my kid's school became sister schools with an elementary in Punta Gorda last year that was trashed by Charley. They did some good things for that school, became pen pals, and still communicate. They exchange a bus load of kids once or twice a year.

At the end of the day, you find that although we all talk a little different (especially you yanks - can't figure out what the heck you're saying half the time), fashions are a little different (corduroy is still cool right?), drive different cars, have different economic means, etc, we are still Americans folks, just trying to make our way in the world day in and day out.

It's a good experience. You'll get as much from it as they do, I guarantee.