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Welcome to Project Children
Denis Mulcahy, Chairman of Project Children
Contact details for Project Children and our co-ordinators in the U.S.A. and Ireland
The heart of Project Children
U.S. states participating in Project Children
Differences between Northern Ireland and the States, such as weather, money and the words we use
Safety and host family rules and advice
Advice on things to pack, not pack and what to do on your day of departure for the summer of a lifetime
The plane journey and what happens after landing at J.F.K.
An American friendship letter to Northern Irish parents
A visit to the exhibition held at Queen's University, Belfast during February 2002
Our current I.T. project
The story of children flying to Washington with American Eagle
A four week programme held in Washington D.C. for 13 college students from Northern Ireland
Construction trainees from Northern Ireland spent two months in America helping to build houses
American kids travel to Derry to play soccer with Northern Irish
Teaches kids about the theatre and each other
A sample of some of the children who have returned to the U.S. to continue their education

UP, UP AND AWAY!
AMERICA HERE I COME!

Entering The Plane:

  • Get seated quickly and stay in your seats (don't be too loud).
  • Keep your eyes and ears open for the airline attendants. They will help you with any problems and explain safety procedures.

Safety First:

  1. Buckle your seat belt!
  2. Seat backs up and trays up (during lift-off and landing).
  3. Bags above or below seats (during lift-off and landing).

During The Flight:

  • You will be given a meal (it's quite good!).
  • Snacks and drinks will also be provided.
  • A film may be shown.
  • Enjoy!

Don't Forget:

  • Your glasses and medication.
  • Comfortable shoes and layered clothing.
  • A good book or magazine.
  • To prevent air sickness, don't eat too many sweets or chocolates.
  • No chewing gum allowed on board aeroplane!
TOUCH DOWN.....!!!!!
WELCOME TO AMERICA!

Arrival: J.F.K. Airport, New York City
Flight Time: Approximately 5 '/2 Hours
American Time Difference: 5 hours behind Northern Ireland

When Aircraft Is Landing:

  • Buckle your seat belt!
  • Seat backs up and trays up.
  • Relax.

When Aircraft Has Landed:

  • Seat belt on until seat belt light is turned "off'!
  • Remain in your seat ( no talking)!
  • Listen carefully until your identification number is called!
  • Listen carefully to your leaders.
MEETING YOUR HOST FAMILY
  • Some children will meet their host families at J.F.K. Airport in New York.
  • Others may take a bus to their host family's city or state.
  • Others may take a connecting flight to their host family's state.

Don't worry! You will have many people helping you at the airport! Just relax and smile.

  • The temperature at J.F.K. Airport is usually very HOT (30c) and HUMID. Remember to wear cool, comfortable, and casual clothing. (It may take some time to get accustomed to the time difference, the weather and new surroundings).
THE DAY WILL BE A VERY LONG DAY, BUT IT'S WORTH IT!!

 
HOMESICKNESS

It's ok to miss your family!
It's OK to cry a little the 1st day!
HOMESICKNESS IS NORMAL

Your American host family has been specially chosen to participate with PROJECT CHILDREN. They want to share their summer with you,having FUN!!!!

You must understand that when you agreed to spend six weeks in America:

  • There will be NO early flights back home!
  • You will not be allowed to change host families in order to be nearer a Northern Irish friend. If your friend lives close by, however, arrangements can be made for a short visit.
  • You will not be allowed to call your family every week. Telephone
    calls are very expensive!! You must ask your host parents first!! Plan to write postcards or letters. (Your host families will help you.)
TIPS TO FIGHT HOMESICKNESS
  • Write to your family when in America.
  • Remember to bring your address book.
  • You don't need to bring stamps or paper (host families will provide them).
  • Bring photographs of your family. These will help comfort you if you are having a bad day.
  • Remind your family / friends to write to you before you go! You can read their letters repeatedly.
  • Your American family is your summer family. You can trust them with your feelings of homesickness. If you are not getting along with someone in the family, don't be shy. Talk to your host mum or dad. Project Children will also be checking in with you to make sure you're doing well.

REMEMBER: Have Fun!! It's Only Six Weeks!!