Rotary Youth Exchange:
Opening Doors to the World
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I consider the last six months
of my life the best to date. Really. I have seen so much I have trouble
believing it myself. But what’s even greater, is the fact that I have
another five to top it off! I owe many heartfelt “thanks” to the Rotary
Clubs of Pollock Pines/Camino and Placerville and District 5190; you
guys have really made me one happy exchange student.
(Ian, Outbound to Germany 2003 - 2004)
! Hey Guys -- I'm really
sorry that I haven't sent any news since I've been back but I simply
didn't have the time because I went on vacation almost right away,
without Internet. Well I'm glad everybody is doing well. Here nothing
has changed but I see it differently. I miss the US so much, especially
my host families and, of course, you guys that sometimes it's hard to
realize that this year is over and belongs to the past. Of course we'll
go back someday but nothing is going to be the same. Sometimes I just
think about all the great things that happened to me this year, the
wonderful people I had the chance to meet and there's no easier way to
put a smile on my face. I really hope I'll see you guys again in the
future and if not I want to thank you just for being a part of the best
year of my life.
(Paul, Inbound from France 2004 - 2005) |
 |
| Miriam
spent her exchange year in Carson City, NV and Gabriel spent his in
Calistoga, CA. Their home country is Brazil. |
Every year approximately 8,000 students world wide ages 15 1/2 to 18 1/2 go abroad
under the auspices of the Rotary Youth Exchange program, either for the academic
year or an extended period of time. The increased self awareness and global
perspective that they derive from the experience would not be possible without
the commitment of the many volunteer
host
families and the dedication of volunteer Rotarians who serve as Youth
Exchange officers and committee members.
And every year 25 -30 students from Rotary District
5190 go abroad to 20 countries, and approximately 25
- 30 students come into communities in
the eastern Sierra and northern Nevada.
Rotary Youth Exchange Students
This
year over 7,000 young people will see the world the way it is best seen —
from the inside out — through the youth exchange program. This could be your
year!
As a Rotary Youth Exchange student, you will spend a year, or perhaps just an
extended period of time, living with a host family in a country other than your
own. You may learn a new language; you will learn a new way of
living and a great deal about yourself. But there’s more! While you are busy
learning, the people you meet will be learning as well — about your country,
your culture, and your ideas. You will be a young ambassador. You will be
helping to bring the world closer together — and you’ll be making some good
friends in the process.
If you are ready for the challenge and the rewards of living in another land
as an exchange student, then you are ready to discover new worlds through
Rotary's Youth Exchange program.
Each
year, local Rotary districts and clubs worldwide arrange thousands of
international Youth Exchanges for high school-aged students. A primary goal of
the program is to foster world understanding by way of intercultural exchange.
Student Selection
It is standard practice for local Rotary districts and clubs to screen youth
interested in the program by using detailed applications and interviews. This
process helps ensure that only highly responsible and mature students are sent
on an exchange. Generally, students are selected based on the following
criteria:
- Scholastic record
- Linguistic ability
- Community involvement
- Potential as a cultural ambassador
- Age
If you are interested in becoming a Rotary Youth Exchange student, please
contact us at Rotary District 5190 by sending email to:
info@rye5190.org
Additional Questions
For additional information take a look at the
Frequently Asked Questions page. The Rotary International web site
also has some of the most
frequently
asked questions about Rotary's Youth Exchange program. You might find the
answer to your question among them. Or you can contact the
District
5190 Rotary Youth Exchange Committee. |
