TITLE Rotary Youth Exchange Sue Godey Rotary District 5040 Youth Exchange Chair

What is Rotary? Rotary International International service organization whose purpose is to bring business and professional leaders together in order to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards and to advance goodwill and peace through the world. Established 110 years ago Secular organization Currently 34,000 clubs world-wide with 1.2 Million members Open to all people regardless of race, colour, creed, religion, gender or political preference. 4 Rotary Clubs on the North Shore 2 in North Van, 2 in West Van. Rotary Club of Lions Gate is seeking to sponsor a student.

Rotary Youth Exchange Programs Short Term Program (STEP)  Takes place in the summer  Typically 4 week period  Direct Exchange Family to Family  Family pays for the cost of the exchange Long Term Exchange Program Began in 1927 now up to 8000 students in 60 countries.  1 year program  Cultural Exchange  One student leaves, another arrives and attends the school of the outbound student  Low Cost compared to ‘paid’ international exchanges

What we look for in a Rotary Youth Exchange student: Above average academic standing. Flexible, adaptable, tolerant. Community or volunteer history. Must be sponsored by a local Rotary Club Open to new experiences and cultural differences. Ready to take on a life altering, amazing and unforgettable year in their life!

What we ask of our students Act as ambassador for your home country, your town, your local Rotary club, your family. Abide by program rules of your host club and Rotary International (4 D’s) Accept the supervision of the host family, host club and Rotary International. You are not a guest but a member of the Rotary family. Be an active participant in your exchange year (Bucket Lists!) Self starter.

Start that Bucket List!

Student Selection  Open to all students from ½ years in the year they are outbound.  Outbound student’s school must accept inbound student’s registration.  Local Rotary Club interviews those interested and qualified.  Once the local club has decided on their ambassador, District interviews being held in New Westminster, December , for successful applicant.  Completion of forms including medical, dental, academic completed by February 2016  Outbound Student’s families willing to host inbound student for 3 months.  Criminal record checks completed for all Rotarians, host family members over 19 and adults interacting with students are required.

Rotary Youth Exchange is not an Academic Exchange It is a cultural not an academic or travel exchange. You will not likely get academic credits with the exception of a language credit. You may have to forego a school year in Canada. Check with local school counsellors on front loading courses, correspondence course credits, and how the year away will affect you.

Inbound Orientation

Countries that we exchange with: Brazil Taiwan Japan Germany France Mexico (specifically Puebla) Belgium Sweden Denmark Will consider Spain, Finland, Italy Students should have 3 choices.

Local Rotary Club Involvement with YEX Provides Counsellor for inbound student Arranges for host families for inbound students Selects outbound students from local community (3 host families within the exchange year) Pays for various orientation sessions and travel for Inbounds (costs defrayed among all participating Rotary Clubs in District) Supports, and nurtures inbound student’s exchange year. Works with District Chair to ensure compliance with regard to student safety/anti harassment policy.

Costs of Exchange – Outbound Students *$5, which includes: Roundtrip airfare Health and Medical insurance Visa processing fees Blazers, business cards. Orientation sessions both going out and when arriving in host country and returning. *$ returned to families that attend Rebound in August. Bursary available for families in financial hardship and need.

Costs Continued: Does not include: Non Mandatory trips, tours, events. $ USD emergency fund which is held in trust by host club and returned at end of exchange if not used. Language courses – some countries make this a mandatory requirement. Spending money although clubs provide a monthly allowance. Gifts for host families and Rotarians. Extra curricular programs such as sports, drama etc. that are typically available in Canada but not within school programs overseas.

Youth Exchange Year September/October Clubs choose outbound student December – District Interviews January – countries chosen, students and families advised. Paperwork starts! May – 3 day Outbound Orientation – Squamish for students and parents. (sorry, no siblings) August – leave for host country to arrive before school year in September (exception Brazil) August 2016 – Rebound Orientation in Gavin Lake (just outside of Williams Lake), immediate family members welcomed along with students – a chance to share year, and gives us an opportunity to address reverse culture shock and assist with reconnections.

Outbounds /Inbounds

Why do we (Rotary) do it? Deeper cultural understanding, building better global citizens and is profoundly rewarding. Youth returning home with a broader view of the world. Tomorrow’s Rotarians Builds life long friendships and bonds. Builds peace and world understanding one student, one exchange at a time.

Inbound Students

Questions?

For more information: Facebook – District5040 Youth Exchange Your local Rotary Club Sue Godey, District Chair