There is much wisdom in this thread. I hope all who read it, will spend time with some of the posts that our mentors are making and allow their words to sink in fully:
- the richness of the experience, itself
- creating/making time to submerge the members of the team into the culture(s) and educational system(s) of the country
- lining out priorities, possibilities, purpose for travel
- acknowledging the goals and struggles faced by teams from countries around the world that quietly prepare to meet the requirements of a FIRST team competing in FIRST events - respecting the system set in place by the program and rising to the challenge. I have yet to see their sacrifices, struggles, and successful achievements fully recognized anywhere, including in CD.
There will be more wisdom posted in this thread and I look forward to absorbing every single thoughtful word.
New Zealand, wow.
Jane