Look for these cab stands at foreign airports, too.

5.     Have copies of everything – It’s a simple rule, but a wise one.  I always find it useful to copy my passport, travel itinerary and tickets, driver’s license, and other pertinent paperwork.  I keep a copy on me and leave a copy with someone I trust back home.  If you have your belongings stolen or lost your trusted friend or family member can fax or email you copies to assist in retrieving lost bags, visiting your embassy for emergency passport replacement, etc. – this can save hours of headaches.

6.    Do you know how to pack smart?  Take advantage of those “hidden” spaces – For example, place small items inside your shoes or the pockets of shirts or jackets you pack.  Pack extra bags in your bag – Packing a duffle bag in your luggage gives you extra space to bring things home with you. It’s also a good idea to bring plastic sandwich or grocery bags for laundry or other items.   Don’t pack what you can get at your destination – many hotels have a hair dryer in every room, along with many toiletry items, so you don’t need to pack them.

7.     Learn the laws and customs of the land you’re visiting – you are responsible for your behavior and knowing local rules and regulations.

8.     Crime can be found anywhere – “It’s about body language, awareness and intuition,” says Robert Siciliano, a personal security expert and the author of “The Safety Minute.” If you look like you know what you’re doing and where you are going — even if you look like a tourist — you’re a lot less likely to be targeted.

9.     Travel with less cash.  Most countries these days have access to ATM machines; pack your debit card.  It is worth the piece of mind of not carrying loads of cash and less hassle then travelers cheques in many locations.  Naturally when you hit the streets in NY, Rio or Rome you will want to carry cash for a little shopping, or street food just be thoughtful about your plans for each day and plan accordingly. Some ATM machines even offer better exchange rates than the airport or your hotel. Just be cautious of ATM fees as they can add up, and avoid using a credit card.

10.     Want to take an extended trip on a budget?  Try a Work and Holiday Adventure. With many countries to choose from this is an opportunity to make some pocket money while living abroad.

11.  Travel is about having an adventure of a lifetime – having new experiences, visiting new places and creating new memories.  I wish everyone a safe journey as you head to your next destination.

J1 Summer Work Travel, Student Activities, Thoughts and Words, Updates and News

4th of July Celebrations

Why do we celebrate the 4th of July? 

Imagine how you would feel if someone older than you (maybe an older sister or brother) kept telling you what to do all the time and kept taking more and more of your allowance. That is how the colonists felt in the years leading up to 1776. Great Britain kept trying to make the colonists follow more rules and pay higher taxes. People started getting mad and began making plans to be able to make their own rules. They no longer wanted Great Britain to be able to tell them what to do, so they decided to tell Great Britain that they were becoming an independent country. (To be independent means to take care of yourself, making your own rules and providing for your own needs.)

The Congress met in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and they appointed a committee (a group of people working together to do a specific job) to write a formal document that would tell Great Britain that the Americans had decided to govern themselves. The committee asked Thomas Jefferson to write a draft (first try) of the document, so he worked for days, in absolute secret, until he had written a document that he thought said everything important that the committee had discussed. On June 28, 1776, the committee met to read Jefferson’s “fair” copy (he put his best ideas together and wrote them neatly.) They revised (made some changes) the document and declared their independence on July 2, 1776. They officially adopted it (made it theirs) on July 4, 1776. That is why we call it “Independence Day.”

Americans celebrate that freedom and independence with barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings.  Please find below a list of locations near where you may work that you can view fireworks, join a picnic or create your own.

OCEAN CITY MARYLAND North

Enjoy a free concert at 8 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m. uptown at 127th Street at Northside Park. For more information, please call 1-800-626-2326 or the Ocean City Department of Recreation & Parks at 410-250-0125.

OCEAN CITY MARYLAND South

Enjoy a free concert at 8 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m. downtown on the beach at North Division Street. For more information, please call 1-800-626-2326 or the Ocean City Department of Recreation & Parks at 410-250-0125.

