Secretary of State John F. Kerry issued a communication to exceptional schools in the U.S. that support public diplomacy efforts by hosting high school exchange students sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. Mountain View High School received this commendation and we at AFS want to express how proud we are to work in educational partnership with this outstanding school and its visionary leaders.
Nearly 30 years ago, I was welcomed into a U.S. high school as an exchange student from Argentina. The experiences I had while living with a host family, attending school, and becoming a member of a community are what led me to an international career and eventually to becoming president of AFS-USA. As global headlines continue to focus on issues of conflict that affect us all, I cannot think of anything more important than creating opportunities for young people from diverse backgrounds to understand one another better.
By opening their doors to host exchange students, Mountain View High School is providing all students with opportunities to increase their global awareness and cultural understanding as they continue on the path toward becoming the kind of leaders this world needs.
Our work would be impossible if not for the outstanding educators, host families, and volunteers. We hope that more schools will follow the example Mountain View has set by hosting young people from around the world.
