WIESCO, Inc
(Wisconsin International Educational Scientific Cultural Organization)
In 1994, a group of Wisconsin educators formed WIESCO, Inc. to organize English Language summer camps outside the United States. For the summer of 2010, WIESCO is seeking teachers to teach in programs in Poland, Latvia and and possible Macedonia. We will not have a camp in Lithuania in 2010, but we will again in 2011.
We also seek qualified American high school students
to assist the teachers and to interact with the resident students in the program.
History
WIESCO continues the work begun by Wisconsin International Education, Inc. (WIE,
Inc.) through the leadership of Don and Arlene Thompson of Racine, Wisconsin.
After 20 years of service, Arlene decided to retire (Don had died many years
earlier). She encouraged Barbara Klippel and Brendan Kunda to establish a new
organization to continue the work of WIE, Inc. As veteran teachers and leaders
of WIE camps, Brendan and Barbara had seen first hand the many benefits of the
summer language camps, and they accepted the challenge. WIESCO, Inc. was
born. Brendan became the soul of WIESCO, and Barbara the heart.
Brendan with Natalia (Daugavpils Camp Director)
In early 2009, Brendan Kunda, died from cancer.
All of us who knew him are grieving his loss. His death leaves a huge
empty space on this earth, especially for WIESCO. The WIESCO Advisory
Board elected George Hirsch to take his place as WIESCO Director.
WIESCO Goals
In cooperation with UNESCO and host country school districts, WIESCO organizes
English language summer camps for students (ages 11-18) who have an interest
in improving their ability to communicate in English. In 2010, there will be
camps in Latvia, in Poland, and probably in Macedonia.. We are also seeking
other sites in Central Europe. American teachers, assisted by American high
school students, plan lessons and activities that provide the students in the
camps a variety of opportunities to practice their English skills, and to learn
about some features of American life and culture.
As the students attending the camps learn, the visiting teachers and students also learn. We participate in these camps to meet and become friends with the students and teachers of the host country. Teachers and students from the host schools plan activities that improve the visitors’ understanding and appreciation of the language, history, music, art, literature, customs and culture of the host country.