Rotary Youth Exchange Program
Each year, Rotary clubs worldwide send a Student between the ages of 15 & 18 abroad for 10 months in another country. This experience lets the student learn another language and experience a new culture. It builds independence, leadership and enables you to be a global citizen and a youth ambassador.
Meet some of our recent “outbound” exchange students who leave Vernon to go to other countries:
Quote from Cyan: “I decided to apply for the exchange program because it has been my dream ever since my family started hosting Rotary exchange students when I was 10 years old. I love learning languages and seeing how different cultures work around the world. I wanted to not just learn about a place, but become a part of it and immerse myself in the culture. I also wanted to make friends from around the world and see how we all seem different from each other but knowing that, in reality, we are all the same. I wanted to do a different kind of learning before I return to Canada and go to university and I knew that this experience would change my life, even if it’s just in little ways. I want to thank Rotary for giving me this amazing opportunity to live in Brazil for a year.”
Miska's Story
Although Miska had to leave us early this year & head back home to Slovakia, her time in Vernon & Canada is a time that she will never forget. She was warmly welcomed into the club and it didn’t take her long to feel comfortable. She was invited to do so many fun things while she was here, from the haunted corn maze to baking to a trip to see Vancouver. She was able to join a dance studio in town and dance a few times a week, thanks to the support of Rotarians and her host families. She will be forever grateful for her experience & hopes to come back soon!
