And away they go! Broadening students’ cultural horizons

Feb 18, 2019

A recent Old Rochester Family Night taught young students about cultures from around the world. When they reach Old Rochester Regional High School those students will have the chance to continue that education with the American Field Service Club, whichlooks to increase students’ cultural awareness through a combination of nearby activities and trips. 

The school nurse, Kim Corazzini, currently advises the group and first got involved 12 to 14 years ago. “We started with a small, dedicated group of kids, and the club just kind of grew from there.” 

For activities close to home, the club focuses on a variety of international dinners and festivals, like the Fairhaven Neighborhood Festival, to give students a taste of other cultures.

The group also hosts exchange students from abroad for a year, placing them with host families. This year’s students are from Thailand, Germany and Turkey. 

“Many of the students have no idea what America is like. They imagine that it’s going to be like New York City,” said Corazzini. But “Old Rochester has always been really good at accepting exchange students. I have to give them credit for that.”

Some of the sixty ORR students that participate also go on shorter exchanges to learn about other cultures within the U.S. The group has travelled to New York City in the past, and this March, a three day exchange from March 6 to 11 will take 27 students on a trip to California. 

The cultural difference in California is likely less than in another country, but, as Corazzini explained, “every high school has a different culture,” and even seeing these differences can be educational.  

Students have sold pies and are currently hosting a magazine fundraiser to raise money for the trip. Though parents usually cover the cost of airfare, bussing the students to the airport, and reserving hotel rooms on Sunday to make an early flight out will mean that the trip will cost extra this year. 

Corazzini said that the program has lasting impacts for its participants. 

“Many of the students are still in contact with other students from the exchanges. I have no idea how they manage to get so close in three days, but somehow they do,” said Corazzini to explain the impact of the trip for ORR students.

International students still keep in touch with Corazzini too, and she recently had a reunion with students from Italy, Mexico and Finland who happened to be in the tri-town at the same time.