Eastern New England Council of Hostelling Intl-American Youth Hostels

Hostel stay: enec hosts travelers from more than 45 countries and more than 3,500 overnights annually. It is part of the ayh network of more than 50 Hostels nationwide. The hostel stay creates the opportunity for cultural exchange and understanding and is fundamental to all other programs we offer. Each hostel is purposely designed with spaces and amenities that bring people together and encourage interaction in an inclusive and inviting way. We strategically develop and use spaces to deliver cultural exchange experiences to our guests and community members. As travelers get to know each other, they discover their similarities and differences, break down stereotypes and social barriers, expand world views, and help to create a more tolerant world.

National signature programs: enec participates in national scope programs that provide opportunities for people to enhance their intercultural understanding and contribute to a more tolerant world. Travel scholarship grants give qualified 18 to 30-year old's the opportunity to engage in educational travel within the usa and around the world. Sleep for peace engages hostel guests and community members in activities that celebrate the united nations international day of peace and explore how they can contribute to a peaceful society. The great hostel give back program offers groups of six or more people an opportunity to receive a free night's stay in the hostel during the months of january and february for each day their members volunteer in the surrounding community. These and other signature programs promote cross-cultural exchange, mutual understanding and tolerance.

Learning programs: enec delivers experiential learning programs and activities in the hostel and in the community to facilitate the sharing of cultural perspectives among guests, and for connecting guests with the local community. We encourage guests and community participants to better understand other cultures, reflect on their own perspectives and understanding, and take actions consistent with their learnings. Program design is aligned with american association of colleges and universities (aacu) learning rubrics in the disciplines of intercultural communication, civic engagement and global citizenship. Each year, enec delivers almost 5 facilitated learning programs to more than 175 participants.