Program allows students to broaden horizons

     By Tina Allen
     View staff writer
      Benjamin Schoenweitz had always heard about the United States on television from his home in Dortmund, Germany.
      "But I just wanted to see the world out of a different view," said the 17-year-old.
      So the teen joined Youth for Understanding International Exchange program, which is allowing him not only to see the country, but to experience it for 11 months.
      Schoenweitz, who arrived in Las Vegas Aug. 10, attends an American school, has American parents, whom he calls Mom and Dad, a sister and brother and a new set of friends.
      "I would tell everybody at my age to do an exchange year somewhere," said Schoenweitz, a junior studying art at the Las Vegas Academy of International Studies and Performing Arts. "You learn a lot about yourself and of course about the culture and the different people. But I don't think you can ever learn as much as you learn in this year as the rest of your life."
      Youth for Understanding, founded in 1951, is one of the world's largest nonprofit teen-age exchange programs. High school students ages 15 to 18 have their choice of 34 destinations, ranging from Argentina to Ireland. Some require previous study of the language, but not all. Youths can also choose a summer program or an 11-month stay.
      Lorraine Klenk, field manager for Youth for Understanding, is hoping to pique the interest of American students who would like to get the same experience as Schoenweitz. In addition, she's seeking volunteer families to host international students and businesses to sponsor U.S. students through scholarships for the program.
      Depending on the length of stay and the location, prices for one student to travel range from about $3,000 to $6,000. Klenk said several corporations create scholarships for their employees' children.
      Klenk began volunteering 17 years ago, initially as a host parent. The boy and three girls who have lived with her in the past still remain an important part of her family and all stay in contact, she said.
      "The amazing part is it stays family," Klenk said. "You don't get rid of that family thing. It's as strong as if you were born into it."
      Coming to a foreign land also requires some adapting by the students.
      "It comes from the total immersion that's required," Klenk said. "You have to be willing to get both feet out of your own country and live in another culture where you know nobody."
      Samantha Brizzolara, an area representative for the program, did just that 13 years ago as a junior in high school. Through a corporate scholarship provided to her through her father's job, she lived in Japan for a summer.
      "When I came home, I was Japanese. I didn't care what anybody said. That's how it happens," Brizzolara said. "I purposely put myself through that, though, because I wanted to be so immersed in it, and it made it all the more fulfilling."
      Those interested in joining the program or in becoming a sponsor can call Klenk at 645-2680 or visit the Web site at www.yfu.org.Youngsters set for walk
     View
      Members of the Youth for Understanding program are scheduled to participate in the American Cancer Society 5-kilometer walk, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, on Saturday in Henderson.
      Youth for Understanding team members are recruiting participants and sponsors to join them. Those interested can call Samantha Brizzolara at 309-0290.