The 2009 FRANCE-USA Youth Debates ran from May 28-June 9, 2009. Like debates in 2004, the program was connected to the observance of D-Day in Normandy(60th and 65th anniversaries) in which students were able to attend ceremonies of that historic event with President Sarkozy and President Obama.
The debates centered around globalization (threat or opportunity) how to expand cultural opportunities between the U.S. and France, immigration and how education can best serve students in the 21st century. Debates were held in Paris at the French National Assembly and in Fontainebleau, a historic city just outside of Paris.
Students from the U.S. came from California, Louisiana, Delaware and Florida. Students were selected through language teachers, the National Forensic League's website, attendance by USA Youth Debates' representatives at debate tournaments in Fort Lauderdale Stanford University, and other contacts.
Students stayed with host families in Livry Gargan (city just outside of Paris) Fontainebleau (city just outside of Paris) and Caen in Normandy. In addition to seeing historic sites in Paris, Caen and Fontainebleau, students practiced their French language skills as their peers showed them around places like Versailles, the French bistro, Notre Dame, a tour of Caen, the historic chateau of William the Conquerer and many other points of interest.
With the generous support of the U.S. Embassy, students attended the ceremonies to honor the invasion of France on June 6, 1944 at Omaha Beach in which President Obama, President Sarkozy, Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Prime Minister Stephen Harper gave moving tributes to veterans.
Another highlight of the trip was debating at France's Assemblée Nationale, one of the great legislative venues in the world.
Denmark/USA Youth Debates 2010
High School and university students from Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin and Minnesota made up our delegation in September. Meeting in Copenhagen, students got to see why Denmark is an innovator and a remarkably powerful country for its size, leading the way on environmental, architectural design and the uniquely Danish concept of ‘hyggelig’(pronounced HEW-glee)
Danish and U.S. students traveled together to Kronborg Castle(“Hamlet’s Castle”) relaxed with host families in three Danish cities, debated at Rungsted Gymnasium and the Danish national parliament(Folketinget) After debates in Copenhagen our delegation traveled with students from Risskov
Gymnasium to their home city of Arhus(Jutland) for a variety of educational and cultural events. The U.S. delegation also went out to Bornholm Island in the Baltic Sea and got to participate in an incredible cultural event sponsored by Bornholm Gymnasium.
The debates, cultural activities, host family stays, beautiful weather and remarkable new friendships made this a memorable People-To-People event.
Students felt a closeness to Danish people as a result of their experiences and won’t ever forget the warmth and hospitality shown to them by everyone they met during the USA-DENMARK Youth Debates.
ATTACHED Photo for Denmark text
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