Transcript of Rotary International Short Term Exchange PRESENTATION.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange PRESENTATION
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange District Chair Sandy
Swan sjswan@telus.net Home (403) 678-2187 Work (403) 678-5822 Fax
(403 678-5852 www.rotary5360.org/youth_exchange/ST.htm
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- Canmore - Brazil I wouldnt have missed this opportunity for the
world. It has been the best experience of my life. I learned that
people all over the world are the same, even though they have
different customs and speak a different language. I matured
immeasurably in the 6 weeks I was in Brazil. I believe the exchange
made me a better person, and gave me a better understanding of the
world Julie Freeman, Canmore Rotary International Short Term
Exchange
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- Canmore Brazil Rotary International Short Term Exchange
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- Canmore Brazil
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- Canmore Brazil Rotary International Short Term Exchange
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- Sylvan Lake - Sweden I cant thank Rotary enough for making this
opportunity available to Rachel and our family. She matured a lot
over the summer as a result of this and our family thrived even
more from having Julia with us. Randy & Linda Fiedler, Sylvan
Lake Rotary International Short Term Exchange
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- Sylvan Lake Sweden
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- Olds - Italy Rotary International Short Term Exchange I would
definitely recommend this type of exchange to everyone.
Experiencing something like this first hand is an amazing
opportunity. I think I have changed for the better because of this
trip. During my month in Italy I grew as a person. Not only did I
mature, but I also learned to become fore self- sufficient and to
trust my decision capabilities. Kaityln Mitchell, Olds
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Olds Italy
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- Drumheller - Belgium My personal experience was good. It is an
easy program to administer. Its a great way for students to gain an
international cultural experience during the summer break. This is
an alternative for students not selected for long term exchange who
still want a cultural experience. Clubs require very little
financial support. The program promotes international understanding
between families. Anita Fryters, Drumheller Rotary International
Short Term Exchange
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- Calgary - Germany Rotary International Short Term Exchange A
highlight of the exchange was meeting new people and spending time
with them. Another highlight was visiting Berlin & East Berlin.
After all of the history lessons in school, and my family history,
the visit was more significant. The exchange improved my life
because I gained more confidence in myself. The year following the
exchange I challenged a major university German diploma which will
allow me to attend a college in Germany. Thanks for the opportunity
to contribute part of my experience. Megan Semel, Calgary
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- Calgary - Brazil Rotary International Short Term Exchange I had
so much fun in Brazil, I loved it. I slowly picked up some
Portuguese. I had to start shortening my sentences to make it
easier & throwing in the odd Portuguese or Spanish word, and
using a lot of hand gestures! I met about 20 people that have been
to Canada/America in the past couple years. It's insane. There were
people from every country. Wow, Salto Grande was a BLAST! It was a
huge Rotary meeting with all the exchange students from this
district. Im learning so much and broadening my horizons. Erin Van
Housen, Calgary
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Eligibility The Rotary
Short-Term Exchange Program offers youths between the ages of 15
and 18 an opportunity to participate in an exchange with students
in a foreign country.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Purpose &
Objectives Six to eight weeks in duration Exchanges take place when
schools are not in session Exchanges usually do not include an
academic program IT IS A DIRECT EXCHANGE PROGRAM
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Purpose &
Objectives Students are paired with students of similar age, sex
and interests. One or the other of the students will first visit
the family he or she has been matched with. The student will stay
with that family for a period of usually 3 to 4 weeks (depending
upon the country involved). Then, the two students will fly
(usually together) to the other family involved, and the process is
reversed.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Purpose &
Objectives The Rotary Clubs are facilitators only, and set up the
mechanism to make the visit possible. It is not a subsidized
program, nor is it the responsibility of the Rotary Clubs involved
to entertain the students involved. The program is a FAMILY TO
FAMILY exchange.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Organization &
Administration A Rotary Club can recruit students for the
Short-Term exchanges in the same manner as for academic-year
exchanges: By former students Through advertisements at high
schools With brochures specific to the program.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Organization &
Administration Applications must be accepted by an endorsing Rotary
Club. There must be a written application and a personal
interview.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Costs The Rotary Short
Term Youth Exchange program is handled by volunteers, which makes
the cost very reasonable. Also, as a guest of the host family, the
students basic living expenses are provided at no cost.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Costs The costs to the
student and their family would be: $200 Administration Fee to cover
phone/fax & courier costs. Airfare Insurance
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Process The Short-Term
Application & $200 deposit must be received by the District
Chairperson prior to March 31st. Upon receipt of this material, we
will begin to look for an overseas host family. Most host family
matches will be completed by May 30th, although, it may be later.
