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OUTBOUND STUDENTS
1. To further international goodwill and understanding by enabling students to study at first hand some of the accomplishments and problems of people in lands other than their own.
2. To enable students to advance their education by studying for a year in an environment entirely different from their own and undertaking study of courses and subjects not normally available to them in secondary schools of their own country.
3. To broaden their outlook by learning to live with and meet other people of different cultures, creeds and colours, and by having to cope with day-to-day problems in an environment completely different from the one they have experienced at home.
4. To act as ambassadors for their country by addressing Rotary Clubs, community organizations and youth groups in their host country, by imparting as much knowledge as they can of their own country and its problems to the people they meet during their year abroad.
5. To study and observe all facets of life and culture in the country where they are hosted so that on their return home they can pass on the knowledge they have gained by addressing Rotary Clubs and other organizations
OUTBOUND STUDENTS
1. Rotary Youth Exchange Students must be between the ages of 16 years and 17 years 6 months when they depart in August.
2. Applicants must be of good character and reputation.
3. Applicants must have academic standing in the top third of their class and must have an outgoing and pleasant personality to fit them for the role of ambassador for Canada. They must have the ability to accept discipline and be capable of adjusting to new and strange conditions.
4. Sons and daughters of Rotarians are eligible for Rotary Youth Exchange but receive no special preference in selection. All applicants are selected solely on merit.
1. Applications from students must be received by the local Rotary Clubs not later than November 1st of each year. Applications must be submitted in writing to the Rotary Club in the area in which the student resides.
2. Local committees appointed by individual Rotary Clubs will interview students and their parents early in the fall of each year and will submit their selection to the District Youth Exchange Committee by November 1st.
3. Final endorsement of applicants rests with the District Committee and is subject to the District Committee being able to make hosting arrangements with Rotary Clubs abroad. No student is to be regarded as a Rotary Youth Exchange student until officially accepted as such by the hosting Rotary Club in another country. Even after being accepted abroad unlawful or inappropriate behavour could nullify the student's exchange.
4. Between the date of selection and the departure of the students, the District Committee will stage a briefing and orientation meeting for all outbound students and their parents. Attendance at this meeting by both parents and students is MANDATORY.
5. As soon as the student has been selected by the District, application for a passport should be made. Forms can be obtained from a Post Office, BCAA, travel agency or a Passport Office.
Guidelines for Sponsoring Rotary Clubs
Publicity for Program: As early as possible
in the school year (or in the spring when there is more time and less pressure
associated with the beginning of school), Rotary Clubs should take steps
to publicize the Youth Exchange Program with announcements to the Club
members, the press, radio and through local high schools. There may
also be local or cable TV programs or public service spots where the program
can be promoted. Most high school principals will cooperate by
allowing announcements to be placed on bulletin
boards and some will allow a member of the Rotary Club to address a school
assembly or foreign language classes. Announcements in PTA or PTO
newsletters may also be a good way to reach the target audience if you
can find the editor and meet the deadline for the appropriate issue.
Application Forms: Information sheets and application forms are available from the District Youth Chairman. A small supply of these forms should be left with the principals or guidance counselors of the local high schools to give to interested students.
Processing Applications: After receipt
of applications, the Chairman of the Club's Youth Exchange Committee should
take
the following steps:
2. Interview some person or persons outside the school who is/are very familiar with the applicant's out-of-school activities (eg. sports or community groups). Try to ascertain the candidate's interests, attitudes to other youth, community activities and leadership qualities.
3. Interview the applicants and their parents separately and together. Try to judge the applicant's attitude toward parents, personality, ability to handle problems and ambassadorial potential. It is also essential to determine that the parents are aware of the financial liabilities under the program and that they wholeheartedly support the application.
4. When the committee has chosen a candidate the club chairman will notify the candidate and provide a final application form for completion in triplicate.
5. The 3 copies of the application should be forwarded to the District Chairman no later than November 30th. The Club Chairman should retain a photocopy for the files.
2. Applicants should possess well-rounded personalities with an ability to think through their problems and the stresses of living in a foreign environment.
4. Applicants should have an inquiring mind and be actively interested in their own environment, in the world in general and in world problems.
5. Applicants should be students who are active in their community through sport, hobbies, youth activities, or church affairs. The best students are invariably those who lead busy, active lives in their communities.
6. Applicants should be well-adjusted, particularly in their family relationships. The student who cannot adjust to his/her own family may well find it impossible to adjust to more difficult family situations in a foreign environment. The best students invariably come from happy, united homes where the parents are 100% supportive of the student's participation in the Youth Exchange program.
7. The applicant should be one whom you would like to host in your home.
Financial Obligations: The parents of an
outbound Exchange student are required to undertake the following financial
obligations:
- round trip airfare from Vancouver (12 month open ticket)
- student blazer
- visas where necessary
- health insurance
- student orientation fee
- parent registration and meals at orientation
- business cards, badge and T-shirt
- Rebound Reunion
2. The parents are required to provide the student with a contingency fund of $500 for emergencies. This fund must be replenished by the student's own parents should it become low.
3. All clothing needs of the student while abroad, including school uniforms (if any) are the responsibility of the parents.
4. Families requiring financial assistance can apply for funding from our Sandover-Sly Memorial Fund.
Community News: Your son/daughter will appreciate receiving news from your community plus newspapers, magazines, etc.
Adjustment Period: Finally - and this is
a warning - the two months after your son/daughter returns frorn abroad
will probably be the most trying time of your
respective lives. Everyone reports that this is a most difficult
time of adjustment, for both parties. Tremendous horizons have been
opened for the student during his/her year abroad and students do find
it difficult to
adjust when they "return to earth". A great
deal of patience and understanding are required during this difficult adjustment
period.
