Impact of Rotary Exchange Programs in a Globalized and Unsettled World
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Transcript of Impact of Rotary Exchange Programs in a Globalized and Unsettled World
2015 ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
The Value of Rotary Exchange
Programs in a Globalized and
Unsettled World
#ricon15
Moderator
Terry McIntyre – Rotary Club of Barra Mansa-Alvorada,
District 4600, Brazil
Panelists
PDG Edward Thompson - Rotary Club of Winnipeg-
Charleswood, District 5550, Canada
PDG Friedrich Neddermeier - Rotary Club of
Oldenburg-Ammerlan, District 1850, Germany
DGE Viveca Serder - Rotary Club of Malmö-
Möllevången, District 2390, Sweden
Meet the panel
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• Object of Rotary
– FOURTH: The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service
• Four-Way Test
• Avenues of Service
ROTARY’S GUIDING PRINCIPLES
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• Develop cultural competence
• Expand awareness, empathy, and promote goodwill and peace
• As exchange participants (both visitors and hosts), we serve as ambassadors of our culture, our traditions, our heritage, and of Rotary
The Power of Exchanges
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• Exchange opportunities through Rotary:
– Rotary Youth Exchange
– Rotary Friendship Exchange
– New Generations Service Exchange
– Vocational Training Teams
– International service/international volunteering
The Power of Exchanges
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• Reciprocal exchanges between individuals, couples, or groups from two international districts
• Unique travel and cultural opportunity
– Stay in Rotarian’s homes
• Exchange teams, usually led by each district’s Rotary Friendship Exchange Chair, agree on exchange details (dates, duration, itinerary)
Rotary Friendship Exchanges - Overview
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• Immersion– Socialization, food
and drinks, industry, business, housing, entertainment, language
• Global and cultural understanding and awareness
Rotary Friendship Exchanges – Why Participate?
• Expand international Rotary network
– Many exchange participants become not only lifelong friends but also service project partners supporting each other with Rotary initiatives
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• Provide university students and young professionals the opportunity to experience professions,education, and culture in another country.
• As their concept of the world expands, they mature and develop a deeper understanding of themselves, others, and the world.
Program Goal
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Participate Ages• Between the ages of 18 and 30• Legal age in host country
Participants• Former exchange students, RYLA participants• Rotaractors, former Rotaractors, former
Interactors• Youth/young adults associated with Rotary
goals
Application• Through local Rotary Club• Reciprocity
Cooperation• Using the Youth Exchange network
Program Features
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Duration: 3-6 weeks
Group size: 6-10 participants, elect team leader from group
Accommodations: Families and/or youth hostels, variety of locations
Content: To gain practical experience in their field or another profession or study curriculum; learn about the host country and the local culture; strong humanitarian and/or vocational component
Group Exchanges
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Duration: Minimum 1 months; typically 1-6 months (visa and country requirements must be considered)
Individual Exchange, Professional Internship, Academic Internship
Participants: High school graduates, university students, trainees, young professionals
Accommodations: Preferably host families; dormitories
Content: Internship / study; integration in local Rotary life; social engagement
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German NGSE with District 4630, Paraná, Brazil
6 participants (18-23 years old) and 1 Rotarian
Week-long program:• Coffee roasting plant• Tropical forest tour• Manioc factory• Waste Recycling• Kindergarten• Electrical power
plant• Sugarcane factory• Ethanol plant• Newspaper interview
Additional experiences:• Cathedral of Maringá• Fresh sugar cane juice• Churrasco and samba dance
lesson• Interact/Rotaract meeting• Iguaçu waterfall• Orchid farm visit• Cachaça, beer, guarana• Boat trip down Rio Paraná• Lunch in the German colony,
Graciosa
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Results
• Cultural, educational, and professional immersion enhances academic, vocational, and personal growth
• Host clubs, families, and communities are enriched by hosting someone from a different culture
• Exposure to different cultures ranks as one of the most powerful ways to promote international understanding and peace
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Jill got to be a very important person and changed the life of my family
Vocational Training Teams
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Vocational Training Teams
• Vocational Training Team: a group of professionals who travel abroad to learn more about their profession or to teach local professionals about a particular field
–Fact sheet available on My Rotary (search Vocational Training Teams)
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Vocational Training Team highlights
• Meeting new people all over the work through the Rotary network
• Cultural immersion– Cooking, eating, discussing cultures, customs,
vocational, etc.
• Mutual professional training
• Improve communities through global grant sponsorship opportunities
• A forum for learning and understanding
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• Additional resources in the House of Friendship and online at www.rotary.org/myrotary
• Breakout session evaluation
Thank you!