Exchange Programmes

Rotary Youth Exchange Programmes

HOW IT WORKS:

Each Rotary club has a Youth Committee that keeps a list of interested young people. You need to get your name on the list. So make sure you make a contact with your local Rotary club.

Whatever scheme you are interested in there will be offers for places which, in many cases, are over-subscribed. They are then awarded as the result of a draw or interview.

THE OPTIONS AVAILABLE:

1. European International Youth Tours - each European country offers a number of special tours every year in which young people can join others of similar age and learn more of that country's way of life, traditions and culture. These usually take the form of one week living with a Rotarian's family in their home and one week in a youth hostel or activity centre. Specific ages in the 16-22 years range are usually specified in the offers, which can come from anywhere in the world, but mostly from Europe. Applicants (or normally their parents) pay the return fares, insurance cover and pocket money - all other expenses are provided by the overseas Rotarians.
2. Short Term Exchanges - this is the ideal way of developing a relationship with someone from overseas and is open to young people in the 14 to 22 age range. Applicants (or normally their parents) pay the return fares, insurance cover and pocket money - all other expenses are provided by the over-seas Rotarians.
3. School Year Exchanges - Living in another country is probably one of the best ways of travelling, meeting people and finding out more about the world. Most of those who have taken part return in later years to visit the friends they have made through this scheme when they were younger, and many continue these friendships throughout their lives. It is by far the most ambitious and exciting scheme to give you the chance to spend a complete year in another country. Although you will still attend school abroad during the exchange there will be plenty of opportunities to see and get to know people of your own age in the country you are visiting. Applicants must be between 15 and 18 when they commence the exchange and be in full time education. Exchange students live with one or more Rotary families during the year who usually have a son or daughter of the same age.

TALKS TO ROTARY CLUBS:

If you are successful and go on one of these exchanges you should be prepared to say a few words of greetings to any Rotary Club you are taken to, and also give a report to those Rotarians who sponsored your journey of a lifetime.

Your attitude to these duties may well affect the Rotarians' attitudes towards future similar opportunities for other young people.

REMEMBER:

Your trip is being made possible by Rotary International and should serve the fundamental objectives of friendship and understanding. If you are successful you will be going abroad as an ambassador of your country and you, your country and your sponsoring Rotary club will be judged by the way in which you conduct yourself.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Further information about these and other Youth Exchange programmes may be obtained through your local Rotary Club, by contacting Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland, Kinwarton Road, Alcester, Warwickshire B49 6BP (01789 765411), and can be found in the RIBI web site

We have not tried to cover all the details here, but the Melton Clubs are always looking for enthusiastic young people to participate in youth exchanges, either short term or longer - perhaps as a gap year opportunity. Please contact any member of the club, or email the web master of this web site.

Rotary's Friendship Exchange Programme

Rotary Friendship Exchange is Rotary's international exchange program for Rotarians and their families. Friendship Exchange provides participants the opportunity to experience other cultures by staying in the homes of Rotarians in other countries. The program aims to advance international understanding and peace through personal contact across borders while developing interclub relationships for fellowship and service projects.

There are three types of Friendship Exchanges:

• Visitor Programme: Individual Rotarians, who may be accompanied by family members, spend a few days in the home of a Rotarian in another country.
• Team Programme: Rotarian couples, typically four to six, visit several communities in a host district for up to one month.
• Uni-vocational: Host and guest Rotarians of the same occupation observe how their job is done in other countries.

To find out more read the information on the Rotary International web site - click here.

District 1070 participates in Friendship Exchange programmes across the world. Should any Rotarians wish to find out more, then please contact Rtn. Ken Millard 23 Colne Road, Earith, Huntingdon, Cambs PE28 3PY Tel (01487) 840885 day or (01487) 841723 evening, email address kenm@klmeng.co.uk, or Rtn. Barry Harpham Tel (01733) 233629, email BjHarpham@aol.com.