Creating ‘Ambassadors of Peace’: Rotary International Youth Exchange Program Accepting Applications

Teenagers in the region interested in gaining global perspective are encouraged to apply for a Rotary International Youth Exchange experience for summer 2015 through Rotary District 7890, which encompasses Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut.

Richard Friedman, district youth exchange program chair, said that applications for the short-term exchange program will be accepted through March 1, 2015.

Friedman said the program helps high school students around the world nurture an interest in international goodwill and develop a compassion and understanding of people in other countries. Youths learn about different cultures and gain confidence and self-respect, he added.

“They are like ambassadors of peace and goodwill sprinkled around the world,” Friedman said.

Through the short-term experience, a summer program, students choose their country of choice and then are matched with a local family in that country, Friedman said. They will spend three or four weeks exploring that area with a host brother or sister and then will bring their new international sibling back to their home for a similar experience. With this program, students will not miss any school or need to learn a new language.

“Every year, about 8,000 young people from around the world participate in the short-term exchange, as well as a long-term exchange program sponsored by Rotary,” he added. “This is the time of year to talk up youth exchange with families of young people that you know, and extend an invitation for their children, between the ages of 15 and 18½ upon departure, to apply.”

To find videos, testimonials, available countries to visit or to download the application form visit http://www.exchangestudent.org. For more information, contact Richard at 612-202-1995 or richefriedman@yahoo.com.

Rotary International offers a second, long-term exchange program, in which students leave the United States in mid- to late August and spend the entire school year in their new location. The deadline for the 2015 long-term exchange program has passed.

However, Michael Roy, governor of Rotary District 7890, said, “The New Year is a good time for families to begin discussing this amazing opportunity with their teens for the coming year.”

To learn more about Rotary District 7890, visit http://rotarydistrict7890.org/.