Max Reichel, GER

I am Max, 24 years old and a student of English and History in Kiel, Germany. My AFS life began in 2001 when I went to the United States on a year program. Upon my return I started volunteering at home, first on chapter, later on a regional and national level. I became a trainer in 2005 and since then have developed and facilitated workshops on various topics such as program work, intercultural learning and facilitating workshops. 2008 I spent another year abroad to work for AFS South Africa in volunteer development. These days I am finishing up my studies to earn a teaching degree

 Yves Gheysen, BFR

Hello, Hello ! Although I haven't been lucky enough to spend a year abroad, I am addicted to intercultural meetings. Our four sons went on an exchange and we have hosted 8 students at home. Volunteer in AFS Belgium (French part) for ten years, I love orientation camps. What I like the most is sitting on the floor surrounded by young people and launching crazy games. Do not mention my (very few) grey hair: I have a kid spirit! Believe me: if you want to experiment the 'fresh air' and the enthusiasm of an international atmosphere, join us at the VSS. For sure, it will be as wonderful and exciting as in Vigy last year!

Lucia Metzbauer, AUT

Hello everybody! I was born in a small village next to the Danube. My big AFS adventure started 1999 in Guayaquil/Ecuador staying there for a year. Since I got back I was active in AFS Austria (Sending/Hosting and lots of more stuff). Apart from my AFS life I studied Spanish and Communication Science in Austria and Spain. After graduating I lived nearly 2 years abroad (Jerusalem and Santiago de Chile) - mostly working in Media. Since October Austrian Television is paying my salary and I live again in Vienna. In my spare time I am singing and dancing, travelling, enjoying theater, sports,literature and the sun whenever it is possible. I enjoyed the great first Summer Summit in Vigy a lot and cannot wait to meet you all again in Istanbul this summer!

Gabi Mándy, HUN

"Sziasztok! I am Gabi Mándy from Hungary. I was an exchange student in 1997/98 in Ecuador, Riobamba. After my exchange year AFS became my real passion. At the beginning of my volunteer "carreer" I mainly helped at orientations and selectations, but after a while I experienced almost every filed of the AFS volunteer job. Lately I became the supervisor of the Hugarian POT together with Balázs Látó, with whom we set up a brand new National Pool of Trainers in January 2009. I am super excited about meeting you all in Turkey!"

Jana Holla, EGY

Hello! My name is Jana and I come from Slovakia. I have moved to Cairo 4 years ago to work on my PhD research. In addition to my academic interests, I have been actively exploring the intercultural communication field, mainly the expatriation issues and related training.

Besides my active involvement with Young SIETAR, I worked for AFS Egypt - and to date am still involved on a voluntary basis - managing the support of hosted students as well as helping AFS volunteers in developing their intercultural and training skills.

Vincent Willekens, BFL

My name is Vincent. I went to Brazil in '97-'98 (YPscNH97) and afterwards I became an active volunteer for AFS Belgium Flanders. I am a member of the EPOT since 2007. Last year I missed the first VSS in France but I am really looking forward to going to Istanbul this year. I live in Antwerp and I work for the Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs.

André Lopes Galvão, POR

Somewhere in 1992/93 I got lost and then found while on AFS in the US. Since then been a volunteer for AFS Portugal doing a lot of different things. I love to write, do anything related with water and to discover new meanings for life. Currently working as a youth trainer/worker.

Kai Böttner, GER

Hello to everyone! This is Kai from Germany! Usually the next thing to write is AFS-year and -country - sorry folks, I haven´t been on an AFS-program. But I do have some intercultural experiences, not only because I am working in the German AFS-office for more than three years now.

I had the chance to participate and work for different programs of a like-minded organisation. That's where I made my first steps as a trainer as well, and I am really looking forward doing that on a international occasion again. See you all in Turkey!

Csilla Fodor, HUN

Hello! My name is Csilla Fodor. I am the Hosting program coordinator at AFS Hungary. I have been working for AFS for one and a half year now. Before starting this job I studied Intercultural communication, and graduated in 2007.

My main interest is in training. I am devoted to experiential learning, and non-formal education. Challenging myself to deliver sessions at the VSS will be the best in my summer. I love French cuisine and I adore cooking. In my free time I usually go for a swim, spend time with my family and friends or read a good book. One of my favorite writers is Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I hardly can wait to be in beautiful Turkey and meet you all!