Rotary International Short Term Exchange PRESENTATION.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange PRESENTATION

Rotary International Short Term Exchange District Chair Sandy Swan [email protected] Home (403) 678-2187 Work (403) 678-5822 Fax (403 678-5852 www.rotary5360.org/youth_exchange/ST.htm

Canmore - Brazil I wouldnt have missed this opportunity for the world. It has been the best experience of my life. I learned that people all over the world are the same, even though they have different customs and speak a different language. I matured immeasurably in the 6 weeks I was in Brazil. I believe the exchange made me a better person, and gave me a better understanding of the world Julie Freeman, Canmore Rotary International Short Term Exchange

Canmore Brazil Rotary International Short Term Exchange

Canmore Brazil

Canmore Brazil Rotary International Short Term Exchange

Sylvan Lake - Sweden I cant thank Rotary enough for making this opportunity available to Rachel and our family. She matured a lot over the summer as a result of this and our family thrived even more from having Julia with us. Randy & Linda Fiedler, Sylvan Lake Rotary International Short Term Exchange

Sylvan Lake Sweden

Olds - Italy Rotary International Short Term Exchange I would definitely recommend this type of exchange to everyone. Experiencing something like this first hand is an amazing opportunity. I think I have changed for the better because of this trip. During my month in Italy I grew as a person. Not only did I mature, but I also learned to become fore self- sufficient and to trust my decision capabilities. Kaityln Mitchell, Olds

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Olds Italy

Drumheller - Belgium My personal experience was good. It is an easy program to administer. Its a great way for students to gain an international cultural experience during the summer break. This is an alternative for students not selected for long term exchange who still want a cultural experience. Clubs require very little financial support. The program promotes international understanding between families. Anita Fryters, Drumheller Rotary International Short Term Exchange

Calgary - Germany Rotary International Short Term Exchange A highlight of the exchange was meeting new people and spending time with them. Another highlight was visiting Berlin & East Berlin. After all of the history lessons in school, and my family history, the visit was more significant. The exchange improved my life because I gained more confidence in myself. The year following the exchange I challenged a major university German diploma which will allow me to attend a college in Germany. Thanks for the opportunity to contribute part of my experience. Megan Semel, Calgary

Calgary - Brazil Rotary International Short Term Exchange I had so much fun in Brazil, I loved it. I slowly picked up some Portuguese. I had to start shortening my sentences to make it easier & throwing in the odd Portuguese or Spanish word, and using a lot of hand gestures! I met about 20 people that have been to Canada/America in the past couple years. It's insane. There were people from every country. Wow, Salto Grande was a BLAST! It was a huge Rotary meeting with all the exchange students from this district. Im learning so much and broadening my horizons. Erin Van Housen, Calgary

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Eligibility The Rotary Short-Term Exchange Program offers youths between the ages of 15 and 18 an opportunity to participate in an exchange with students in a foreign country.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Purpose & Objectives Six to eight weeks in duration Exchanges take place when schools are not in session Exchanges usually do not include an academic program IT IS A DIRECT EXCHANGE PROGRAM

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Purpose & Objectives Students are paired with students of similar age, sex and interests. One or the other of the students will first visit the family he or she has been matched with. The student will stay with that family for a period of usually 3 to 4 weeks (depending upon the country involved). Then, the two students will fly (usually together) to the other family involved, and the process is reversed.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Purpose & Objectives The Rotary Clubs are facilitators only, and set up the mechanism to make the visit possible. It is not a subsidized program, nor is it the responsibility of the Rotary Clubs involved to entertain the students involved. The program is a FAMILY TO FAMILY exchange.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Organization & Administration A Rotary Club can recruit students for the Short-Term exchanges in the same manner as for academic-year exchanges: By former students Through advertisements at high schools With brochures specific to the program.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Organization & Administration Applications must be accepted by an endorsing Rotary Club. There must be a written application and a personal interview.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Costs The Rotary Short Term Youth Exchange program is handled by volunteers, which makes the cost very reasonable. Also, as a guest of the host family, the students basic living expenses are provided at no cost.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Costs The costs to the student and their family would be: $200 Administration Fee to cover phone/fax & courier costs. Airfare Insurance

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Process The Short-Term Application & $200 deposit must be received by the District Chairperson prior to March 31st. Upon receipt of this material, we will begin to look for an overseas host family. Most host family matches will be completed by May 30th, although, it may be later. The entire deposit will be refunded in the rare event that we are unable to secure a host family.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Countries Argentina Belgium Norway Brazil Denmark Sweden Finland Germany Thailand Italy Japan Switzerland Mexico The Netherlands

