First Steps to Cultural Understanding for US Teens

Firsthand experience is one of the best ways to learn about something new. The SPASH (Stevens Point Area Senior High School) Wisconsin/Nicaragua Student Partners group did a wonderful job coordinating another Youth Exchange for two students from Nicaragua to come and share time with the students and people from Wisconsin.  Special thanks to all who participated and helped make their experience possible and also very meaningful.  

Highlights included the Portage County Cultural Festival, presentations for the Spanish classes at SPASH and P.J.'s, meeting with Stevens Point Mayor Andrew Halverson, bowling at Skipp's, ice cream at Belt's, disc golfing, a day in Marshfield with friends, bonfire at the Drake's, attending the Stevens Point Noon Rotary meeting, helping at the Wis/Nic Partners warehouse packing day, social gathering at Rookie's, Dairy State Cheese including their treating the kids to ice cream and of course the finale farewell at the Wooden Chair.   Stevens Point provided a warm welcome for our Nicaraguan friends and we look forward to future exchanges that compliment international perspectives.  

The Youth Ambassadors for the Americas program between Wisconsin and Nicaragua began in 2007 by bringing outstanding, public high school students from Nicaragua to the U.S. for a two week cultural and educational exchange.  Although funding for program has ceased three years ago, creative planning and perseverance have allowed the exchanges to continue.   

Thank you for your support of the youth programs, visiting each other’s countries not only provides new knowledge and experience for participants, but also prepares them for a lifetime of leadership and community service.