An American tradition, “Thanksgiving Feast” shared with students from all over the world….
Smoked turkey, sweet potato casserole, sushi, Milanesas, Thai dish and panqueques con dulce de leche. Why are these dishes all at one party you ask? When you bring together high school and college foreign exchange students for a traditional “American Thanksgiving Feast” this is the delicious meal that is served! This was a celebration of over 10 countries and food to represent each of them.
In the Germantown and surrounding Memphis areas you will find many high school and college exchange students living with local families and being immersed in the American culture. These students come to the United States for many reason however the biggest reason of all is to better their English. The event was hosted by Kelcie Phillips, local Area Director for AuPair Care who says “This event was a wonderful opportunity for many of the exchange students here in Memphis to spend time together and continue to share their own culture with new friends.
Ayusa and AuPair Care are sister companies who each have the same goal in mind, bring exchange students from all over the world to the United States to learn about our culture while American families spend time embracing another culture and learning from them at the same time. It is the perfect way for two different cultures to come together and educate each other.
Au pairs are 18-26-year-olds from countries around the world who live with families and provide live-in child care. Au pairs work flexible hours (up to 45 hours per week), have extensive child care experience and speak conversational English. The AuPairCare program offers affordable child care at an equivalent of $7.50 per hour, plus room and board, regardless of the number of children.
Phillips said, "There are currently 12 international au pairs living with Memphis area host families. They are caring for their children and teaching each other about their respective cultures. These au pairs come from countries such as Colombia, Czech Republic, Mexico and Brazil."
Ayusa is program in which high school exchange students from all over the world live with local families and attend local high schools in the Memphis Area. At this time there are 3 families hosting exchange students and the experience is one those families will never forget. The exchange students come from Japan, Korea, and Germany.
The “Thanksgiving Feast” is one that everyone looks forward to each year and offers a relaxed atmosphere to spend time with friends from all over the world. Cultural diversity is something I believe all families should experience at some time in their life and below you will find some helpful tips for families and children of ages to incorporate in your daily routine.
Ten Tips for Culturally Aware Children
Many children start to show an interest in different cultures at a young age, whether through ethnic food, friends at school, unique clothes, or hearing a foreign language spoken for the first time. Here are 10 ways to encourage your child’s curiosity and teach them about a variety of cultures in fun and interactive ways.
1. Read bedtime stories that take place in another country or include some foreign words, so you can practice pronunciation.
2. Host an international au pair. You can use matching agencies like AuPairCare, which have au pairs from more than 40 countries. 3. Enroll your child in a cultural dance or martial arts class, such as Bollywood, Flamenco or Capoeira.
4. Enroll your child in foreign language classes for kids, such as Lango. 5. Plan art activities for your child based on different cultures such as Japanese calligraphy, Chinese paper cut outs, and Puerto Rican Ponce Carnival Masks. 6. Cook and try new foods inspired by other cultures with your children, or enroll them in cooking classes like Cooking Up Culture. 7. Plan a heritage party for your children and their friends, and encourage each child to bring food and games from their family’s heritage.
8. Watch family-friendly movies that take place in another country.
9. Listen to popular music from different cultures while in the car, or teach your kids a simple song in a foreign language.
10. Attend local festivals and parades that celebrate different cultures such as Cinco de Mayo, Carnival, Chinese New Year, and Bastille Day.
“Children are little sponges, taking in the world around them with eagle eyes and curious minds,” said Heidi Woehl, vice president of AuPairCare and a mother of five. “This curiosity is a great thing and should be cultivated through as many avenues as possible, in an effort to raise a globally and culturally aware next generation.”
For more information regarding hosting a high exchange student, please contact Fran Kelsey at 901-850 0921 or au1fran@gmail.com
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