YOUTH Travel Scholarships

Film & Discussion Series

Cultural Kitchen

New Staff!

Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket

FOOTNOTES - August 2006
Hello,
The message on my cell phone says that I will be out of the office all summer. If you email me, you will get a reply directing you to someone else. No, I am not avoiding you. After twelve years at Hostelling International, I am retiring (yeah, I wish!); leaving (well, not completely); moving on (more like moving sideways)…sigh…what AM I doing (my husband keeps asking me the same!)??? I am relinquishing my job to a newcomer to HI, who has lots of great experience and ideas. I will continue to do group reservations throughout the winter while pursuing something that has always been close to my heart and my work – educating our youth about the world, its people and cultures. In essence, I’ve made the HI mission, my mission. Thank you to all who have made this a wonderful journey for me: my hostellers, my mentors, my staff, my co-workers and especially "my" groups of kids.

See you around the hostels!

  Sophie Barbier

 
Hi there,
 
I hope you've all had some great travel adventures already this year! I'm thrilled to be joining Hostelling International, and I'm really excited to support the organization's mission by providing you with travel opportunities that include unique programs and opportunities for intercultural exchange. I hope to have the chance to meet some of you on your future trips to the Cape and Islands!

Happy travels!
Megan Conway
The New Sophie
aka Director of Seasonal Hostels

 

 

Summer 2006 was the kick-off year for the YOUTH Travel Scholarships. Thanks to a generous donation from a Hostelling International member, HI-ENEC was able to award $1000 scholarships to three Boston area youth serving organizations to help fund trips to Martha’s Vineyard. Almost all of the youths that traveled had never been to the island and some rarely have a chance to go on vacation or to the beach. The groups serve young people ages 12-16 and offer their youth programming free of charge.

"None of the youth in our group had ever been on a ferry before and they loved it. They were yelling and laughing during the whole ride. They were picking out the mansions they would like to own one day along the coast . . ." Jessica Stetson, Youth Outreach Coordinator, Housing Opportunities Unlimited

HI-ENEC would like to continue offer Boston’s youth the opportunity to leave the city on a trip where they can relax, recreate and be exposed to other cultures. Fundraising is now underway for summer 2007. You can help bring youth from the inner-city to one of our country’s top destinations by making a contribution today. To contribute to the YOUTH Travel Scholarships, click here.

Look for the next season of Expand Your World on Wednesday Nights!
HI-USA ENEC starts a new season of our film and discussion series designed to capture the impact of travel through thought-provoking, relevant cinema. Join us monthly to explore other cultures, gain insight, and expand your understanding of the world. The first film will be in September. Look out for our email announcing the film. Location: Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline, MA Time: 7:00pm
Admission: $5 (incl. popcorn!) Email or Call Nick to confirm, 617.718.7990 x17

 

 

This September, ENEC will launch a new after school program called Cultural Kitchen. It is a program that utilizes cooking and cuisine as a vehicle to build cultural competency in local students. Cultural Kitchen program sessions last approximately 10 weeks, take place entirely after school and on school grounds, and are free. The program will provide youth in greater Boston, ages 12-17, with opportunities to:
  • Gain a greater understanding of the world and its people
  • Respect the different people and cultures they encounter
  • Explore their individual country and ethnic culture of origin
  • Strengthen their ability to communicate with others and work as a team
  • Become open-minded, caring world citizens
  • Share their culture with peers
  • Prepare and taste meals representing various ethnicities
Schools already signed on as partners for this unique program include Boston International High School, Charlestown High School, Somerville High School, Codman Academy Charter School and Boston Renaissance Charter School.

 

 

We are welcoming a second new staff member at the Council. Anna Marks will be coordinating the Cultural Kitchen program. She is an AmeriCorps member embarking on a year of service through the Massachusetts Promise Fellowship program. Anna recently graduated from Middlebury College. A major in International Studies, she is fluent in Spanish, and has spent time living and working in Central America. Anna officially joins the team August 7th, fresh off leading a language immersion trip to Costa Rica for high school students.

 

 

September is a great time of year on the islands! Visit our Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard hostels! The weather is still gorgeous, the water as warm as it will get and the crowds gone! Both hostels will be open through October 9.

 

 

Every month, FOOTNOTES takes a virtual field trip to a hostel. This month we are going to Granada, Spain. The beautiful Andalucian city is full of history, culture and fun! With temps cooling off as we head into fall, September and October are a great time of year to visit. For a place to stay, check out Oasis Granada. Rated 4th in the world by Hostelworld.com users, the hostel has a great location in the heart of the Albaicín, the old Arabic quarter located on the hill opposite the Alhambra. The neighborhood is characterized by cobble stoned streets with white washed houses. With rates at €15/per person in the dorms and €18/per person in a double, you'll have euros left over for vino y tapas!

While in Granada, be sure to visit the famous Alhambra. The Alhambra was a palace, citadel, fortress and the home of the Nasrid sultans, high government officials, servants of the court and elite soldiers from the 13th to the 14th century.

and as always....don't forget to send us a postcard!

Hostelling International USA, Eastern New England Council is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing cultural interchange by facilitating worldwide travel.
Who We Are

HI-USA, Eastern New England Council
218 Holland St
Somerville MA 02144
www.usahostels.org