Capital Club Members at the Inauguration 40 FLEX, YES, and A-SMYLE students, along with their host families, had the privilege of witnessing the 57th Presidential Inauguration in person on January 21, 2013. The group of almost 90 people, including program representatives, gathered on the National Mall to witness the swearing-in ceremony of President Barack Obama.

 

All of the exchange students are members of the Capital Club, a club for Department of State sponsored high school exchange students hosted in the greater Washington, D.C. area. Events organized by the club throughout the year give students a chance to learn about different aspects of life in America, with a special focus on diversity, tolerance, and other elements of a civil society. 

 

"It's very impressive to be with all these people here," said Iyed, a YES student from Tunisia, "The security and organization is also impressive. I feel very special being here. I'm impressed how much people love their country here. There is no inauguration in my country. Our leader just takes the oath and it is not a big event."

 

"We are so excited, it's a fun experience," said FLEX student Aikanysh from Kyrgyzstan. "We are so lucky to be here at this time,". Anda, an A-SMYLE student from Serbia, echoed, "Just being here is a dream. It's amazing to be here!"