COROLLA, NC – Outer Banks

The Corolla Annual Independence Day Festival of Fireworks will begin at 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at The Whalehead Club.  Fireworks begin at dusk but arrive early to enjoy food, fun activities, fabulous music and find a place for your blankets and chairs to settle in for the best fireworks on the Outer Banks! Admission and Parking are free. For more information visit www.whaleheadclub.com or call (252) 453-9040.

NAGS HEAD and KILL DEVIL HILL AREA, NC – Outer Banks

Town of Manteo – Outdoor Pavilion at Roanoke Island Festival Park. 8 p.m. Featuring the North Carolina National Guard’s 440th Army Band. The performance is free and open to the public. (252) 475-1500 or roanokeisland.com

DUCK, NC – Outer Banks

9 a.m. Duck’s seventh annual Fourth of July Parade will be held on Monday, July 4, 2011 at 9:00 a.m., with an after-event following at the Duck Town Park featuring community fun, music, watermelon, and the awarding of parade trophies. The one-mile parade route is the same annually and begins at the crest of the hill on Scarborough Lane and continues down Ocean Way and then Christopher Drive. Please plan to arrive at least 1/2 hour early to get the best parade viewing spot! (252) 255-1234, info@townofduck.com, townofduck.com

WELLFLEET, MASS – Cape Cod

9 a.m. Parade (starts at the Town Pier)  This year’s theme is ‘HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY TO THE NATIONAL SEASHORE’  (chosen by children at the Wellfleet Elementary School). Fireworks are in Provincetown at 9:00pm

NEW YORK CITY

The 2011 Macy’s will begin at approximately 9:20 pm on July 4th, the 26-minute display will be set off from six barges positioned between 20th and 55th Streets on the Hudson River. That’s two full miles of sky, providing for greater visibility of the show for millions more spectators. On the West Side of Manhattan.

LifExchange wishes you a safe and happy holiday!!!!

J1 Summer Work Travel, Student Activities, Updates and News

Ocean City, Maryland upcoming Events

Looking for new and fun activities in your community?  Check out these upcoming events:

Ocean City Shark Tournament

6/15/2011 – 6/19/2011
Phone:  410-213-2442
Address:  12940 Inlet Isle Lane Ocean City MD 21842
Website:  http://www.ocsharktournament.com.
Ocean City’s largest shark fishing tournament. Registration begins 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 15th.  Bring the kids and come watch the fish weigh-ins Thursday through Saturday, 3:30 -7 p.m. at the Ocean City Fishing Center located at the west side of Route 50 bridge. Spectators see weigh-ins free of charge. Contact Mark Sampson at 410-213-2442 or visit www.ocsharktournament.com.

Arts on the Dock

6/16/2011 – 9/22/2011
Phone: 410-213-1121
Address: Route 50 & Inlet Isle Lane, West Ocean City
Local artists and crafters showcasing their work on the docks of the Ocean City Fishing Center Marina. 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Jennifer Blunt, 410-213-1121 www.ocfishing.com, ocfc@ocfishing.com

OC 5 Mile Boardwalk Run

6/18/2011 – 6/18/2011
Address: Atlantic Ave
Website: http://www.octrirunning.com
 All 5 miles of this course runs the famous Ocean City Boardwalk. This event if perfect for the whole family. After a 5 mile trot, you and your family or friends can spend the rest of the day enjoying the Ocean City Boardwalk and Beach!
Start time is 7:00 a.m. and race begins at the Boardwalk Arch at the end of N.Division St.  Registration fee. www.octrirunning.com.
FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION – Monday, July 4, 2011
Time:  8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Phone: 800-OC-OCEAN (800-626-2326).
Address: Beachfront (downtown) or Northside Park, 127th St (uptown)
Website:
http://oceancitymd.gov/Recreation_and_Parks/specialevents.html
Enjoy a free concert at 8 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m. downtown on the beach at North Division Street and simultaneously, uptown at 127th Street at Northside Park. For more information, please call 1-800-626-2326 or the Ocean City Department of Recreation & Parks at 410-250-0125.

