This article from the Thought Catalog puts into words what countless intrepid world travelers often feel once they return home. I’m reminded of the Thomas Wolfe novel titled “You Can’t Go Home Again”. Of course we do go home again…but we are forever changed. Our minds are broadened, our hearts more open, the way we do things impacted by cultures we’ve visited.
Enjoy this article, and maybe add Thought Catalog to your favorites list for more insightful reading.
On Sunday, June 8th, Host Families and their Au Pairs enjoyed lovely weather, as well as international foods, at Ft. McHenry overlooking the Patapsco River. Three different cluster areas were represented – Annapolis, Baltimore and Columbia. While people mingled naturally, they had some fun with the “Speed Dating” game that kept them moving amongst each other at the sound of a whistle every few minutes. 
A lighthearted way to keep things moving! A face painter was on hand for the children so that the Au Pairs were able to also mingle with the families. A great way for families to be introduced to new countries, that they may want to host an Au Pair from in the future.
We believe that participants of the Au Pair in America program are special people – both the host families and the au pairs. They open their hearts and minds to learning about each others cultures and lives. We like to celebrate with them and our picnic is one way we can do this. We’ll see everyone next year, same time (the Sunday before Father’s Day), same location!
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GLOBAL AWARENESS PRESENTS FLAG DAY CONTEST!! |
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WIN A GIFT CARD! June 14 is Flag Day! Create your version of your country’s flag. You can use any materials you like to represent your flag. To see previous entries, look here! 3 WINNERS WILL BE CHOSEN! You can submit a flag by yourself or with friends. You can also do a CLUSTER projet! All Entires MUST include: Name Country Counselor All Entries MUST be received by June 10 Winners Will be Announced on June 14 at |
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| For more information, visit www.globalawareness.com. Email us at gaapia@gmail.com. Global Awareness is a program of Au Pair in America. |
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Au Pair in America |
Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states then others followed. It is now celebrated on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays).
Americans honor those who have lost their lives for their country by visiting cemeteries, placing flags and flowers on graves, flying the U.S. flag at half-staff until noon and attending parades. Children can be a part of Memorial Day too. Here are some links to children’s activities:
http://sunniebunniezz.com/puzzles/memdykws.htm
http://sunniebunniezz.com/puzzles/memdymcr.htm
http://www.usmemorialday.org/activities/flag/index.htm
http://sunniebunniezz.com/memdyjbc.htm
“How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!” ~Maya Angelou
As the weather becomes more inviting, you may want to visit other US cities. A great way to get a quick overview of a city is by going on a guided tour. Free Tours By Foot offer “pay what you like” tours of some of the greatest American cities. We have gone as clusters before on Free Tours By Foot in Philadelphia and Washington DC. Small group tours can also be arranged, or you can join an existing group. Check out www.freetoursbyfoot.com for more information.
Lots of activity celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this year!
Here are links to information on Baltimore’s parade and Shamrock 5k, and Annapolis’ festivities.
Have you been wondering where you could go to see a performance, a film or an art exhibit?
Towson University has all of the above and more! You can check out their Spring 2014 calendar of events here.
Most of their events are FREE, and would make great outings for families and au pairs.
Here are some of the events happening in March and April:
Theatre
4/16: Mixed Media “a new musical” by Kristina Kauffman, 7:30 pm, Ruth Marder Studio Theatre
Music
4/2: Ellery Eskelin’s Trio New York, 8:15 pm, Recital Hall
4/11: Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, 7:30 pm, Stephens Hall Theatre
Dance
Ongoing through 5/17: TU Community Dance Classes, various days and times of the week, Center for the Arts
4/4 – 4/5: Dance Majors Performance Project, Dance Studio Theatre
Art
3/23: HARANA – The Search for the Lost Art of Serenade (2012), 5:30 pm, Recital Hall and Atrium, Center for the Arts
Film
11th Annual CLA International Film Festival
3/11: Screening of Favela Rising, 6 pm – 8 pm, College of Liberal Arts, LA 2310
3/27: Screening of Dream Land, 6 pm – 8 pm, College of Liberal Arts, LA 2310
4/3: Screening of The Square, 6 pm – 8 pm, College of Liberal Arts, LA 2310
4/3 – 4/5: 7th Annual International Women and Minorities in Media Festival, Van Bokkelen Auditorium, VB 204
4/5: Saturday Night Anime Series: “5 Centimeters Per Second”, 7pm, Media Center, MC 108
4/7: Sustainability Film Series: “TAPPED”, 7 pm, College of Liberal Arts, CLA 12o1
Saturday March 8 celebrates International Women’s Day!
For more information on the history of this day, visit www.internationalwomensday.com.
This site offers all sorts of resources to learn more about women’s movements and initiatives worldwide – including articles, posters, pictures, videos, and much more. We are proud to be able to sponsor the amazing cross cultural home stay experience of Au Pair in America for some many young women across the globe!
The 2014 Cherry Blossom Festival will be held this year from March 20 – April 13. The cherry trees were originally planted in the nation’s capital when the first ones were given as a gift of friendship from the people of Japan to the people of the U.S. The link gives a calendar of events. Plan ahead to go over and enjoy the beauty of early Spring. The best dates for au pairs and host families are the Saturday events, some of which are the following:
3/29 Blossom Kite Festival on the grounds of the Washington Monument
4/5 Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival
4/12 National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade AND Japanese Street Festival (locations given in the link)
We need our au pairs to participate in this special project so we can create our very own Au Pair in America video quilt. All they have to do is send a video (not more than 30 seconds) telling us about a FIRST time they experienced something in the US.
A quick piece using their smart phone will do!
Here’s a link for au pairs to see how easy it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSOaP7yjats#t=28
Au Pairs should post their video on YouTube and send the link to: gaapia@gmail.com along with their name, country, cc’s name and where they live now. Every au pair who submits a video will receive a gift.
Deadline is March 6th.
