 March 2010 |
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Coming Soon - Brazilian Exchange!
We recently enjoyed a visit from Vanessa, one of our former exchange students from Brazil. Read Vannessa's comments below, then learn about an opportunity for three Charlotte high school students to participate in a Brazilian Exchange Program!
In January, 2009, I came to the United States for the first time through the Youth Ambassadors Program, promoted by the American Embassy in Brazil. Back then, I spent one week in Charlotte, NC -- and that was one of the best opportunities I could have ever had! Along with the activities organized by International House, I was hosted by a wonderful family, which made me go through a real cultural immersion experience. Now, two years later, I am studying at Bryn Mawr College, in Pennsylvania, and came back to Charlotte to spend Christmas with my host-family. This second stay has brought me so much happiness and so many memories. Plus, it was impossible for me not to visit International House again. Meeting Lara Printz and her colleagues was a time for me to think about how their initiatives changed my life, and also made me sure that, hopefully, many other students are yet to have the same great experiences that I've had.
-- Vanessa Milost Gonzalez, Brazil
Opportunity for 3 High School Students to Participate in Brazilian Exchange!
We are pleased to offer an exciting opportunity for three high school students - and potentially one adult educator - from Charlotte to participate in an exchange to Brazil in late July 2011. Eligible students must not have travelled internationally in the past, making this a great adventure for three deserving students!
For more information about requirements and to apply, contact Lara Printz, Program Director, at lprintz@ihclt.org.
Applications must be submitted to International House by February 15th. |
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International House Workshop Series
Start your year off right with dance and yoga workshops at International House. Each session lasts eight weeks. Learn more on our website by clicking here.
Showcase Event: Bhangra Dance with Anish V. Thakkar
Join us for a free demonstration and lecture on the art of Bhangra dance! Wednesday, January 26th, 7:30 - 8:30pm.
Workshop: Bhangra Dance
Learn this high energy folk dance that originated in the Punjab region of India/Pakistan. Begins February 9.
Workshop: YOGArts Harmony
Relax, rejuvenate, and explore your inner strength through yoga postures and meditation. Begins January 27.
Workshop: Salsa de Soul
Experience the excitement of Bachata, Merengue and Salsa in Latino Aerobic style. Begins January 27.
For more information or to sign up, go to our website here. |
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Come meet the staff at International House and learn more about our programs! See how you can become involved as a volunteer or intern.
We currently have several positions open including
- English Tutors
- Interns for ESL
- Interns for Citizen Diplomacy (exchange programs)
- Program Managers, Proposal Writers and Project Managers for CDP
- German and Portuguese Language Conversation Hour Facilitators
Learn about these and other important roles at our Open House, by clicking here, or contact Rusty Reynolds at rreynolds@ihclt.org |
Transitions
In many ways, 2010 was a year of maturity, change, opportunity, and challenge for International House. Add to it the backdrop of a difficult economic environment, and you have a situation that calls for very strong leadership. This is but one apt description of our Board, which displayed the required leadership to ensure the viability and long-term health of this wonderful organization. With the great partnership and collaboration that we forged with our excellent staff team, our exceptional volunteer leaders and our committed supporters, we achieved a great deal together in serving our community and furthering the mission of International House. I'm very proud to have been a part of such a focused team that together made many sacrifices to the great benefit of the organization. Thank you!
The New Year brings exciting new beginnings and the promise of many wonderful opportunities for International House. We are thrilled that our new Executive Director, Denise Long has already started to provide excellent leadership of our staff team and the organization like we knew she would. We look forward to many great things with Denise at the helm.
Also, per our bylaws, our Board has elected new officers for the new year. Our incoming Executive Committee is comprised of a very good mix of "veterans" of the Board and newer members:
President: Monte Ritchey (2006)
Vice-President: Brita Formato (2006)
Treasurer: Camille Evans (2008)
Secretary: Vince Altamura (2010)
Please join me in thanking our outgoing Executive Committee for their great contributions and our terrific incoming team for their willingness to serve and assume the responsibilities of leadership.
