⚓ Welcome to Tidal Echoes

Series: “Youth Speaks Its Mind” (A republication of our hometown newspaper, The Suffolk County News, from 65 years ago)

Our history isn't just a timeline; it's a series of waves that shape who we are today. In this series, we revisit the bold voices of Sayville’s past. Today, we listen to Susan Lowenkron as she explores the burgeoning world of international exchange and global understanding in 1962.

Originally published in The Suffolk County News on March 15th, 1962. Transcribed for the Sayville Alumni Association.

Global Interchange and Understanding

By Susan Lowenkron, Sayville High School

Looking at the enrollment list of a college catalogue, there is a large percentage of students from foreign countries. However, turning to another page, it is found that an increasing number of undergraduate schools offer a junior year abroad.

The junior year abroad plan has taken hold in many leading colleges. Qualified students may apply for admission to the various groups spending the year at a European university for credit. This is just one part of the ever-growing interchange program.

Another section of this inter-scholastic project is the incoming students, for example, from Africa. We need not look far to see this in effect. In Sayville, there are students from Africa attending Adelphi Suffolk College and even in Sayville High School.

There is also the exchange between high schools of foreign countries. In this instance, an American and French student may exchange homes for a school year and attend each other's schools. Such a program, I understand, exists in Shelter Island.

Another opportunity for the interested American student takes the shape of a summer tour abroad. Here a group may travel within just one country or visit several countries for observation and also studies.

One of the strongest movements in this direction is the Peace Corps, which also involves young people. This puts more emphasis on the helping of a country rather than the gaining of knowledge for further studies, and it is very influential in our foreign relations.

Recently, many students have become interested in arrangements of this kind. Surely this is a step forward. These programs should not only be culturally enriching to the individuals but should go far in creating a better world understanding.

⚓ Cast Your Thoughts

How do these words from 1962 land today? Reflecting on Susan Lowenkron's insights:

• susan mentions students from africa attending sayville high school in 1962—do you remember meeting any of these exchange students?
• she highlights the newly formed peace corps as a "strong movement"—did you or any of your classmates consider joining after graduation?
• how has your own perspective on "world understanding" evolved since these early programs began?