Movies on the Beach Thursdays

7/07/2011 – 8/26/2011
Address:  Beach at 92nd Street
Free movies on the beach for the family every Thursday night (July 7-August 25) at 8:30 p.m. at the Princess Royale Hotel, 91st Street Oceanfront.
Additionally, every Monday and Friday evening (June 27-August 12)  a movie on the beach with our 16-foot projector at 27th Street. Each week a general audience movie is presented free of charge. Bring a blanket and enjoy the night beside the ocean.  Movie starts around 8:30 p.m. On Wednesday evenings (June 15-August 24) you may enjoy movies on the beach at the Carousel Resort Hotel at 118th Street. Movie starts around 8:30 p.m.

 

Employer Visit, J1 Summer Work Travel, Student Activities, Thoughts and Words

Outer Banks Adventure

I stepped out of the car and breathed deep. The salty air is different from back home. The sun warms me but the breeze is just enough to cool me down as I walk around and learn these new streets. As a New Yorker it is a different site than the place where I started my day. I am sure the international J1 Summer Work and Travel students visiting from around the world will have this same strange and wonderful feeling. I have never been to the Outer Banks in North Carolina-this long island packed with beach, restaurants and wild nature. It is peaceful now. The locals tell me that the visitors and tourists will start arriving in a few weeks and the towns will come alive like firecrackers for the next 12 weeks. I am not here for vacation-that will be my next trip. Today I am here to welcome the students that my company, LifExchange LLC and the International YMCA have assisted with their visa, job placement and housing so they may have a successful summer season and visit to the US. My first stop, Pathways House, an amazing not-for-profit that has partnered with LifExchange to provide our students with support in terms of housing, transportation and 24-hour on-call local assistance. When I arrive at Pathways a little after mile marker 8 (I am learning that mile markers are very important in the Outer Banks) I walk up to the building and immediately see a sign that says “Enter.” I walk upstairs and find Nancy behind her desk ready to welcome the next student, arrange transport to social security and for the lone student at the group of free computer banks, assist with SEVIS registration. I know right away the students and community are lucky to have her and Pathways International House.
After I settle in I begin my time by visiting the students. Most of the LifExchange/YMCA students from Ukraine and Tajikistan are here, while a few more from China and Jamaica will arrive over the next few weeks-all to work for Dunkin Donuts. The first two students I run into are Alina and Marina. They welcome me into their home. I immediately notice the rumble of the washer going and Marina offers me a cup of black tea she has brought from home, a city outside Odessa, Ukraine.  After tea we make plans for a community welcome dinner for tomorrow night.  The invite list we create will really bring these students together in a new community.  They decide to invite the owners and managers from Dunkin Donuts, Nancy and Becky from Pathways, all the LifExchange students from Ukraine and Tajikistan and myself.  We split up duties and I am in charge of cooking and they are in charge of inviting guests.  After an afternoon at the local Food Lion, Dollar Store and donation from Kill Devil Custard we start cooking dinner.  Anna peels the cucumbers, Melina cooks the pasta and Julia helps with the sauce.  Alina, Nataliia and Max serve dinner a few hours later as the group discusses expectations, excitement and the weeks to come.
On the last night of my visit we all work together to move the students into their new apartment.  With a washer-dryer, dishwasher, 5 minute walk to the grocery store and 10 minute walk to the beach everyone is smiling.  The Grand Opening for Dunkin Donuts Corolla is only a few days away and everyone is excited.  I am always sad when I leave the students for the season.  I know what lay ahead – playful days on the beach, challenging new experiences as they wrestle with cash registers, homesickness and new roommates.  I also know it is the start of a lifetime experience and I am blessed to have witnessed the first steps.
Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Corolla – Student Dinner, housing move in, Pathways House

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