What is a CITA visit to Yvetôt or Hemmingen like?
- The dates for the visit are decided with our hosts
- The group usually travel by air, on the same flight although some members travel independently
- CITA usually organises and pays for airport transfers here & our partners usually do the same for transfers in France and Germany
- We are hosted in the homes of members of the French and German associations
- We usually visit some of the major sites in the region and also participate in events & activities that are organised for local people rather than for tourists
- Such experiences provide a much deeper insight into the local culture and way of life than any “normal” holiday ever can
- There is usually an official reception at the Mairie / Rathaus (Townhall)
- There is often freetime for you to explore the area independently or with your hosts
Who can participate in visits?
- Only members of CITA can take part in a visit to our partners – but it is easy and inexpensive to join us
- Younger children can travel if accompanied by a parent / carer who takes responsibility for them. We would, of course, arrange for them to stay together
- We want to encourage teenagers to become involved in the association and develop links with their counterparts in France and Germany. Normally those who wish to travel “unaccompanied” must be over 16 but talk to us if you are younger & we will see what we can do
- Over recent years the associations have run summer camps, based in hostels. These are open to young people from Clydesdale and our twinned communities
- If finance is a major issue, we will do our best to help, if at all possible
- We meet with the parents of young participants in advance so that all the details of a twinning visit can be explained and agreed
Do I have to be able to speak French / German?
- No! But even a very few words can go a long way!
- We have several members who can communicate in French and / or German who are very happy to help others
- Many of our French and German friends can communicate in English
- We have had many successful hosting arrangements, events etc. where the international languages of sport, music, food, laughter and friendship have overcome any apparent linguistic obstacles
How much does it cost?
- The major financial outlay is the travel to and from France and Germany
- Each visitor takes a gift for his / her hosts
- Breakfast and evening meals are generally provided by our hosts or the Yvetôt & Hemmingen associations but lunches, coffees, snacks etc. are at our own expense – as is shopping, of course!