DIXON, CA (MPG) - The Dixon Historical Society invites the community to its presentation of the history of the international exchange program, American Field Service, which first began in Dixon in 1956. Join the Dixon Historical Society on April 27 to learn more about the students from Dixon who studied abroad, as well as the Dixon families who hosted international students over the years. 

American Field Service first began in 1914, when young men volunteered to drive ambulances and women tended the wounded on the battlefields of Europe. Since that time, American Field Service has evolved to provide an opportunity for peace through cultural understanding. Following World War II, the ambulance drivers of American Field Services wanted to create a way to prevent future wars. So, in 1947, they brought the first exchange students from war-torn Europe to live in the United States with a host family and attend high school. The drivers felt that making personal relationships with people from foreign countries would prevent them from going to war and trying to kill each other. These students would return to their homes after a year to share their experiences and what they had learned about the United States, especially the democratic government and traditions. By the early 1950s, American students were allowed to go abroad. 

Today, participants of American Field Service programs still gain a cultural understanding of other societies by living abroad and immersing themselves in a new family, language and culture. Also rewarding is hosting a student from a different country and sharing with them the culture, language and customs of the United States. Many times, the bonds that are made will last a lifetime. 

Join the Dixon Historical Society to hear and share stories from Dixon's exchange students and host families from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 27 at the Dixon United Methodist Church, 209 Jefferson St., Dixon. Refreshments will follow the presentation.