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SPOUSES INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL EXCHANGE
The SpICE Program
TWO IMPORTANT RULES
And
A FEW SIMPLE POLICIES
It’s all just common sense.
SpICE PROGRAM RULE NUMBER ONE:
Family comes first!
SpICE PROGRAM RULE NUMBER TWO:
When in doubt, refer to Rule Number One!
SpICE PROGRAM POLICIES
BAD WEATHER POLICY
We will implement the FAMILY COMES FIRST rule, if we need to cancel a SpICE program activity due to weather related problems.
So if it looks like bad weather is coming, click on WTOP.com or tune in News Radio 103.5 FM or turn on TV News Channel 8 or ABC 7 News. Then look for the SpICE Program on the list of closings and cancellations. An E-Mail will also be sent out to the entire group announcing any cancellation. In the event of a weather related cancellation; any planned SpICE program activity will be rescheduled IF POSSIBLE!
PRESCHOOL AGED CHILDREN
Children are welcome at SpICE Program meetings and activities provided they have reached a maturity level where they can behave in a class room setting with out causing disruption. This means that during the time the SpICE Program is in session, they must be quite and well behaved.
PHONES AND BEEPERS
All are OK in the meeting room. But, conversations should be held out side of the meeting room
DRESS CODE
Relaxed and casual! Advance notice will be given for special events.
SPOUSE CLUBS
Support your local spouse club! We hope to exchange and explain information on tours & activities!
NON-ATTRIBUTION
The standard NDU non-attribution policy is in affect. WHAT WE SAY HERE, STAYS HERE!
BAD TRAFFIC
We are flexible. Since traffic is always a problem, we have an open door policy so if you are late, its no problem just come! If you have to leave early, we hate to see you go but, we all know about Rule #1. The only exception is when we are going off site. Transportation will leave ON TIME!
TOPICS OF DISCUSSION
As in any gathering of polite society, debating religion or political differences is STRONGLY DISCOURAGED. Other than that, anything and everything goes.
FOOD & DRINK
Fancy or plain is OK as long as its good. Recipes that include items like pork, nuts or shell fish must be plainly labeled. Don't forget to bring in the recipe! Lets help out our cookbook committee!
CAMERAS
Taking and sharing photos is HIGHLY encouraged!
PRESENTATIONS & BRIEFINGS
Although everyone is encouraged to make a presentation, IT IS NOT REQUIRED! Topics are almost limitless and can include but, are not limited too: your special religious, secular, social, or national holidays or a favorite hobby or cultural activity. The hardest part of doing a briefing is fitting the material within the time limit: (20 - 30 minutes maximum!).
COUNTRY BRIEFINGS
TOURS & SPECIAL ACTIVITIES
Notice will be given for all special activities. We will endeavor to make these either low or no cost.
FAMILY & VISITORS
We want you to be proud of your SpICE Program participation. Visiting parents, family members and best friends are most welcome to come by and visit with us. But, space can sometimes be a problem. So it is imperative that we know ahead of time if you would like to bring in a guest. NOTE: SpICE Program cannot pick up any additional costs for any guest like off site admissions or lunches.
INSPIRATION IS WELCOME
Any and all questions, comments, suggestions, ideas or constructive input, is encouraged and will be most welcome. If you have an idea that the group may enjoy doing together, lets talk about it and see if we can make it happen! Not everything is doable. But, we will consider trying anything with in reason!
During our time together, not only will we enjoy some great briefings but, we also hope to have some very special offsite trips, as well as presentations on various customs, holiday traditions and interesting activities. Perhaps we will even talk about our hobbies. Learning about one another, our countries, customs, cultures, traditions, families, foods and so on, will only help us to understand one another better which will help everyone to make friends and have fun during this very special time.
We hope to give everybody who wants too, the opportunity to step forward and take center stage at one of our meetings. So if you have an idea that you think that the group would enjoy as an activity, please don't wait until the last minute! TIME WILL FLY! Nobody knows what the future holds. Five or ten years from now, any of us could be visiting or even living in another part of the world. The bonds of friendship that we are building today could make future opportunities obvious.
VOLUNTEER FACILITATOR PARTICIPATION
All SpICE Program facilitators are volunteers recruited from the current school year National War College Spouse Club (NWCSC), the Industrial College of the Armed Forces Spouse Club (ICAFSC) as well as NDU faculty and staff. Facilitators are expected to diplomatically discuss and answer questions on a wide range of subjects. Topics include but, are not limited too, questions on American English pronunciation, commonly used idioms and slang as well as current events, holiday traditions, and the always complex and the usually hard to explain American lifestyles. Working as a facilitator is a very real commitment. The mental gymnastics that are sometimes involved can make participation an intellectually challenging as well as immensely rewarding undertaking. The SpICE Program is a lot of fun, a terrific way to make some interesting new friends and a great way to learn a little bit about yourself, your country and the world around you. For more info, check out our Facilitator's Guide.
THE NEXT LEVEL
After enjoying the SpICE Program experience for a year, many indicate that they would love to continue with the program. This is not always possible. We have a set number of Facilitator slots that will first be offered to the incoming members of the ICAF and NWC Spouse Clubs. For those who would like to participate in a program that is even more in depth and rewarding, please consider sponsoring an International Fellow.
The good folks at ISMO are looking for people who want to represent the USA! If you would like more information on this extremely rewarding program, please contact the ISMO Office.
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