The Medford Alba
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Student Ambassadors, 1985
The Student Exchange began in 1985 has become the basis for an ever-widening circle of friends in both cities and now spans generations! The Exchange is a special opportunity to learn about a new culture, make friends, and represent our community as an ambassador of goodwill. In a world where peace and compassion are much needed, the Student Exchange is of great importance.
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The Student Exchange is funded through fundraising and donations. We are thrilled to extend the Exchange opportunity to all students of any economic status.
Medford high school students from North and South High Schools, are paired with Alba high school students based on like interests and remain together throughout the Exchange. For many students, the Student Exchange may be the first time a student has left home, traveled by plane or internationally, or experienced independence from their families. Upon their return to the U.S., most students feel they have gained an overall better sense of self and report that the Exchange was life-changing experience for them. Many return with new confidence, a desire to travel more, gain experience with different cultures, and seek new opportunities to make long-lasting friendships. |
2023 Student Exchange
Medford & Italian Students in Alba (2023)
2023 Slide Show
Due to the COVID pandemic, the Student Exchange did not operate in 2021. Reestablished in 2023, two chaperones and eleven exceptional students from North and South Medford High Schools were interviewed and selected to represent the Medford Alba Student Exchange. From March through July, students worked to raise money by gathering donations, facilitating a successful auction in May, as well as volunteering with local organizations.
Alba Students Visit to Medford
On July 18th, 2023, Alba students arrived in Medford, OR. After being in touch with months, students and chaperones were excited to meet one another! Alba Students got to enjoy the best Southern Oregon had to offer: a Welcome BBQ, visiting DanCin Winery, meeting local leaders at City Hall, a day-long trip to Crater Lake, shopping and eating in Ashland, rafting the Rogue, a Rogue baseball game, and a goodbye dinner and dance. On days with unplanned events, host family-lead activities included visiting the Oregon/California Coast, walking through the majestic Redwoods and Trees of Mystery, hiking Table Rock, enjoying concerts and plays, and participating in exciting jet boat excursions. After their departure on July 31st, 2023, Alba Students traveled to San Francisco for a few days prior to returning to Italy.
Alba Students Visit to Medford
On July 18th, 2023, Alba students arrived in Medford, OR. After being in touch with months, students and chaperones were excited to meet one another! Alba Students got to enjoy the best Southern Oregon had to offer: a Welcome BBQ, visiting DanCin Winery, meeting local leaders at City Hall, a day-long trip to Crater Lake, shopping and eating in Ashland, rafting the Rogue, a Rogue baseball game, and a goodbye dinner and dance. On days with unplanned events, host family-lead activities included visiting the Oregon/California Coast, walking through the majestic Redwoods and Trees of Mystery, hiking Table Rock, enjoying concerts and plays, and participating in exciting jet boat excursions. After their departure on July 31st, 2023, Alba Students traveled to San Francisco for a few days prior to returning to Italy.
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Medford Students Visit to Alba
On August 19th, 2023, eleven South and North Medford High students and two chaperones embarked on their exciting adventure to Italy. Landing in Rome, students enjoyed Rome's local eateries and toured awe-inspiring ancient and historic Roman sites for two days, prior to a 4.5 hour ride on a high-speed train through the Italian countryside to Turin. Once in Turin, they were greeted by and reconnected with their Alba student, host family, and chaperones. For the next two weeks, Medford ambassadors kept busy and entertained meeting Alba's leaders at City Hall, touring the city of Alba and its ancient underground, castles and cathedrals. Other activities included touring the Ferrero chocolate factory, visiting local wineries, watching a traditional flag throwing exhibition, splashing at a local water park, and dancing at local discotheques. They also learned about Alba's educational programs by visiting a local school, hazelnut plantation, and hiking through beautiful vineyards and surrounding countryside. All the while experiencing delicious Italian cuisine and gelato before returning to the U.S. on September 6, 2023. 2013 - 2023 Student Exchange
2023 Ambassadors
Ambassador Videos |
