EXCHANGE OF STUDENTS

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28446, 28 November 1957, Page 22

EXCHANGE OF STUDENTS

Progress Of U.S. Scheme (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, November 26. There is no more effective method of building international understanding and goodwill than by an interchange of young students in various countries, said Mr Stephen Galatti, chief of the American Field Service, in Wellington today. Mr Galatti was a driver with the original field service unit in the First World War, director of its mission in the Second World War, and has been in charge of the students’ interchange scheme since.

International understanding should be fostered, especially among young people, emphasised Mr Galatti. At their age friendships are made more easily, communication is easier and impressions go deeper. Here to meet those who have studied in the United States under the scheme and to study the results of the pioneer programme, introduced in New Zealand, for sending young Americans to school overseas, Mr Galatti said he was “terribly happy about things.” He had seen enough of the results of the school scheme to realise that it had been most successful and worthy of introduction in other countries.

The student exchange scheme would expand considerably, he said. New Zealand’s participation could grow to the stage where 40 New Zealanders were at United States high schools and 40 American students were here. The presence of a New Zealand student brought a great deal to an American community. He made 40 to 50 speeches during his stay and met a lot of people in many organisations.