The Eppendorf Family Exchange program offers a unique opportunity for Promega families to participate in an international exchange initiative designed to bring our global community closer together. Through this program, children of Eppendorf and Promega employees immerse themselves in new cultures, gain language skills, and forge lifelong friendships.
The program began in 2019 during the 40th anniversary of Promega when we received the generous gift of an exchange program from a friend in the industry: Eppendorf. Every year, ten children ages 14-18 have the opportunity to participate in this enriching exchange, experiencing daily life from a new cultural perspective in a different country for two to four weeks. In return, Promega families will host a child from an Eppendorf family.
2024 Summer Exchange Program
This summer, 15-year-old Tristan, the child of a Promega France employee, was matched with a host family in Brooklyn, New York. During his three-week stay, Tristan dove into American culture, exploring as many New York City attractions as possible including an iconic baseball game. Alongside his time in the Big Apple, he also spent a week in Vermont, where he hiked and soaked in the stunning natural landscapes, adding a refreshing contrast to his city adventures. The experience gave him a well-rounded taste of life in the U.S., blending the excitement of urban life with the tranquility of Vermont’s great outdoors.
In exchange, Tristan’s family welcomed a teenager from the Eppendorf family into their Promega household as they visited the south of France and Paris. Highlights of the trip included wandering through medieval towns, visiting the historic Papal Palace in Avignon, and experiencing the thrill of an Olympic men’s football semi-final game in Marseille, where the energy of 55,000 roaring fans filled the stadium. After experiencing the joy of welcoming a new friend into their home, Tristan’s 9-year-old brother is already eager to join the exchange program himself when he’s old enough, inspired by the bonds and experiences his family shared.
Making Memories that Last
In collaboration with the CoFam organization, Eppendorf takes care of family matching, planning, flight costs, and insurance. With the ease of everything being planned and covered, participants are told to simply pack their suitcase, set off and discover the world. This seamless planning encourages children, who often are travelling alone for the first time, and their families to relax and embrace the adventure, freeing them to simply hop on a plane, explore, and make unforgettable memories along the way.
By becoming part of a host family, children gain a fresh perspective on the world and experience another culture in an authentic, personal way. This exchange fosters friendships that often last long after the trip ends, creating a global network of connections that shape who they are and how they see the world. The memories and relationships made enrich their lives with cultural understanding, openness, and a lifelong spirit of adventure.
Riley Bell
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