Part Two - From America 2013

We are now home safely back in Australia.

Our last week in the USA saw some very exciting developments. 

 

1.     Meeting with Green River College 

We had the great pleasure in meeting Cyndi Rapier –

Director of Housing, International Program and hearing of Green River Community College winning the ‘Paul Simon’ (not the singer) Award being presented at NAFSA. This award acknowledges services to International Students. Cyndi is a champion of standards for International Students and will assist our American Homestay Network Team in spreading the word regarding the right standards for homestay in USA.

That’s one small step……….

2.     Dinner with Chris Evason and the USA Team

It was amazing to meet our friend and partner in Australia in Seattle. Chris was on his way home from the ICEF Toronto Conference where he launched the ICEF Agent TrainingProgram for Canada. He was very pleased with our American Homestay Network progress and looked forward to future updates.  A nice dinner with the USA team.

3.     Chris Bycroft Arrives in Seattle

It was starting to look like a family reunion in Seattle as Chris Bycroft landed to assist with the plans and developments. He was welcomed by the USA team and his in tray quickly filled. Some great ideas coming out of USA relevant for Australia!!!!!

4.     Dinner with Jaime and Erin Quick at their Home

It was great to mix business with pleasure for an excellent team dinner at our PR man Jaime and partner Erin’s place. Fantastic food (banquet style) and the odd glass of good local wine…

5.     BBQ with Doug and Denise

Thanks Doug and Denise, (and kids- Rose and Ruth) for a great night. Doug is our global and IT strategist (and an old friend of David from over 20 years ago in Brisbane). How good was it to have a taste of the first arrivals of Copper River Salmon to Seattle (as well as some prime beef). A fantastic walk around Green Lake and some great strength of character shown to walk past the gourmet ice-cream shop….. (Well at least the first time)…..

6.     Meeting with City of Seattle, International Programs Director.

Had a great chat with Mike from Seattle Council and definitely worth a follow up! Some good opportunities for the Council to help build dramatically the Seattle International Student Program.   Stay tuned.

Now back in the real world!!!!!! 

Ella