Your Passport to the Servas Youth Language Experience! 

by Tys Sniffen

Are you between the ages of 18 and 30? Are you ready to dive headfirst into an exciting world of languages, cultures, and unforgettable experiences?  Or are you a host who could imagine a longer-term stay with a young person from another country? TheServas Youth Language Experience, - SYLE – is an amazing opportunity for Servas members.  

The Buzz About SYLE: Simply put – it’s Servas but longer term – think four weeks of immersion in a home setting where one can truly work on learning a language.  

What Makes SYLE So Awesome? 

1. Languages for real: Forget boring textbooks and snooze-worthy lectures. With SYLE, you're diving into language learning with all the trimmings: food, daily routines, and just hanging out. SYLE participants stay with locals who speak the language: it’s the best way to pick up a language in the most natural and fun way possible. 

1. Culture Crash Course: We're not stopping at languages, folks. SYLE throws participants right into the heart of local life. Savor delicious foods, dance to new beats, and celebrate traditions you never knew existed. Servas can make this happen.   

1. Gain Confidence: Living in a new place and navigating uncharted territory are a huge part of growing into a global citizen. SYLE isn't just about languages and cultures – it's a crash course in personal growth. SYLErsemerge more confident, adaptable, and ready to take on whatever life throws their way. 

1. Friendship Fiesta: Here's the cherry on top: the friendships forged during SYLE are the real deal. After connecting with locals who open their homes and hearts, and guess what? These connections are often for life. It's like building a global squad of pals who've got your back, no matter where you roam. 

The SYLE Magic: 

1. World Wisdom: SYLE's all about breaking down barriers and building bridges. Gain a deep, firsthand understanding of cultures that goes beyond travel brochures and Google searches. 

1. Talk the Talk: Don’t just learn a language; live it! Conversations won't be limited to ordering food – chat, laugh, and connect on a whole new level with locals. 

1. Adventure Awaits: SYLE is like a hero's journey. Discover your inner explorer, conquer challenges, and come out the other side with stories that'll have your friends' jaws dropping. 

1. Global Squad: SYLE transforms you into a global citizen with a heart full of empathy and a backpack full of memories. Your network of friends expands across the globe, and suddenly, the world feels a whole lot smaller (in the best way possible). 

1. Forever Footprints: The bonds you create during SYLE don't fade away. They stick with you, serving as a reminder of the amazing people out there and the extraordinary experiences to be had. 

So, there you have it, the lowdown on why SYLE is the coolest thing since sliced bread. If you're ready to ride a whirlwind of languages, cultures, and friendships that'll last a lifetime, SYLE's waiting with open arms – your passport to unforgettable adventures! 

by Lee Rowley 

The US Servas Board has been busy collaborating with our colleagues from Italy, Spain and Israel to invigorate our SYLE (Servas Youth Language Experience) program.  We define youth as ages 18-30.   

If you, your extended family, friends, or neighbors would like to host a youth from another country for approximately one week, please let us know.  US Servas can coordinate a home stay at your home based on your preferences.  There are many youths from other parts of the world, especially in Servas countries that have well-established STYLE programs: Spain, Italy and Israel, for example, who would be very interested in having an immersion experience here in the US.  What is required?  Simply to include the traveler in your family meals, as well as to provide sleeping accommodations for approximately one week. 

Another option: If you have someone in your immediate or extended family, friends or neighbors who would like to send a youth for a 4-6 week immersion experience to improve language skills or cultural immersion, consider the SYLE program.  The youth traveler would be responsible for transportation and spending money.  The host family will provide meals and sleeping accommodations.  Travel to another country for four weeks would be coordinated by Servas representatives from the host country and would entail the youth traveler staying with approximately four families. 

US Servas is looking forward to jump-starting this program and to engaging our younger members in this exciting endeavor.If you would like to learn more, or to have a deeper conversation about our SYLE program, please use this Contact Us form or the link at the bottom of any US Servas webpage.

Servas France and Italy invite Servas members between the ages of 18 and 35 to join them at an Eco-Camp in Val Maira, Italy. There will be sustainability, peace tours (Val Maira was the refuge and headquarters of Italian Resistance fighters in both World Wars), and intercultural workshops. Hiking, of course! Spend evenings around a bonfire – sing, dance, make music, share a special activity from your home, share s’mores recipes.  

There is a limit of 28 places. After that number has registered, there will be a waiting list. Registration closes on June 30^th with payment made by July 15^th. The cost is 100€ which includes lodging for 5 nights, food, activities and the shuttle.   

If you have questions please contact us at servasSumCamp2023@gmail.com. 

REGISTER HERE 

HOW TO GET THERE 

Cuneo is in the southwestern Piedmont. 

Many airports are nearby: Nice, Milan, Turin. From any of these, drive, train or bus to Cuneo where you will meet a shuttle to Rifugio Sant’Ana, 12020 Roccabruna, Cuneo. 

If you would like to arrive before or stay a little longer you could contact local Servas members in advance.The arrangers would be happy to help. 

WHAT TO BRING 

• Sleeping bag or sheets, mattress if you sleep in a tent 

• Waterproof windbreaker or similar 

• Warm clothes for evenings 

• Sports clothes for day 

• Hiking shoes/sneakers, a second pair of shoes/sandals 

• Hat/cap/visor, sunglasses 

• Small backpack for day trips 

• Flashlight and batteries 

• Water bottle 

• Personal mess kit and utensils, personal cup 

• Toiletries (biodegradable products preferred) 

• Sunscreen(we will be at 5,000 feet) 

• Musical instrument, book, lightweight game -- optional 

Attendees of the 2021 US Servas conference in N. Carolina might recall the delightful children's art displayed around the room. These were the winners of the 2020 Peace Pals International Art Contest. What a wonderful way to expose your kids or grandkids to thinking about peace in a way that might inspire them. Maybe their art will hang on the world stage instead of the fridge.Peace Pals International is associated with May Peace Prevail On Earth, Inc. They are now accepting submissions forthe 26th annual children's art contest.  

This year's contest is based on the theme "Unity". Unity is being together or at one with someone or something. It’s the opposite of being divided. This is a word for togetherness or oneness. Children should create an image of what this means to them. The contest has four age categories ranging from 5 to 16. All artworks must be original and drawn by the participants. Click to learn more about Peace Pals, see the contest Rules and Guidelines, or see Previous Winners. 

NOTE: Artwork submission deadline is August 31, 2023 

Would you like to have a language and cultural immersion experience with Servas?  The Servas SYLE program offers younger Servas members (18 to 30) an opportunity to widen their knowledge of a language by immersing themselves in another culture. Hospitality is offered by Servas hosts and organized in the spirit of generosity and cooperation between Servas groups in different countries. The program involves young people in the everyday life of their host family and local community. US Servas offers some financial assistance to participate in this program.

Registration should be made 3 to 4 months before your planned travel. Here is a link to the Registration Form. Submit your application to rota.raffaella2022@gmail.com. for more information visit the Servas International SYLE webpage. If you still have questions feel free to email  youthandfamilies@servas.org

You can purchase this year's International Day of Peace t-shirt (with a peacock!) or  any other SERVAS t-shirt design here. Profits support Youth Activities.