The entire deposit will be refunded in the rare event that we are
unable to secure a host family.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Countries Argentina
Belgium Norway Brazil Denmark Sweden Finland Germany Thailand Italy
Japan Switzerland Mexico The Netherlands
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Will I be Able to go
to the Country I Request? Our district makes every attempt to
enable a student to exchange with the country of preference, but it
is not always possible. A student should make three choices. On
occasion, a student may be asked to exchange with a country not in
their top three. At that time he/she will have to decide whether or
not the exchange is as important as the particular country they had
requested.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange What about the
Language? This is seldom a problem. Without exception, virtually
all students traveling to Canada have reasonably good English
language skills. For many of them it is an opportunity to improve
their English, and they do not expect to converse in any other
language. For our students, the primary contact is with the student
they have been matched with, and that student can speak English.
Many of the families participating in this program speak English,
although one must realistically expect a wide variety of levels of
fluency. Rotary tries not to match students who cannot
communicate.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Travel Arrangements
The counselor, student & parents make the travel arrangements
with a travel agent that the Rotary District has selected.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange What if I find a
Better Price? Rotary endeavors to obtain the best possible prices.
We acknowledge that there are circumstances which occasionally make
seat sale prices appear better than the fares Rotary can obtain.
However the District is required to consider the entire program.
Rotary will not jeopardize the program tin order to match the sale
price on a particular destination.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange What if I find a
Better Price? Because the program operates during summer vacations,
the actual dates of the exchange program become critical. We rely
on the Travel Agent selected by Rotary to ensure that travel for
the students goes smoothly and that all the necessary paperwork
& insurance is in order.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange How Can I Pay for the
Trip? Payment is made DIRECTLY to the travel agent using whatever
method of payment they prefer.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Getting Along
Sometimes it happens that students simply do not get along. Rotary
will do everything possible to facilitate things, and if
circumstances require this, will remove the student from that home.
Should that occur, it may be necessary to send the student home
early and terminate the exchange. If one of these rare situations
occurs, the District will do everything possible to resolve the
matter satisfactorily to all.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange QUESTIONS?
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Student Counselor
Information
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Advertise the
Opportunity Put up posters at the school. Schedule announcements on
the "morning bulletin" at the school. Flyers in parent addressed
school mailings. Engage the Interact Club in the search for
candidates. Promote the program with newspaper articles. Existing
Inbound students can be excellent "promoters."
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Student Applications
All applicants should be required to fill out a brief introductory
application, which should consist of at least page one of the
standard application form. In addition the student should be asked
to submit a handwritten response to such questions as: a.Why do you
want to be an exchange student? b.What are the four most important
problems in world?
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Interviewing
Candidates All applicants that respond in a reasonable manner
should be shown the courtesy of an interview with the Youth
Exchange Committee. Establish a consistent set of interview
questions for each candidate.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Sample Interview
Questions 1.What was the most and least important course in High
School? 2.What is your favorite way to spend a Saturday night? 3.Do
you drink or smoke? 4.Tell us about your last family trip. What was
your level of participation? 5.What are your chores at home? Do you
get paid for them? 6.Do you or any of your family members speak
languages other than English? 7.Why do you think that Rotary has a
youth exchange program? 8.Briefly describe what you know about
Rotary. 9.What can you gain from being a Rotary Exchange student?
