Rotary Youth Exchange in D6630

Current Schedule for our Students:

• Nov. 10 - Chardon, Amish "Day"
• Jan. 26 - Port-Summit, "50's-60's Dance
• Feb. 27 - Strongsville, Tobaggon Party
• March 14-24: Eastern Trip
• May 3 - Niagara Falls Bus trip
• May 16-18: District Conference
• June 11-25: Western Trip

May 2008

View YE Students at Akron Aeros Baseball Game

View YE Students at Niagra Falls

The students have had a most "interesting" past two weekends to say the least. First, they were hosted by the Rotary Club of Akron to a baseball game at the Akron Aeros. Marcia Holcomb greeted all the attendees and made each and every student feel comfortable and honored and pleased to attend the game. The picnic lunch featured typical American fare - hot dogs, sodas, chips - and then the "Main Attraction" - BASEBOL !!!!!!!

A beautiful day for baseball, "today" was a perfect day at the "ol' ballpark" as all the students were treated to our Akron Aeros winning yet another game, the sun shining brightly helping our sun tans and hot dogs.

Also in attendance was Miguel Fuentes, an exchange Student from the Last Rotary year, and Ecuador, who has since returned to NE Ohio and is enrolled at Cleveland State University. Miguel spoke with one of the ballplayers, a fellow Countryman from Venezuela, and, thus, was able to obtain a baseball for a couple of the students.

Next up was the 1-day trip to Niagara Falls for all the current Inbound Students, for the Outbound Students next Rotary year, and a number of the Mentor High School Interact Club members.

Leaving Mentor High School at 8:30 a.m., everyone was treated to a barbecue up at the falls with Skip Trombetti grillling hamburgs and everyone eating in the rain. The pictures attached shall tell it all - despite raining and wet conditions, EVERYONE had just a "FANTASTICO" time!!!

The trip included an exceptional amount of laugher and friendships made among the three ( 3 ) groups that overshadowed the weather that caused cancellation of a number of stops and activities and a bus malfunction in the evening.

Rotarians of Rotary District 6630, here are two ( 2 ) clubs who presently are not hosting either and Inbound or Outbound student, yet, have placed "Service Above Self" to our guests here in the United States and each student has expressed appreciation to the excellent people of Rotary District 6630!!!

Jay Dzurilla, PDG

We are proud to be active participants in the Rotary Youth Exchange Program. This year about 7000 young people will see the world the way it is best seen... from the inside out... through Rotary's Youth Exchange Program. Our district is a major participant in this program.

The District 6630 youth exchange committee submits the following information for anyone who has the desire to learn more about one of the greatest educational opportunities available.

WILL THIS BE YOUR YEAR
As a Rotary Youth Exchange student, you will spend a year living with a host family in a country other than your own. You will learn a new language, a new way of living and a great deal about yourself. While you are busy learning, the people you meet will be learning too... about your country, your culture, and your ideas. You will be helping to bring the world closer together... and you will be making good friends in the process. If you are ready for the challenge... and the rewards... of living in another land as an exchange student then you are ready to discover new worlds through Rotary's Youth Exchange Program. If you cannot participate in the academic year program you may qualify for a short term summer program. Details are available from district officers.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Rotary Youth Exchange is open to all persons between the ages of 15.5 through 18.5, in the upper third of their high school class, and possessing a desire to gain an international perspective to their education. Applicants are selected by a sponsoring Rotary club on the basis of a written application and a personal interview. Final selection is by the Rotary District committee.

YOU ARE A STEP AWAY FROM A BETTER WORLD
You can make a difference... in a world of differences... by taking a step toward promoting world understanding through Youth Exchange. Ask your school counselor about this program. Or contact the local Rotary Club and ask how to apply.

WHAT DO YOU GET
If you are selected, you will receive one year of high school in a foreign country as an academic year participant or a summer visit as a stort term participant. The academic year participants will learn a new language and a new culture and will be given free room and board in quality homes selected by Rotary Youth Exchange volunteers as well as receiving a monthly stipend of at least $50.00 US currency equivalent per month. Short term participants will spend up to four weeks in a private home in the selected country and then the exchange match will live in the participants home for an equal amount of time.

WHAT DOES IT COST YOU
Some necessary incidental expenses must be paid by you or your family, such as insurance, orientations, photo ID cards, blazer (for academic year participants), round trip airfare, etc.

NOTE TO ROTARIANS
Help these young people by getting involved in this program. Contact your district chairperson for details. Pass on essential information to the local high schools. Have your club host an inbound student, if you have not done so, so that you can see firsthand how this program works.

NOTE TO PROSPECTIVE HOST FAMILIES
Please consider the advantages of taking a student into your home for three or four months. You will learn much about the student's home country and culture. You will make friends in foreign lands, often resulting in visits to the family of your student. You will help the student aquire an international understanding that can only come from living in your community and your home and attending a local high school. The rewards are great. Contact the local Rotary club to apply to be a host.If you are unable to make contact with a local rotary club, you may Email me at the address below with your return Email address and I will send you information to help you locate the proper authorities.