This is a suggestion to get you started; it is by nature very brief. If a teacher has specific topics he or she would like you to discuss, the coordinator will let you know. Classes run for 40-45 minutes. You should prepare approximately 20 minutes of presentation as most speakers find that American students have many questions.

Personal Introduction

• your name (print it on blackboard, write it in your language if appropriate)
• where are you from (point it out on classroom map), show passport
• what brings you to Rochester
• your career plans after college
• biggest adjustment for you in coming to Rochester

Daily Life (from perspective of a child the students' age)

• school day (hours, getting there, length of school year, uniforms, subjects studied)
• meals (traditional foods)
• types of housing
• recreation (favorite sports, music, movies, toys)

Geography (use classroom map)

• climate (seasons, temperature)
• capital city
• bordering countries
• size and population compared to USA
• time difference (compared to USA)
• significant features (to historical/social/political development)

Culture

• major ethnic or religious groups
• money
• holidays and festivals
• flag and its significance
• language (teach a few words or how to count to ten)

Government

• elected, method of power transfer
• title of head of your government
• military service required
• any governmental changes which affect you personally

Current Events

• what is #1 issue discussed on news
• position in world, part of Trade Community
• how is your country interdependent with USA
• role of women in your society
• any environmental issues

What one thing would you like the children to remember about your country?

Rochester International Council Morey Hall, Room 229, University of Rochester Rochester, NY 14627 USA phone (585) 275-8779 fax (585) 756-8086 e-mail: jw@rifc.org Office Hours: 10:30 am to 5:00 pm Eastern Time, Monday-Friday, closed Thursday