Students: Adventure Calls!
By Contributor
Rossland Rotary is now accepting International Youth Exchange applications: the deadline is September 30. Think about it!
Will you graduate from high school in 2020 or later in the Rossland area? Will you be between the ages of 14 and 18 and a half years old as of August 1, 2019?
Would you like to spend 10 months living with host families and attending school in Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Japan Thailand, Taiwan, Denmark, France, Italy, Sweden, Croatia, New Zealand, or Australia? If so, then Rotary International Youth Exchange might be for you.
Rossland Rotary is looking for a local student to sponsor for this program. You would travel to your country in August of next year (2019) and live with two or three host families over about 10 months, attend school, share in household duties and assume the life of a normal teenager in your host country.
This program aims to promote peace and understanding between countries, while providing a challenging and enriching experience for selected student participants. You would be a cultural ambassador for Canada and the program, one of thousands of youths who participate in this program every year. You would have the opportunity to meet other youths who are also in the Rotary International Youth Exchange Program, and you would truly experience and learn first-hand about your host country.
This school year, a student from Germany and Chile will be living in Rossland for a few months of their exchange. You would have the opportunity to meet them and learn what to expect during your own exchange.
During a weekend in May, you and your parents would attend an orientation camp program for all youth exchange students going out from this region. So you would meet other students from here who are going to other countries at the same time as you go.
Rotary Youth Exchange can be a life-changing experience, and we urge you to consider the opportunity.
The application deadline is September 30. It is a few pages long and you would prioritize which of the above countries you prefer, describe your language skills, education, and why you want to be a part of the program.
You can see the application and much more information about Youth Exchange on the district Youth Exchange website: www.rotary5080ye.org under Long Term Exchange.
When considering a Rotary International Youth Exchange, also consider the Short Term Youth Exchange Program. This is a 60-day family-to-family exchange in summer, and the country options are similar to Long Term Exchange. This exchange is different, however, in that you would be with the student from the exchange country for 60 days, 30 days in your own home and 30 days in their home. More information is on the www.rotary5080ye.org under Short Term Exchange. The Short Term application deadline is February 15.
Please contact Fiona Martin for further information: 250.231.2387 or fiona@rosslandrotary.org .
