The exchange program is open to outstanding young people between the ages of 15 and 18. It provides them with a unique opportunity to spend at least three months living and studying in a country that is culturally distinct to their own. It is open to 8,000 successful applicants, annually.
As young people and their families seek innovative and rich educational experiences, international exchange programs have become extremely popular. With this reality in mind, the Fonthill Rotary Club has been a longstanding partner with the Rotary international cultural youth exchange program.
The exchange program is open to outstanding young people between the ages of 15 and 18. It provides them with a unique opportunity to spend at least three months living and studying in a country that is culturally distinct to their own. It is open to 8,000 successful applicants, annually.
“After experiencing a year abroad, our exchange students return home brimming with excitement and newfound appreciation for global diversity,” shared Rotary Youth Exchange Officer Mike Taylor. “Their journey not only enriches their lives but also fosters a deeper understanding of our interconnected world.”
The overarching concept behind exchange programs is to match students up with a host family in the respective country in which they will be studying. The hosts are often, but not always, a family that is home to a youth that is concurrently on exchange, so that they have a spare bedroom. This is where the term ‘exchange’ originates.
There are many positive testimonies to the life-changing experience that Exchange has provided to students and hosts around the world:
“It’s totally worth it and not easy to put into words,” shared Leon Von Reuden, a German exchange student during the 2016-17 school year. “Hosting and being hosted is a great experience for everyone. You broaden your view and learn how to deal with new situations and people from other cultures. I’m still in contact with my host families after almost 7 years and 3 out of 4 families visited me in Germany. All in all, it’s an opportunity that no one should miss.”
“It is a great experience for both the student and the host family,” shared Charlotta Palm, 2014-15 exchange host in Finland. “The host family can get the chance to learn a lot about a completely new culture, but also learn a lot about themself and their own culture.
“By introducing your own hometown to a completely new person from another country, you get to see the city/town you call home in a completely new light as well. As long as both parties try their best to communicate and be open to potential differences, I believe this can be such a rewarding experience for everybody.”
“I would say that for the host student it is a great experience but for the host family as well because they can learn a new culture from them,” said Fanny Etienne, 2019-20 exchange student from Belgium. “So don’t hesitate to host a student in your family!”
Those interested in learning more about the work of The Rotary Club of Fonthill and/or the Rotary Youth Exchange program can do so at the following links:
Rotary International Cultural Youth Exchange Program
Nick Redekop completed his Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Labour Studies at Brock University. He has previously served in municipal and federal politics. In his free time, Nick enjoys following sports, taking part in outdoor activities, and reading biographies. Nick resides in Niagara Falls