10.What is the most important thing you have ever attempted? 11.Do
you share a room with a sibling? 12.Do you have any medical
problems or allergies? 13.What will you do as an ambassador of your
country and Rotary? 14.What is the "greatest" thing about your
hometown? Questions should be consistent from student to
student.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Selection Criteria Age
Requirements : Minimum of 15 years at departure. Can be no more
than 18 during exchange year. Relationship to Rotarian: Neither
preference nor disqualification based on this.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Selection Criteria
Language Requirements : No specific requirements. A student that
has studied any language is going to be more responsive to the
learning process when they arrive in their host country. Reasons:
Are the student's motives in agreement with the objectives of the
program?
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Selection Criteria
Ambassadorial Skills: Do they know their own country? What do they
know of the host country? Worldly Experiences : Has the student
traveled in Canada? In any foreign country? Has the student been
away from family for any period of time?
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Selection Criteria
Educational Qualifications: Has the student taken a variety of
courses? Has the student been involved in extracurricular
activities? Sports, drama or leadership roles? Are communication
skills sufficient to speak before a Rotary club meeting? Social
Flexibility: Does the student demonstrate an ability to bend with
the demands of new situations?
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Selection Criteria
Appearance and Dress: Does the student appear to represent the
mainstream of Canadian students? Is the Rotary club going to be
proud to be represented by this student? Will the student be
acceptable to their host parents? Would you want this student in
your home? Residency: Is the student going to be available to
participate in some Rotary club activities when he/she returns from
exchange?
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Selection Criteria
Parental Support: Does the student have the support of the parents?
Financial : Does the student have the financial capability?
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Selection Phase 1
Establish a quantitative mechanism for judging the applicants. Keep
in mind that your club can send more than one student if need be.
This will depend on the host countries we have available to
exchange with.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Selection Phase 1
Determine the top candidate or candidates to enter phase two of the
selection process. Those candidates should be asked to complete the
entire Rotary Exchange Student application. Arrange a meeting with
the parents of the finalists to determine the parent's level of
interest. Advise the parents of the estimated expenses for the
Rotary Youth Exchange program. 1.Application fee $200 2.Airfare 3.
Insurance
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Selection Phase 2
Review the complete applications and at committee level determine
an order of selection. Inform the candidates of the selection. Ask
the student for three country choices Keep in mind that they may be
asked to exchange with a country not of their preference.
Compliment ALL of the applicants for their involvement. Address a
letter to each thanking them for their participation. Encourage
eligible students to reapply next year. How well you manage the
letter of regret will have a significant affect on the future of
your program. Notify District Chair of your selection, as well as
the country choices the student has made. All candidates must be
submitted to District prior to March 31st.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange After Selection
Encourage the selected student to attend Rotary meetings to learn
more about Rotary. Assist the selected student in the process of
completing their paperwork and obtaining a passport etc. Advise the
student on the importance of selecting gifts for the families,
counselor and Rotary Club in the exchange country. These should be
token gifts that are representative of the student's hometown and
industry.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Preparing for
Departure Advise the student to email or fax the host parents in
the exchange country as soon as the student is aware of his / her
assignment. Advise the student to discuss clothing requirements
with host families prior to packing. Have student contact airlines
to determine luggage limitations. Advise student on methods of
money transfers, use of credit cards and costs of visiting the host
country. Provide the student and parents with information regarding
the travel agent our District has chosen to use.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Preparing for
Departure Ensure that the student has some rudimentary knowledge of
Canada and Alberta. He/she will be asked all sorts of questions
about our country. The student may be asked to make a presentation
to a Rotary club about his life here in Canada. He/she should be
prepared for this event. The presentation should include facts
about his/her city, family, hobbies and pastimes.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Preparing for
Departure Ensure that the student is knowledgeable about the
sponsoring Rotary club. The student should know the size of the
club, projects etc. When she/he attends a Rotary meeting in the
other country, he may be asked about his local club.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Departure Present the
student with Rotary Club banners to be traded in the host country.
