Name:     Eva Koberstein	Profession:
Relationship:  Johann WI line	Country:     United States of America
Reedsburg, Wisconsin Times Press Equal exchange REEDSBURG - The rural areas of Sauk and Richland County will be experiencing some diversity this year as three students from the other side of the world are attending Weston High School and living with three local families. Amy and Corry Mathews, Stan and Melissa Dugenske and Merlin and Diane Brandt welcomed these students into their homes this week. Zhomart Yeleusizou of Kazakhstan will be staying with the Dugenske's, Leif Borges of Germany will be with the Brandt's and Orkhan Jafarzada of Azerbaijan will be living with the Mathews. These families and their new family members have come together with the help of Eva Koberstein, a local representative of Youth for Understanding. Youth for Understanding is a worldwide exchange program that since 1951 has exchanged about 200,000 students, according to its Web site. Koberstein has been involved with the program for nine years and coordinates students for Weston, Reedsburg, Hillsboro, Richland Center and Wonewoc, she said. The Koberstein family is also hosting a student from Germany. For most of the people involved, it's about diversity, family, learning and providing a home for these students while they visit. "Getting another part of the world here is so important to the community," said Koberstein. The Mathews family is participating in the program for the first time. "I have three kids of my own and (Orkhan) will be treated just like the ones I have," Amy Mathews said. "It's really important to discuss it with your family," she said. After the family went through the screening processes and interviews they were contacted by Koberstein, Amy said. "We just thought it would be a great experience," she said. For the Dugenske's getting involved this year was based on already having a total of four students visit their family, including Zhomart, Stan Dugenske said. "It just grows on you," he said. Welcome to the United States Most of the students have arrived in the United States and Koberstein held a gathering Monday to welcome them and address any concerns. A student from Japan and her host parent discussed how children are disciplined here. Driving, shopping and the weather were also popular topics. Before students arrive in the United States and become part of a family, it is Koberstein's responsibility to help the students get matched with one that will fit their needs. "I check on them and make sure they're doing ok with school and (that) they're safe at home," Koberstein said. For a family to be eligible to have an exchange student Koberstein said they have to be open-minded. Koberstein said they try and make matches based on food preferences, religion and personal interests. "We can't always do it, but we try," she said. She also helps prepare students and families for some of the differences they might experience. From the difference between football and soccer to why there is no public transportation, the students have many questions about our culture, she said. School is also a different experience for the students, including being able to choose classes, longer school days and having bigger class sizes, Koberstein said. Travel and Traditions While overcoming differences and getting to know each other, the families and students have already made plans for the next year. "Orkhan gets to experience all the holidays, and we get to experience the culture he has," Corry Mathews said. The Mathews plan to take Orkhan to their hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio for Thanksgiving and Christmas, they said. They also plan to celebrate Easter, Halloween and take him to a wedding. On March 22 Orkhan plans to share his culture's celebration of New Year's Eve, Amy Mathews said. "That's the major holiday they celebrate," she said. It includes eating sweets, painting eggs and jumping over fire and they plan to celebrate it with the Dugenske's she said. "I think that will be one of my favorite holidays," Orkhan said. The Dugenske's have already been keeping Zhomart busy. They have been boating and fishing and have introduced Zhomart to other family members, Stan said. "The biggest thing is we try to keep these kids involved," he said. Through Youth for Understanding some trips are also planned for all the exchange students, Koberstein said. They plan to visit the Mall of America and Chicago, she said. "We like to plan trips so the kids can get together." Enriching experience The families involved in hosting exchange students of Weston High School have all reflected positively on the experience. "I think it's an enriching experience for everyone," Amy Mathews said. Welcoming someone into a rural area provides a sense of community, family and diversity, she said. "It's a great thing to expose my children to diversity." Because of what exchange students bring to a small community, Stan Dugenske said he thinks people should get involved. "It's a necessity that our small communities and large communities need to share," he said. "If they think they're interested they should just go for it because it will change your life." For more information on Youth for Understanding, visit the Web site, www.yfu-usa.org.