Hello, merhaba, hallo, dia duit, olá, مرحبا, שלום! My name is Ecmel Aysu Sürmen and this year I was chosen for Governor’s Institute of Vermont (GIV) on Current Issues and Youth Activism. I spent 15 days there and they were definitely the best days of my life. It is so hard for me to write ... Read More»

Hi, I’m Gizem, from Turkey! I’m fifteen years old. I participated in GIV  on June, 25, 2012. It was a great experience for me. I met new people from Germany, Ireland, Israel and of course US. In  addition, there were 14 students from  different cities of Turkey.  I didn’t just improve my English there, at ... Read More»

My YES exchange year was the most unforgettable time of my life. When I go back to my country, I will take with me my independent living skills, pretty good English, my own trust in myself, a new culture, and lots of good memories. During my time in the United States, I had many experiences ... Read More»

When I first learnt that I was going to Vermont my expectations were not that high.What was Vermont? Activism sounded good, but Vermont? I was not even sure it was in the USA. Yet starting with the first moment, the moment we met with staff member Pam, I fall in love with Vermont. When we ... Read More»

Who would have known that a trip like this would change my perspective of the world to such an extent? At first, I was too prejudiced about the United States. I thought it was a country where almost no one is sober, most people are idle and many other stereotypes like that. Then, things changed. ... Read More»