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Germany, Denmark, Spain, Sweden, Latvia, Philippines or Italy?

Travel opportunities abound through Rotary Youth Exchange; applications due March 17, 2008

Where will you be this summer?  Paddling Lake Como in Italy or exploring the coast of Spain?  Or perhaps touring the Black Forest in Germany or visiting Copenhagen in Denmark?  These adventures and others await students who participate in the Rotary Youth Exchange of summer 2008 which runs late June through mid-August.

“Opportunities abound for teens seeking adventures this summer,” said Sam Wheeler who oversees Rotary’s Youth Exchange Program in the Northern San Joaquin Valley and the Mother Lode.  “Students can choose from seven different countries.”

This year’s exchange program includes exchanges to the Black Forest region of Germany, northern Italy’s Lake District, Latvia (eastern shore of the Baltic Sea), Philippines, Denmark, Sweden, and Spain.  Outbound students from Rotary District 5220 will stay abroad for 3 weeks with their host families.   U.S. students will return with their host families’ students, who in turn will be hosted by the U.S. students’ families.  Each part of the exchange will last about three weeks or a total commitment of six weeks during the summer.

Basic food and lodging expenses are provided by the host families.  Students are responsible for program fees, airfare and medical insurance, all of which can range from $1,500 to $2,000 depending on the destination, and any additional entertainment and emergency funding based on their parents’ discretion.  In previous years, an allowance of $200 to $500 has been sufficient.  Cost should not deter students from applying, as financial assistance may be available from Sponsoring Rotary Clubs. 

Rotary Youth Exchange is open to students ages 15 to 19.  Interested students must complete an application, be interviewed and agree to abide by Rotary’s established standards and guidelines for safety.  Students will be notified of selection within one month of applying for the program. 

Applications and information packets are available to download at: www.rotary5220.org Then click on Youth Exchange Information.  Applications are due March 17, 2008. Students are encouraged to apply early to increase their chances of being selected for their preferred exchange country.

Since its inception in 1929, the Rotary Youth Exchange Program has grown to include 80 countries with thousands of students participating each year.  Rotary’s youth exchange encourages exposure to different cultures and provides a foundation for international understanding.

Rotary District 5220 includes 55 clubs and more than 2,500 members in The Northern San Joaquin Valley and Mother Lode.  The district ranges from Galt to Madera and Oakhurst to Angels Camp, including Yosemite National Park.

For more details on youth exchanges contact youthexchange@rotary5220.org.

Comments and questions may be addressed to webmaster@rotary5220.org. We hope you enjoy your visit.

Rotary District 5220 - Serving California's Central Valley and Mother Lode 

© 2002-2008 Rotary International District 5220