2008 STUDENT EXCHANGE TRIP TO TURKEY

On March 3, 2008, 15 Memphis area high school students and 2 chaperones traveled to Istanbul, Turkey, as part of the Memphis in May International Festival Student Exchange Program sponsored by AT&T.  The students were selected from over 70 applicants and were chosen based on their grade point average, community involvement and ability to communicate successfully both spoken and written. The 2008 trip marked the Festival’s 19th student exchange.  

The selected students were as follows: Ramzi Abdoch, Christopher Carlile, Rebecca Carper, Grace Kim, Eileen Kyle and Charles Vergos all of White Station High School; Joshua Burse of Hamilton High School; Branden Asemah of Middle College High School; Corey Lewis of Craigmont High School; Aarón Martin of  Ridgeway High School; Anastasia McCray of Kingsbury High School; Leah Smith of Houston High School; Dominique Stem of Central High School;  Kimberly Swift of Germantown High School and Shelby Wilson of Arlington High School.

Pictured above: Students and Chaperones in the Memphis International Aiport

upon arrival home from their Trip to Turkey.

The chosen Memphis in May Ambassadors spent 10 days in the honored country, where they visited a number of historical sites such as the the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara, the Blue Mosque, the Underground Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar.  During their visit, students lived with host families and attend Eyüboglu High School in Istanbul.

“It is truly refreshing to see young people take an interest in visiting such a culturally rich country as Turkey,” said Bill Ray, AT&T Area Vice President, prior to their trip.  It is my sincere hope that the students who were chosen will take full advantage of this fantastic opportunity and return with a greater sense of the world around them.”

In preparation for their trip, students participated in Orientation Sessions where they studied many different aspects of life in Turkey, such as, currency exchange, cuisine, climate, language, and customs. 

Each year, applicants must submit a completed application form, official school transcript, a 500 - 1,000 word essay, three letters of recommendation to be considered. Interviews with applicants will be conducted by the selection panel, which is comprised of education professionals.

The Memphis in May Student Exchange Program is open to any 11th or 12th grade student enrolled from August to June of the current school year. The student must also be enrolled in a Memphis City School, Shelby County School or private school or authorized home school within Shelby County.

Prior to travel, preparation sessions will be held with emphasis on orientation to the culture and country to which they will visit, travel details, and their responsibilities as Memphis in May ambassadors. Selected students are encouraged to share their experiences and new knowledge of the honored country with local school and community groups after their return.

The AT&T Student Exchange Program provides the selected students with an all-expense paid, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the culture of our honored country. Each year students are selected based on grades, community service, and communication skills. 

The 2008 application deadline has passed.

Thank you to all those students and chaperones who applied!

If you have questions, please contact Kristin Jones, Program Administrator, at kjones@memphisinmay.org or at (901) 525-4611 ext. 108.