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Will I be Able to go to the Country I Request? Our district makes every attempt to enable a student to exchange with the country of preference, but it is not always possible. A student should make three choices. On occasion, a student may be asked to exchange with a country not in their top three. At that time he/she will have to decide whether or not the exchange is as important as the particular country they had requested.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange What about the Language? This is seldom a problem. Without exception, virtually all students traveling to Canada have reasonably good English language skills. For many of them it is an opportunity to improve their English, and they do not expect to converse in any other language. For our students, the primary contact is with the student they have been matched with, and that student can speak English. Many of the families participating in this program speak English, although one must realistically expect a wide variety of levels of fluency. Rotary tries not to match students who cannot communicate.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Travel Arrangements The counselor, student & parents make the travel arrangements with a travel agent that the Rotary District has selected.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange What if I find a Better Price? Rotary endeavors to obtain the best possible prices. We acknowledge that there are circumstances which occasionally make seat sale prices appear better than the fares Rotary can obtain. However the District is required to consider the entire program. Rotary will not jeopardize the program tin order to match the sale price on a particular destination.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange What if I find a Better Price? Because the program operates during summer vacations, the actual dates of the exchange program become critical. We rely on the Travel Agent selected by Rotary to ensure that travel for the students goes smoothly and that all the necessary paperwork & insurance is in order.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange How Can I Pay for the Trip? Payment is made DIRECTLY to the travel agent using whatever method of payment they prefer.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Getting Along Sometimes it happens that students simply do not get along. Rotary will do everything possible to facilitate things, and if circumstances require this, will remove the student from that home. Should that occur, it may be necessary to send the student home early and terminate the exchange. If one of these rare situations occurs, the District will do everything possible to resolve the matter satisfactorily to all.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange QUESTIONS?

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Student Counselor Information

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Advertise the Opportunity Put up posters at the school. Schedule announcements on the "morning bulletin" at the school. Flyers in parent addressed school mailings. Engage the Interact Club in the search for candidates. Promote the program with newspaper articles. Existing Inbound students can be excellent "promoters."

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Student Applications All applicants should be required to fill out a brief introductory application, which should consist of at least page one of the standard application form. In addition the student should be asked to submit a handwritten response to such questions as: a.Why do you want to be an exchange student? b.What are the four most important problems in world?

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Interviewing Candidates All applicants that respond in a reasonable manner should be shown the courtesy of an interview with the Youth Exchange Committee. Establish a consistent set of interview questions for each candidate.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Sample Interview Questions 1.What was the most and least important course in High School? 2.What is your favorite way to spend a Saturday night? 3.Do you drink or smoke? 4.Tell us about your last family trip. What was your level of participation? 5.What are your chores at home? Do you get paid for them? 6.Do you or any of your family members speak languages other than English? 7.Why do you think that Rotary has a youth exchange program? 8.Briefly describe what you know about Rotary. 9.What can you gain from being a Rotary Exchange student? 10.What is the most important thing you have ever attempted? 11.Do you share a room with a sibling? 12.Do you have any medical problems or allergies? 13.What will you do as an ambassador of your country and Rotary? 14.What is the "greatest" thing about your hometown? Questions should be consistent from student to student.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Selection Criteria Age Requirements : Minimum of 15 years at departure. Can be no more than 18 during exchange year. Relationship to Rotarian: Neither preference nor disqualification based on this.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Selection Criteria Language Requirements : No specific requirements. A student that has studied any language is going to be more responsive to the learning process when they arrive in their host country. Reasons: Are the student's motives in agreement with the objectives of the program?

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Selection Criteria Ambassadorial Skills: Do they know their own country? What do they know of the host country? Worldly Experiences : Has the student traveled in Canada? In any foreign country? Has the student been away from family for any period of time?

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Selection Criteria Educational Qualifications: Has the student taken a variety of courses? Has the student been involved in extracurricular activities? Sports, drama or leadership roles? Are communication skills sufficient to speak before a Rotary club meeting? Social Flexibility: Does the student demonstrate an ability to bend with the demands of new situations?

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Selection Criteria Appearance and Dress: Does the student appear to represent the mainstream of Canadian students? Is the Rotary club going to be proud to be represented by this student? Will the student be acceptable to their host parents? Would you want this student in your home? Residency: Is the student going to be available to participate in some Rotary club activities when he/she returns from exchange?

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Selection Criteria Parental Support: Does the student have the support of the parents? Financial : Does the student have the financial capability?

