We taught students ranging in age from six to twenty-six years. American culture and the English language were the medium of exchange. Each day’s activities in the classrooms began to sound more and more like an American schoolroom as the students loosened up and took on the sounds of enjoying education, something that is still a little out of place in Romania.

There soon formed a tight relationship between the American teachers and their students, made evident by the group ice cream and soda conclusions to each daily session.

Although the language barrier was an initial obstacle, it did not take many days to cross it. Romanian was as much fun for us to learn as was English for our hosts.

Lessons were planned to augment, expand and go beyond the textbook learning used in Romanian schools. The children engaged in such activities as making posters, maps, diagrams and dioramas, and writing original compositions. Our classes went outside the classrooms as well. Every Friday was designated as “Sports Day,” with organized games and team sports. American softball became an immediate favorite. The softballs, bats and gloves we brought with us received good use.