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The Rotary Club of Port Hope sponsors a young person to travel to another country for one year on an educational and cultural exchange. The student will live with several Host Families, and will be under the supervision of the local Host Rotary Club in the foreign country. Students are expected to adapt to the routines in their Host Families household. The student will attend high school for the year. Students may receive some credits for courses of study from abroad, although this will not likely be equivalent to a year in a Canadian high school. Former Exchange Students tell us that the experience is well worth the loss of a year at school, and that no one should hesitate to apply for this reason. What is Rotary? Rotary is a service club of men and women who work in businesses and professions. The Rotary Club of Port hope has approximately 50 members who meet at 6:00 p.m. on Monday evenings for dinner and a business meeting. Rotarians carry out service projects in their own communities and around the world. There are one million Rotary members in 172 different countries. In Port Hope Rotary Club projects include the rebuilding of the Caroline Street tennis courts, the elevator in the town library and the bridge and park south of the library. International projects include the building of a hospital in the Dominican Republic and a campaign to wipe out polio around the world by 2005. Who is Eligible? A high school student who:
Where Might the Student Go? Our Rotary District 7070 exchanges students with countries such as Argentina. Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, The Netherlands, New Zealand, and Sweden. Students are asked to select three possible countries as part of the application process. Counsellors The Rotary Clubs in Port Hope and in your Host Country will provide a Counsellor to advise andhelp you. The Counsellor in the foreign country will introduce you to your Host Families, help set you up at school with appropriate courses, help you coordinate social and Rotary Club activities, help you with a budget and banking and help with any problems that develop.
Often, Youth Exchange Students have the opportunity to travel and see different parts of their Host Country thanks to the generosity of their Host Families and other Rotary Club Members. Most countries organize a trip offered to all of the Exchange students in their Rotary District. The cost of this trip is the responsibility of the students and their parents. There are restrictions on unsupervised travel by the student. Travel outside the general area of the Host Club must be approved by the student's parents. Parental Obligations Parents of Outgoing Exchange Students will be invited to two orientation meetings run by the District 7070 Youth Exchange Committee. Parents have the following financial obligations:
Generally, the Exchange costs families between $5500 and $10,000. The Host Rotary Club will provide a monthly allowance (typically about $100 Canadian) for the student. This often helps to cover film, postage costs and some snacks. Parents and students must agree in writing to all of the requirements of the program. Room, board and schooling costs are provided by the Host Rotary Club.
Selection Process
Port Hope Rotary Youth
Exchange Students You can talk to Ron Tuttle, Youth
Exchange Chairman, Rotary Club of Port Hope, Rotary Club of Port
Hope, at (905) 885-4670. |