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Selection Phase 1 Establish a quantitative mechanism for judging the applicants. Keep in mind that your club can send more than one student if need be. This will depend on the host countries we have available to exchange with.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Selection Phase 1 Determine the top candidate or candidates to enter phase two of the selection process. Those candidates should be asked to complete the entire Rotary Exchange Student application. Arrange a meeting with the parents of the finalists to determine the parent's level of interest. Advise the parents of the estimated expenses for the Rotary Youth Exchange program. 1.Application fee $200 2.Airfare 3. Insurance

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Selection Phase 2 Review the complete applications and at committee level determine an order of selection. Inform the candidates of the selection. Ask the student for three country choices Keep in mind that they may be asked to exchange with a country not of their preference. Compliment ALL of the applicants for their involvement. Address a letter to each thanking them for their participation. Encourage eligible students to reapply next year. How well you manage the letter of regret will have a significant affect on the future of your program. Notify District Chair of your selection, as well as the country choices the student has made. All candidates must be submitted to District prior to March 31st.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange After Selection Encourage the selected student to attend Rotary meetings to learn more about Rotary. Assist the selected student in the process of completing their paperwork and obtaining a passport etc. Advise the student on the importance of selecting gifts for the families, counselor and Rotary Club in the exchange country. These should be token gifts that are representative of the student's hometown and industry.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Preparing for Departure Advise the student to email or fax the host parents in the exchange country as soon as the student is aware of his / her assignment. Advise the student to discuss clothing requirements with host families prior to packing. Have student contact airlines to determine luggage limitations. Advise student on methods of money transfers, use of credit cards and costs of visiting the host country. Provide the student and parents with information regarding the travel agent our District has chosen to use.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Preparing for Departure Ensure that the student has some rudimentary knowledge of Canada and Alberta. He/she will be asked all sorts of questions about our country. The student may be asked to make a presentation to a Rotary club about his life here in Canada. He/she should be prepared for this event. The presentation should include facts about his/her city, family, hobbies and pastimes.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Preparing for Departure Ensure that the student is knowledgeable about the sponsoring Rotary club. The student should know the size of the club, projects etc. When she/he attends a Rotary meeting in the other country, he may be asked about his local club.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Departure Present the student with Rotary Club banners to be traded in the host country. Present the student with small Canadian flags for the host parents and Rotary Club. Ensure that the student has his/her passport as well as a copy in case of emergency. Ensure that the student has a copy of theirs as well as the other students application with them for travel.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange QUESTIONS?

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Outbound Student Information

Rotary International Short Term Exchange The Rotary Short-Term Youth Exchange Program is arranged by Rotary Clubs for Young People to enable them to have the experience of a lifetime. In a wide choice of countries, it also gives many other opportunities, both during and after the exchange is completed.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Who Can Apply? Applicants must be older than 15 years and younger than 18 years on the date of departure. Any boy or girl. Sons or daughters of Rotary members gain no preference in selection Applicants should be making sound progress at school and have a general interest in people and places. They should possess a good general knowledge of Canada. Applicants must display high standards of personal conduct and attitudes. Ideal candidates should possess qualities like flexibility and a willingness to try new things. Rotary is looking for young people who can act as personal ambassadors.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Do You Have What It Takes To Be A Rotary Short-Term Exchange Student? There is no specific language requirement. Most students are placed with families that can speak English. Do you know your own country and have you traveled in Canada? Have you been involved in extracurricular activities such as sports, drama or leadership roles? Are your communication skills sufficient to tell a Rotary Club about your exchange? Will you be willing to participate in some Rotary Club Functions?

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Do You Have What It Takes To Be A Rotary Short-Term Exchange Student? Do you have the ability to bend with the demands of new situations? Will a sponsoring Rotary club be proud to be represented by you? Do you have the support of your parents? Do you have the financial resources? If you are answering NO to some of these questions, DON'T BE DISCOURAGED YET! Take some time to research and do some soul searching for the answers.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange What does an Exchange Cost? An administration fee of $200 which will cover phone, fax & courier costs. Return overseas airfare, as arranged by Rotary to the country of exchange. Insurance, as required by our Rotary District. Internal travel in overseas country. Day to day living expenses, postage, phone calls, clothing etc. As a guest of the host family, the students basic living expenses are provided at no cost.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange What does an Exchange Cost? Rotarians are volunteer business, professional and trade persons. No Rotarian receives any compensation for his or her services in the Rotary Youth Exchange Program. This makes the program very reasonable to the student. Rotary is not bound to the payment of any services, fees or other expenses. Great variances in expense will occur depending on the country the student visits.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange So Where Do I Start? For best results, start at the beginning! Make contact with a Rotary Club near where you live and go to school, or contact a youth Exchange Committee Representative for your geographic area. Do this no later than January or February of the school year in which you would like to go abroad.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange So Where Do I Start? Applications must be accepted by an endorsing Rotary club on the basis of a written application and personal interview. Get through the interview and application process. If you are successful and become a Rotary Club's candidate, start the full application right away. Choice of country to exchange to is on a first come first served basis. GOOD LUCK!

