Othello student plans trip to Europe

Youth to experience other cultures

OTHELLO — Austin Eliot has never been to Europe. He has never been on a plane.

The Othello High School sophomore hopes to do both this summer through the People to People Student Ambassador Program. Eliot was selected to participate in the program, which is aimed at promoting international understanding among youth while building leadership skills. The 21-day trip includes stops in Italy, France and Spain.

The only places Eliot traveled to in the past are Idaho, Montana and Oregon.

"This will be excellent to be able to travel halfway across the world," said Eliot, 16.

Eliot is busy with his family raising money for the July and August trip, which costs $5,900. His mother, Lana Eliot, said so far, $2,000 is raised.

Lana Eliot said she never traveled outside the country herself.

"That's why we thought it was such a great opportunity for him," Lana Eliot said.

His mother said he is the only student from Othello High School and one of 41 students from Eastern Washington going on the trip. Students are nominated for the program or invited directly by the organization to participate. They must submit three letters of recommendation and undergo an interview before they are selected.

People to People was founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956.

Austin Eliot is required to spend 15 hours through the program learning about the countries he is visiting before he leaves for Europe. He is staying with a host family for two nights in France, learning to cook in Montecatini in Tuscany, Italy, visiting the Vatican and taking a cruise. The adventure includes meetings with government officials and educational activities, Eliot said.

Being exposed to new scenery is the most exciting part of the trip for Eliot.

"I haven't seen much of anything at all," he said.

The Eliots opened an account at the Bank of Whitman in Othello under the name "Follow Austin," so people can contribute to the trip's cost. The family is hosting a yard sale April 6 and April 7 to raise money and welcome item donations to the sale, said Lana Eliot.

"That way, the town could participate without feeling obligated to send money," she said.

For more information call Michael or Lana Eliot at 509-488-7311, or visit www.followaustin.com.