At its meeting in August, IEU Council noted the retirement of the IEU Teacher Exchange Program and expressed its thanks for the many years of memorable exchanges. The NSW Department of Education has also retired its exchange program.
The IEU program ran for nearly 40 years, with schools in Canada, the US, the UK and Europe participating. Council acknowledged the overseas and state exchange coordinators, as well as the NSW Exchange Teachers League, and all the overseas exchange leagues including Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Colorado and the UK.
It also acknowledged IEU Exchange Coordinator Helen O’Regan for her support for the thousands of IEU members who took part. Some comments from members who have been on exchange:
“Very sad that this chapter is closing. But it cannot take away the memories, experiences and friendships made.”
“I’m so happy for the life-changing experience so many of us had through exchange and so sad that no more teachers will have the same opportunity.
“I will be forever grateful for my unforgettable exchange experience in Calgary.”
“The opportunity to live and work overseas is something that should be afforded to every teacher, and I will always be so grateful for my turn in 2007.”
“Our family was blessed to have had such an amazing opportunity, and we are forever grateful.“
“Vancouver 2008 will live on in my memory as one of the most amazing years I’ve ever enjoyed, and you played an integral role in that.”
“All of us who have been involved over the years have had many happy times and have made many fine friends through the exchange program. How sad it’s not there for current and future teachers.”