Pam's winning smile comes through even over the phone

Pam Sommer:
Phone: 707-778-9931 or Toll Free 800-398-5465
Fax: 707-778-8116
E-mail: Psommer@PeopleLink.org

Role in the Global Neighborhood:
Working with Teacher Guides throughout the United States.

Pam has been involved with homestay since 1996, has hosted many times and has visited her students in Japan. She feels that homestay gives American families the opportunity to experience another culture in a very personal way. She says being a Field Coordinator excites her because she can be the catalyst that brings people of varied customs and cultures together-- thereby enhancing their understanding of each other and the world we all live in. Pam, whose other interests include music, hiking, and tap dance, really appreciates the fact that as an organization PeopleLink's first concern is with the health, happiness and cultural adjustment of the students and families involved in the program.

Irene, determined to help others benefit from the gift of cultural exchange

Irene Ferguson:
Phone: 250-765-2438 or Toll Free 800-266-6780
Fax: 250-765-2443
Email: Iferguson@PeopleLink.org

Role in the Global Neighborhood:
Working with Academic Guides in both the United States and Canada.

Irene was introduced to cultural exchange in the summer of 1990 when she and her family hosted a Japanese boy for three weeks. That first experience has developed into a trans-national friendship for the whole family. Since that time Irene has hosted many summer students as well as five academic year students. "Cultural exchange is fascinating and eye-opening. It brings lasting friendships and memories and also is so educational for everyone." For Irene the reward of having the open arms of friendship extend across the world is the greatest benefit of cultural exchange.

Heather decided at an early age to dig her heels into international sands

Heather Utley:
Phone: 604-538-1341 or Toll Free 800-304-0545
Fax: 604-538-1381
Email: Hutley@PeopleLink.org

Role in the Global Neighborhood:
Working with Teacher Guides in throughout Canada/Canadian Transportation Representative

Heather has worked with international students from Asia, South America and Europe for more than ten years, both organizing educational homestay programs and working with an ESL school. She considers herself lucky to be working in a field which is so much fun and rewarding. "As a result of bringing people together, I have seen lifetime friendships between host families and their visiting students and families, and even the occasional international marriage between students!" Heather believes that as travel and communications become faster international barriers fall. "As people come together and realize that their similarities outweigh their differences, cultural and peaceful understanding between nations result in harmonious and friendly global neighbors".

Chris Bailey:
Field Coordinator/Academic Year Coordinator: Phone:760-246-8747 or Toll Free 888-581-5465
Fax: 760-246-5829
Email: Cbailey@PeopleLink.org

Role in the Global Neighborhood:
Working with Teacher Guides and Academic Guides in Southern California.

Chris Bailey started out with PeopleLink as many of our field coordinators do, as a very interested and involved host family. From there she became a Teacher Guide, in the summer of 1999 became a Field Coordinator then that winter she took on Academic Program duties. Chris credits hosting international students with giving her three children a different perspective on the world, she also says that having hosted more than 7 students in as many years has increased her childrens awareness and acceptance of people with different cultures and customs. Chris, who raises and shows standard poodles is constantly on the go, the family likes to get away camping, boating, skiing. In the quiet times Chris likes to read and play with her dogs. Chris says "Ive always been interested in different cultures and people, I think that our own children really benefit when we expose them to international students. Not only do they learn things they couldn't find in a book but they now have friends across the world".