Learning to overcome challenges at new heights.

It’s the beginning of a new program year, with new leaders to train. The training for World Link FLEX and YES students start with their Student Arrival Orientations. This energetic meeting is packed with information for a successful exchange year.
The orientation focuses on teaching students about the program, building bonds with their exchange student peers and coordinators, and giving them the confidence to overcome challenges they could face during the year.
There can be many challenges for an exchange student. They must adjust to this new culture and it can be difficult to make American friends. It may be hard to balance their new roles and responsibilities. Staying connected to home is important, but how do they ensure it is not getting in the way of opportunities here?
These topics and more are covered through many different activities and exercises over the course of the weekend.
The students say the activity affecting them most is the camp challenge course. Each camp course was set up differently, with a variety of possible elements such as high ropes, rock walls, and zip lines. No matter which of these elements the students were asked to complete, each challenges the students to climb to new heights and gain the courage to take a leap of faith.
The challenge course makes them adapt to new situations and overcome difficulties in order to make it to the end. Once complete, students feel accomplished and like they can do anything. The challenge course is the perfect embodiment of a student’s exchange year.
Take a moment to read what the students have to say.
Student Reflections:

– Anusher Mahmadjonov (Tajikistan/CA)

Now I know that you can take just one step and it’s not so scary as it seems.
Better is to risk and try than skip and never know what it is like.”
– Ilona Ohrodnichuk (Ukraine/TX)

Together we are stronger! We are Future Leaders!”
– Lasha Totladze (Georgia/IA)

I will never forget this activity.”
– Leyla Ramonkulova (Tajikistan/CO)

We are ALL A TEN AND WE CAN DO IT. SAY YES ❤ Go WORLD LINK”
– Imen Aouadi (Tunisia/IL)

Can’t wait to see what happens next! I CAN DO IT!”
– Amna Shahzad (Pakistan/CA)

– Aigerim Nurlanbek Kyzy (Kyrgyzstan/CO)

– Nandhika Kamalakkannan (India/CA)

– Olena Shevchenko (Ukraine/IA)

– Lyza Elentoria (Philippines/CA)
Follow our students on their leadership journey!
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