Present the student with small Canadian flags for the host parents
and Rotary Club. Ensure that the student has his/her passport as
well as a copy in case of emergency. Ensure that the student has a
copy of theirs as well as the other students application with them
for travel.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange QUESTIONS?
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Outbound Student
Information
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange The Rotary Short-Term
Youth Exchange Program is arranged by Rotary Clubs for Young People
to enable them to have the experience of a lifetime. In a wide
choice of countries, it also gives many other opportunities, both
during and after the exchange is completed.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Who Can Apply?
Applicants must be older than 15 years and younger than 18 years on
the date of departure. Any boy or girl. Sons or daughters of Rotary
members gain no preference in selection Applicants should be making
sound progress at school and have a general interest in people and
places. They should possess a good general knowledge of Canada.
Applicants must display high standards of personal conduct and
attitudes. Ideal candidates should possess qualities like
flexibility and a willingness to try new things. Rotary is looking
for young people who can act as personal ambassadors.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Do You Have What It
Takes To Be A Rotary Short-Term Exchange Student? There is no
specific language requirement. Most students are placed with
families that can speak English. Do you know your own country and
have you traveled in Canada? Have you been involved in
extracurricular activities such as sports, drama or leadership
roles? Are your communication skills sufficient to tell a Rotary
Club about your exchange? Will you be willing to participate in
some Rotary Club Functions?
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Do You Have What It
Takes To Be A Rotary Short-Term Exchange Student? Do you have the
ability to bend with the demands of new situations? Will a
sponsoring Rotary club be proud to be represented by you? Do you
have the support of your parents? Do you have the financial
resources? If you are answering NO to some of these questions,
DON'T BE DISCOURAGED YET! Take some time to research and do some
soul searching for the answers.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange What does an Exchange
Cost? An administration fee of $200 which will cover phone, fax
& courier costs. Return overseas airfare, as arranged by Rotary
to the country of exchange. Insurance, as required by our Rotary
District. Internal travel in overseas country. Day to day living
expenses, postage, phone calls, clothing etc. As a guest of the
host family, the students basic living expenses are provided at no
cost.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange What does an Exchange
Cost? Rotarians are volunteer business, professional and trade
persons. No Rotarian receives any compensation for his or her
services in the Rotary Youth Exchange Program. This makes the
program very reasonable to the student. Rotary is not bound to the
payment of any services, fees or other expenses. Great variances in
expense will occur depending on the country the student
visits.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange So Where Do I Start?
For best results, start at the beginning! Make contact with a
Rotary Club near where you live and go to school, or contact a
youth Exchange Committee Representative for your geographic area.
Do this no later than January or February of the school year in
which you would like to go abroad.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange So Where Do I Start?
Applications must be accepted by an endorsing Rotary club on the
basis of a written application and personal interview. Get through
the interview and application process. If you are successful and
become a Rotary Club's candidate, start the full application right
away. Choice of country to exchange to is on a first come first
served basis. GOOD LUCK!
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange When Will You Know?
You will have indicated a choice of countries that you would like
to go to. Whenever possible, the District 5360 Chairperson will
send your application to the country of your choice. The Rotary
chairperson in that country will assign you to a Rotary club in
their district. That club counselor will make family arrangements
for you. This all takes time. When those details have been
completed your guarantee form will be returned to our district and
YOU will know! This sometimes takes a while, as we are dealing with
other countries and cultures. Please be patient with us!
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange What Will Rotary
Expect of You? Involvement Rotary does not ask that you become a
devout follower. It does however ask that you recognize the
principles that Rotary represents.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange What Will Rotary
Expect of You? You will be asked to attend some Rotary functions,
which are intended to better acquaint you with the process of being
an exchange student. You will be the guest at local Rotary Club
meetings prior to your departure. This will help you understand
what Rotary does in the World. Your host country may ask you to do
a brief presentation describing your home, town, school and
Canadian life.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange What Will Rotary
Expect of You? You will possibly be invited to attend Rotary
meetings in your host country. These will open doors and
opportunities for experiences otherwise unavailable. When you
return from your exchange the sponsoring Rotary club will
appreciate your sharing the experience of a lifetime.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange As Soon As You Know
Start writing or emailing your new family, send pictures, and ask
questions.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange If You Are Selected To
Go Abroad Your Outbound Counselor will guide you through the
details of this process. You will also receive a large amount of
information by mail, email and verbally, from the Outbound
Counselor. STAY ORGANIZED & INFORMED!
