Guest Post: Burlington-Apeldoorn Youth Exchange Returns for 2019-2020 School Year
Please see the guest post below from the City of Burlington Mundialization Committee's Apeldoorn Subcommittee.Burlington, Ont. — June 5, 2019 — The Mundialization Committee, through its Apeldoorn Subcommittee is happy to announce the Burlington-Apeldoorn (Netherlands) Youth Exchange will make its return for the 2019-20 school year.Ten students will be selected to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime cultural exchange. This exchange is extra special as May 2020 will mark the 75th anniversary of the liberation of The Netherlands by the Allied forces.
"Having never gone to The Netherlands before, my eyes were opened to a new and amazing culture. I was proud to share a bit of Canada with my partner and we are still great friends to this day!" — Will K., former Burlington participant, Burlington-Apeldoorn Youth Exchange Program
All Burlington high school students starting Grade 10 or 11 next September are invited to apply for the program. The successful candidates will be paired with a visiting student from Apeldoorn and should be prepared to host them in October 2019 for 10 days. Program participants will join their Dutch partner in exploring all the wonderful sites Burlington and the broader region have to offer, as well as their daily school life during the school visit.
"Incredibly deep bonds were created through this experience, not only for my son and his exchange partner, but for our and their entire immediate and extended family. It is almost impossible to touch on and express just how much of a positive and incredibly memorable experience this was for all. To this day, not only is my son still in contact frequently with his partner, but we too are still in contact with the parents and family members, we are now blessed to call friends." — Kelly Sherholds, parent of past Burlington exchange student
In May 2020, the selected Burlington students will explore the Dutch life as they travel and stay in their exchange partner’s home. Students will experience Dutch family and school life and a variety of cultural highlights. In 2020, they will also participate in Liberation ceremonies for the 75th anniversary.
"Since the official twinning in 2005, Burlington has sought to create connections with our friends in Apeldoorn. This youth exchange enriches our community and continues the long-standing relationship between Canada and The Netherlands." — Judith Genis, Burlington-Apeldoorn Youth Exchange Program co-ordinator
A special information session will be held in Room 247 at Burlington City Hall on Thursday, June 27 from 7-9 p.m. for those interested in learning more about the program. Register to attend by contacting Judith Genis at BAYouthExchange@gmail.com.For more information about the twinning of Burlington and Apeldoorn, please visit Burlington.ca.