Areas of Service - Youth Exchange

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What is Rotary's Youth Exchange Program?

Visalia Breakfast Rotary Club's Youth Exchange Program

Introducing Out-Bound Rotary Youth Exchange Student

Carli H. VBR’s current 2010-11 outbound student who is on exchange in Agentina.

Stephanie D. VBR's current 2010-111 outbound student who is on exchange in Ecuador.

VBR Club Youth Exchange Officer Bruce Panttaja will keep the club informed as Carliand Stephanie send emails and pictures of their experiences in Ecuador and Norway.

Introducing In-Bound Rotary Youth Exchange Students

Maria R. from Sweden.

Bengisu G. from Turkey.

Taking Maria and Bengisu with you on your family outings

VBR members are encouraged to participate in the clubs youth exchange program, by taking Maria and/or Bengisu on family outings, to interesting sights, events, and activities. For all activity regarding Maria and/or Bengisu please contact their host family. VBR Club Youth Exchange Officer (CYEO) Bruce Panttaja and our district YEO Melissa Mears will need a few items from you so Maria and/or Bengisu can join you and your family. For a same day activity (picking them up and return here to the host family in the same day), members will need to complete a district short form application, if the activity involves an overnight stay, a long form application is needed and a criminal background check will be conducted. (Turnaround time on the BC is about 48hr) All forms can be obtained and turned into CYEO Bruce Panttaja . Additional forms and steps are needed if the travel is outside district 5230, Please contact CYEO Bruce Panttaja .

Hosting an exchange student in your home.

The most rewarding experience in this program for members is to host a student for 3 to 4 months. If you are interested in hosting an exchange student, contact CYEO Bruce Panttaja . Next year 2011-12, VBR will be hosting 2 exchange students, we still need 2 more host families.

Youth Interested in going abroad for a year on exchange?

This is a wonderful opportunity for a teenager you may know to experience another culture, learn another language, and see the sites of another country all in a total emersion program called Rotary Youth Exchange. The benefits that will be gained are numerous along with memories that will last a life time.

If you know a teenager that may be interested in going to another country on Rotary Youth Exchange, they should talk to CYEO Sam Romero. Rotarians children are eligible to participate ask member Dave Hernandez, his daughter Lacey recently returned from an exchange in France. Students must be between the age of 15 and 18 ½ at the beginning of the year abroad. 

More information and Forms / Applications

For all documents and more information on RYE follow this link to District 5230 Youth Exchange Program website http://d5230youthexchangeca.clubwizard.com/

Contact VBR's Youth Exchange Chair, Bruce Panttaja