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange If You Are Selected To
Go Abroad Get a Passport you will need passport photos and proof of
citizenship and a photo ID...ASK first! Remember it can take as
much as 6 weeks to receive a passport. Application Your application
will be sent to the Rotary District in the country you will be
visiting. The Rotarians in that country will accept the application
and forward it to the student they have matched you with.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange If You Are Selected To
Go Abroad Visa Some countries require a visa, even for a short-term
exchange. The travel agent we have selected will advise you of the
requirements. Airline Tickets You, along with your counselor will
make arrangements for your flight, with a travel agent chosen by
Rotary. Insurance Insurance is absolutely required and Rotary is
very specific about what kind. Your Mom's or Dad's group insurance
policy generally does not work.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Rotary's Rules The
Rotary Exchange Student program has several common sense rules. The
principal rules are often referred to as the 4 D's. No Drinking No
Drugs No Driving No Serious Dating
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Rotary's Rules The
first two rules, "Drinking" and "Drugs", are no different than
those of the society in which you currently live. Dating is a very
difficult question. Rotary recognizes the problems that repeated
dating or serious dating could present. The student is strongly
advised to be very cautious and avoid any serious involvement.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Rotary's Rules Driving
is a serious liability problem. Canadian laws and insurance factors
are different than those found in many other countries. Rotary has
seriously evaluated this question and has deemed it necessary that
all Rotary Exchange Students forfeit their driving privileges for
the duration of their exchange.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Host Home Rules Each
family in Canada has "Home Rules". The rules in your Host family
will have differences from those of your current home. You will
find, however, more similarities than differences. To be an
effective Exchange Student you must recognize and honor the
differences in social mannerisms that you will experience in your
host country.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange What Should You Take?
ATM cards can be very helpful in most countries. Find out from the
ATM provider whether they have service in the country you will be
visiting. Ask your parents to set up an account with a limited
amount of money deposited. Gifts for your New Families, counselors
and the Rotary club are very appropriate. Books about your hometown
or handmade items are always well received and expected. If there
are children in the family be sure to take some small gift for them
also. Pins and badges that are typical of your area will be
priceless. Also small Canadian flags are great gifts
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange What Should You Take?
Photocopies of every important document should be taken before you
leave. Take two copies and leave one set with your parents. Pack
the other in a separate bag. Film is usually more expensive than in
Canada. Take plenty. Modern security scanners do not affect film.
Telephone cards are commonly used in many countries. Ask your new
host family if this applies where you are going. You may be able to
purchase cards in Canada that can be used in other countries. You
should not expect your host family to pay the costs for your phone
calls home.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Learn the language!
Start NOW! Nothing will be more important! There are tapes
available in almost any language. Practice! Practice! No one
expects you to be totally conversant but you should know
salutations and a few fundamental words and phrases.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Rotary Programs are
Expected in Most Countries. The Rotarians that will be hosting you
will want to see pictures, slides and listen about your hometown or
region. A collection showing your home, school, family along with
slides of some business and agricultural views will make for a good
presentation.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Immunization
Requirements Vary Widely from Country to Country Ask your County
Health Department Immunization Department what the current
recommendations are for the country you will be visiting and any
adjacent countries you might visit during your year abroad. Our
travel agent will assist you.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Read the Newspaper
Everyday for at Least a Month Before You Go. Don't be embarrassed
by knowing less about your country, politics and gossip than your
foreign hosts.
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- Rotary International Short Term Exchange Smile at least 100
times Everyday for 3 Months Before You Go! It will be your ticket
to a wonderful, exciting and most educational year of your
life!
- Slide 80