Finally, I would like to express my sincere thanks to you for the support, partnership, feedback and counsel you provided me during my tenure as President over the last two years. It's been my privilege to serve and to make the acquaintance of so many of you. I learned a lot about a lot of important things during my tenure, which would not have been possible without you. Again, thank you!
I look forward to continuing to serve on our Board and assisting our leadership team as called upon. I also look forward to seeing all of you on the "IH Trails".
With warm wishes for the New Year,
Ned Sergew
IH Board President, 2009-2010 |
Citizenship Classes
International House will host Citizenship Classes beginning February 6 through March 6 from 1 - 4pm (five consecutive Sundays). The cost is $50. Citizenship classes are designed for immigrants who would like assistance in studying for the USCIS Citizenship Exam.
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Learn to Grow Global at BIG Conference
The Business Innovation & Growth Council (BIG) and the North Carolina Department of Commerce will present a conference entitled "Global Business Development" on Thursday, January 13, 2011 at the Mint Museum Auditorium in Uptown Charlotte from 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., immediately followed by a cocktail reception from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Keynote speaker, Marco Fregenal of Evoapp (formerly founder and CEO of Carpio), will open the conference and lead the way for panel discussions on targeting international markets. Scheduled panel speakers, such as Matthias Schonberg - IH Board Member and CEO of Continental Tire - will bring a wealth of experience in global business to the sessions. Anthony Foxx, Mayor of Charlotte, along with Jean Davis, Director of International Trade for the North Carolina Department of Commerce, will close the day with a wrap up and call to action.
"No matter how small your company is, this is an excellent opportunity to learn how to expand your business globally," says Terry Thorson Cox, President and CEO of the BIG Council. "There are 1.9 billion internet users worldwide," she exclaims, hinting at the opportunity and growth available through global markets. Read more about this opportunity by clicking here. |
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Make a Donation
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From the Executive Director
In the weeks since I landed here at International House, I have been amazed and impressed by the hardworking volunteers who help make so many of our programs successful. There are friendly faces in the reception area greeting visitors and answering the phone. Bilingual students intern in the law clinic, helping with client intake and case work. English tutors work with adults and youth, while other volunteers assist with our citizenship and life skills classes. Native speakers donate time to facilitate our conversation hours, and other Charlotte residents offer welcome by providing dinner or home stays to international visitors.
With a small staff and modest budget, International House depends on the passion and talents of volunteers in order to respond to the overwhelming number of requests for our programs and services. And we never have enough people-power to meet the demand. If you have ever thought of helping International House make a difference in the Charlotte community, now is the time to check us out! Join us for a fun informational session about volunteer opportunities and how you can get involved. Drop by for our Volunteer Open House from 2-4pm on Monday, January 31st. You will get to hear from past and current volunteers, as well as from International House staff about specific ways you can be involved. I look forward to seeing you there!
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WANTED:
English Tutors!
Help improve a life by tutoring an individual in English. Special training will take place at International House from 6 - 9pm, on January 24, 26, 31 and February 2. To learn more about our English Tutoring Program, click here. .
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Be a Home Host!
Make new friends from all over the world by welcoming them into your home! We have the following upcoming visits where you can get involved:
February 10-16
Young German Adult Trainees (ages 20-24)
March 4-12
Russian Legislators
March 31-April 8 OR
April 8-18
Serbian Law Enforcement Professionals
May 5-15
Community Leaders from Azerbaijan
If you are interested in home hosting or would like more information, contact Lara Printz at lprintz@ihclt.org
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Want to practice your Russian, Portuguese or Japanese?
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International Book Club
The International House Book Club meets again on Monday, January 17th at 7 p.m. The book is The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery of France. You do not need to register or sign up - just join us!
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Doorways
Doorways is our International House Woman's Group, which meets on the first Wednesday of each month for social and cultural exchanges.
The group's next meeting is Wednedsay, February 2nd at 10 am at International House.
To find out more about Dooways, contact Lakana Bikhazi at Laklouk12@carolina.rr.com.
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Donate To
International House
When you donate to International House, you help us provide important services to our community.
You can donate online here or mail a check to International House at 322 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte, NC 28204 |
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