|
|
|
There are several programs, such as American Field Service (AFS), Youth For Understanding (YFU), and Rotary's Youth Exchange Program (YEP). We went with YEP, so that's what will discuss here.*
Honestly, only you can answer that question. It sounds a bit hokey, but it's true. We can tell you, however, what characteristics are needed to be an exchange student.
To go on exchange (and have a good time) you must be:
Absolutely not! Generally, Rotary wants students to be in the top third of their class, but dedication to exchange of culture and language is the key to YEP.
The general age range for YEP is 15 to 19 years old while on exchange. Some countries will set a more specific age range.
Costs will vary upon where you go and what you plan to do during your year.
You must pay for:
Without a doubt, it's worth it! You will learn and grow so much during the year abroad.
Your best bet is to get in contact with your local Rotary club. Ask them about the application. After you apply, you will probably be interviewed. Your interview(s) and application will vary be club and/or district. Best of luck to you!!!
Your choice or lack of choice will depend on your club/district. In Kate's district, you could pick your favorites and then hope for your top choice. The Netherlands was not on Kate's list at all, but the experience was wonderful just the same. Many people pick countries they like and/or countries with a language they know. If you don't get your top choice, don't worry about it. You still have an opportunity to have one of the best years of your life! (In short, wherever you go is great!)
No, you don't, but it is very helpful to learn necessary phrases before you go to your host country. Be sure to have a good dictionary when you go! We did not know much Dutch before we arrived.
Necessary phrases to know:
I know this seems like a long list, but knowing these from the start can be very helpful!
You'll stay with 3 or 4 host families during your stay. Moving around every 3 months may seem difficult, but it can also show you more about your host country's culture.
Hopefully, you won't have any major problems. In case you do, Rotary has a big support system. Usually, you will have a counselor from your host club. You can discuss problems with your host family or your counselor if you need help. Btw, students from the northern hemisphere exchange in July or August while students from the southern hemisphere exchange in December/January. There's always a group of students in the country with a bit more experience, so they can help you as well! :)
Have lots of fun! You'll be doing about the same kinds of thing you'd do at home, like school, clubs/sports, hanging out with friends, etc. Of course, you'll also be learning a lot about your host country and host culture. :)
Yes! Travel is great part of the exchange. Sometimes you will need permission to travel from your host family and/or host club, but travel is allowed and even encouraged! In many countries, there is also a Rotary country or continent tour in June or July.
It does feel weird at the beginning, but if you try, you'll start to fit right in. It's a good idea to mail your host family to be as soon as you know their address. It's a great way to make a good 'first impression'. If you can call them, just to say hello, do so. It'll put both of you at ease when you hear each other's voices. When you get to their house, you'll want to move in all of your stuff, but be sure to hang out with the family then too. Get involved straight from the beginning and you'll have no problem. :)
Well, all we can say is: try everything once before you decide whether you like it or not. If you really don't like it, you can politely say "Not really" when they ask you if you like the food. If there are any foods you cannot eat, tell your hosts up front, so there won't be any problems later on. If you are a vegetarian, your new location doesn't mean that you can't get healthy vegetarian food. If there are any problems getting vegetarian food, feel free to email us and we can get you in contact with some of our vegetarian friends who may be able to offer some advice.
If they fight in front of you and you can't find any excuse to get yourself out of the room, just sit calmly, and say nothing. If any of them ask you to be on their side, politely stay out of it by saying, "Sorry, I don't really understand what you are talking about" (It's a great excuse if they speak a different language) If you really have to say something, please, keep your voice low.
Take a walk and sort through your emotions. Enjoy your surroundings, try to imagine all of the good things that you will do during the exchange year, and say "This is what I want, I can do this." a couple of times. It will help you regain your self-confidence. You will probably be asked many times if you are homesick. It's ok to say yes if you are homesick. Remember, this is a problem all exchange students have. (If you don't get homesick, that's great, but I haven't met an exchange student yet who hasn't gotten homesick at least once.) Getting through your homesickness may be hard, but you can do it.
References:
Exchange Home Page
Rotary International
ESSEX: Eastern States Student EXchange Program
An Unofficial Guide to Youth Exchange, Foundation Scholarships and Group Study
Exchange
Get your own Free Home Page