Rotary International Short Term Exchange When Will You Know? You will have indicated a choice of countries that you would like to go to. Whenever possible, the District 5360 Chairperson will send your application to the country of your choice. The Rotary chairperson in that country will assign you to a Rotary club in their district. That club counselor will make family arrangements for you. This all takes time. When those details have been completed your guarantee form will be returned to our district and YOU will know! This sometimes takes a while, as we are dealing with other countries and cultures. Please be patient with us!

Rotary International Short Term Exchange What Will Rotary Expect of You? Involvement Rotary does not ask that you become a devout follower. It does however ask that you recognize the principles that Rotary represents.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange What Will Rotary Expect of You? You will be asked to attend some Rotary functions, which are intended to better acquaint you with the process of being an exchange student. You will be the guest at local Rotary Club meetings prior to your departure. This will help you understand what Rotary does in the World. Your host country may ask you to do a brief presentation describing your home, town, school and Canadian life.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange What Will Rotary Expect of You? You will possibly be invited to attend Rotary meetings in your host country. These will open doors and opportunities for experiences otherwise unavailable. When you return from your exchange the sponsoring Rotary club will appreciate your sharing the experience of a lifetime.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange As Soon As You Know Start writing or emailing your new family, send pictures, and ask questions.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange If You Are Selected To Go Abroad Your Outbound Counselor will guide you through the details of this process. You will also receive a large amount of information by mail, email and verbally, from the Outbound Counselor. STAY ORGANIZED & INFORMED!

Rotary International Short Term Exchange If You Are Selected To Go Abroad Get a Passport you will need passport photos and proof of citizenship and a photo ID...ASK first! Remember it can take as much as 6 weeks to receive a passport. Application Your application will be sent to the Rotary District in the country you will be visiting. The Rotarians in that country will accept the application and forward it to the student they have matched you with.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange If You Are Selected To Go Abroad Visa Some countries require a visa, even for a short-term exchange. The travel agent we have selected will advise you of the requirements. Airline Tickets You, along with your counselor will make arrangements for your flight, with a travel agent chosen by Rotary. Insurance Insurance is absolutely required and Rotary is very specific about what kind. Your Mom's or Dad's group insurance policy generally does not work.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Rotary's Rules The Rotary Exchange Student program has several common sense rules. The principal rules are often referred to as the 4 D's. No Drinking No Drugs No Driving No Serious Dating

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Rotary's Rules The first two rules, "Drinking" and "Drugs", are no different than those of the society in which you currently live. Dating is a very difficult question. Rotary recognizes the problems that repeated dating or serious dating could present. The student is strongly advised to be very cautious and avoid any serious involvement.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Rotary's Rules Driving is a serious liability problem. Canadian laws and insurance factors are different than those found in many other countries. Rotary has seriously evaluated this question and has deemed it necessary that all Rotary Exchange Students forfeit their driving privileges for the duration of their exchange.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Host Home Rules Each family in Canada has "Home Rules". The rules in your Host family will have differences from those of your current home. You will find, however, more similarities than differences. To be an effective Exchange Student you must recognize and honor the differences in social mannerisms that you will experience in your host country.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange What Should You Take? ATM cards can be very helpful in most countries. Find out from the ATM provider whether they have service in the country you will be visiting. Ask your parents to set up an account with a limited amount of money deposited. Gifts for your New Families, counselors and the Rotary club are very appropriate. Books about your hometown or handmade items are always well received and expected. If there are children in the family be sure to take some small gift for them also. Pins and badges that are typical of your area will be priceless. Also small Canadian flags are great gifts

Rotary International Short Term Exchange What Should You Take? Photocopies of every important document should be taken before you leave. Take two copies and leave one set with your parents. Pack the other in a separate bag. Film is usually more expensive than in Canada. Take plenty. Modern security scanners do not affect film. Telephone cards are commonly used in many countries. Ask your new host family if this applies where you are going. You may be able to purchase cards in Canada that can be used in other countries. You should not expect your host family to pay the costs for your phone calls home.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Learn the language! Start NOW! Nothing will be more important! There are tapes available in almost any language. Practice! Practice! No one expects you to be totally conversant but you should know salutations and a few fundamental words and phrases.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Rotary Programs are Expected in Most Countries. The Rotarians that will be hosting you will want to see pictures, slides and listen about your hometown or region. A collection showing your home, school, family along with slides of some business and agricultural views will make for a good presentation.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Immunization Requirements Vary Widely from Country to Country Ask your County Health Department Immunization Department what the current recommendations are for the country you will be visiting and any adjacent countries you might visit during your year abroad. Our travel agent will assist you.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Read the Newspaper Everyday for at Least a Month Before You Go. Don't be embarrassed by knowing less about your country, politics and gossip than your foreign hosts.

Rotary International Short Term Exchange Smile at least 100 times Everyday for 3 Months Before You Go! It will be your ticket to a wonderful, exciting and most educational year of your life!

Rotary International Short Term Exchange PRESENTATION.

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