Rotary Youth Exchange
ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE
Each year, more than 7,000 young people have the opportunity of a lifetime - a chance to live in another country and see the world from a new perspective through Rotary Youth Exchange. Rotary Youth Exchange participants live with host families in a country other than their own. They learn a new way of living, a new language, and a great deal about how another part of the world lives. They also teach their hosts about their own country, culture and ideas. This is a way for a high school student to become a young ambassador helping to bring the world closer together and making many new friends in the process.
RYE students:
- Experience the world in a way that they might never have thought possible. Living in and learning about a different culture first hand changes one's viewpoint on the world we live in and encourages young minds to think globally.
- Develop a better understanding of the worldwide neighborhood. Young people who have a desire to make our world a better place will be presented with opportunities in any one of 20 different countries in Europe, Asia and Latin America.
- Gain a network of friends that is truly worldwide. The international organization of Rotary brings together students from all corners of our world in the spirit of friendship and understanding.
- Get a unique education. They get a chance to learn about and enjoy The Alps, The Great Barrier Reef, the sands of Rio or the beauty of Budapest. They will see sights that many people will only see in books or on television.
Long Term Youth Exchange runs from August to July.
Students spend one year living and studying as a Youth Exchange student in another country. They attend school while living with one or more host families. To ensure the well-being of all Youth Exchange participants, the local Rotary Club in the host country will carefully screen prospective host families and select those who will provide a safe and caring environment throughout the year.
The ideal Rotary Youth Exchange student is:
- 15 - 18 years old
- an above-average student who has demonstrated leadership in their home community.
- a resident of Rotary District 7090*
- a citizen of Canada or the USA in good health
- open-minded, tolerant and willing to try new things
*Relatives of Rotarians and non-Rotarians alike are eligible
The West Seneca Rotary Club is currently looking for Youth Exchange candidates for FY 2011-2012 . If you fit the criteria above, please contact Jack Amico at 716-570-1199 for more information.
Raymond Weimer
