This summer, students between the ages of 16 and 18 will have the opportunity to build their college resumes and experience different cultures. The International Visitors Council of Greater Kansas City (KCIVC) is holding the Youth Leaders Exchange Program with Central Europe, which gives students not only the chance to meet new people, but to travel to new places.
This program will be split into two parts. The first will be held in Kansas City from July 13th through July 26th. During this time, students will meet with other students from Hungary, Serbia, Slovakia, and Slovenia to learn many skill, leadership development, volunteerism, and civic responsibility among them.
“[Students] will develop a country project to improve life for young people in their countries,” Executive Director Barbara Dolci said. “The KC teens will develop a project, too. Last year KC teens decided to help homeless teens in our area by supporting Synergy House, and are in process with that plan now.”
For the next part of the program, four students and one adult from the Kansas City area will visit Serbia and Hungary from August .
“When the kids go to Serbia and Hungary, they will learn a lot about the life and culture of those countries,” Dolci said. “They will stay in homes, just as the Europeans will in KC, and get to see their European friends again in their own countries. They will go to museums, recreation areas, government offices and learn about this part of the world and have a great time.”
To be a part of the program, students must fill out an application on the council’s website. The program is also searching for an adult between the ages of 24 and 45 to apply for the trip to accompany the chosen students.
“What an amazing opportunity to visit this part of the world and learn first-hand about this beautiful, historical place,” Dolci said. “This is a once in a lifetime experience. You can make a difference in KC as well, as you design and implement a plan to improve life for youth here.”
Applications will be due on Feb. 12th. See kcivc.org for more information.