Guidelines for Outbound Students
Obligations: Students who are sent abroad
under the Rotary Youth Exchange program are required to accept the following
obligations:
2. Students are required to give a statement that they will not, in any circumstance, drive a motor vehicle while under the supervision of the Rotary Youth Exchange program.
3. Students will not be permitted to "go steady" with a boy or girlfriend. Dating, preferably in company, will be tolerated but, for obvious reasons, romantic involvement is strongly discouraged to the extent that a student breaching the rule could be sent home.
4. The student is required to enroll at a high school nominated by the host club and to attend classes regularly and participate in all school activities.
5. Students may be required to address Rotary Clubs, other service organizations, youth groups, and community groups during their stay in the host country and will, on their return to Canada be expected to address similar groups on their experiences as an exchange student.
6. During their stay abroad, the students are expected to attend the annual Rotary Conference in their District, as well as other official Rotary and Youth Exchange Program functions as directed by their host Club.
7. The student is an ambassador for Canada and must at all times behave in a manner which will reflect credit on his/her family, community and country.
8. Students must return directly to Canada on completion of their exchange period. Students will not be allowed to stay in the host country after termination of the exchange period.
9. Students are required to send a monthly report to their designated committee member and their sponsoring Rotary Club. Reports are included in your handout for that purpose.
Passport and Visa: As soon as you are selected
by your sponsoring Rotary Club, you should apply for a passport.
Forms
can be obtained from a Post Office, Passport
Office in Vancouver, through BCAA or travel agencies. "It's Your World
Travel" sends each student a packet of instructions and forms for the proper
documentation for the assigned country. The student should read and
follow the instructions carefully. Deadlines are included and should
be observed. Visas cannot be obtained, in most cases, until the Rotary
Guarantee Form has arrived from the host country. Following the deadlines
and instructions will insure that everything is ready for processing as
soon as the Guarantee Form arrives.
Hospital and Medical Insurance: This
is mandatory. District 5040 requires a policy for all Outbounds to be certain
they are covered from the moment of departure.
Host countries often require students to purchase a policy from them.
Money:
2. If you experience considerable problems with money, consult your counselor who may be able to help you work out a budget.
3. We suggest that you should take with you on your departure from Canada $30-$50 in traveler's cheques or cash, just as an emergency fund while traveling to your destination. Similarly, on your return trip home, be sure to carry with you a security fund. There are sometimes unexpected expenses when leaving another country.
4. Your host Club will provide you with a monthly allowance in keeping with the average allowance of the young people of the area.
Traveling to Your Host Country: It is important
that you phone or fax your host parents, chairman or counsellor with your
arrival information. Be certain of the arrival
date, it is often different from the departure date. Ask the person
you notify to
confirm that information has been received.
You must carry with you the name, address, and phone number of at least
two contacts in your host country. Ideally, these should be your
host parents and chairman. Carry any others that you have obtained.
If you are not met by the person you expect, ask an employee of the airline
on which you arrived to help you phone one of the other contacts whose
number you have. If this fails, phone your Rotary chairman at home
station/collect. As a last resort, contact the nearest Canadian Embassy
or Consulate explaining everything.
School Fees: Your school fees will be paid by your host Rotary Club. In schools where uniforms are worn, the purchase is your responsibility.
Host Families: The hosting arrangements
are entirely the responsibility of the host Club. The usual arrangement
is for you
to be hosted by three or four different families
but the host Club may vary this at its discretion. If problems arise
on the host
family level, consult your counselor, who may
be able to assist you; but you must - at all times - remember that the
burden is
always on YOU to adjust to the host family environment.
The host family is under no obligation to adjust to you or treat you asa
"special guest". You are expected to accept the
normal discipline of the family and settle into THEIR routine (not the
routine you have been used to back home).
You will call your host parents "Mom' or "Dad"
(or a similar title) but never Mr. and Mrs. In most cases, you will have
a room
to yourself. Some students have complained that
their host families have involved them in too much and that they wanted
some "peace and quiet" on their own. If
this situation develops, have a tactful word with your host Mom or Dad.
Don't be
disturbed if you are quite homesick in the first
few weeks. It will pass.
Making Contact: As soon as you have been
notified of the name of the Rotary club and country where you will be hosted,
you should write to the President or Youth Exchange
Chairman of the Host Club giving some personal and family details.
If you don't know your host family, ask that your letter be handed on to
the first host family so that a correspondence can be initiated.
It is not always possible to finalize hosting arrangements well in
advance of departure but where this is achieved every opportunity should
be taken to exchange correspondence with your host family. This helps
tremendously in the initial "settling in" period in a new environment.
Be a Joiner: To gain the maximum benefit
of your year abroad you should take an active part in the community where
you are
hosted. Take every opportunity to join
school clubs, youth and church groups, and be an active member of these
groups. You
are there to make friends with the young people
of your host country. Do not confine your friendship to other exchange
students.
An Open Mind: There are usually two points
of view on most issues, so keep an open mind on controversial issues (i.e.,
race,
religion, etc.). Try to see the other point of
view even if you do not necessarily agree, and, above all, be tactful and
diplomatic
when your hosts express views opposed to your
own.
Interviews: When interviewed by the press, radio or television at home or abroad, always be tolerant, never critical of your hosting country. Its customs, religions, and procedures may be a little strange to you, but they are eminently appropriate to the people of the country which evolved them. Carelessly uttered remarks made on public platforms or during interviews, when reported, may cause serious embarrassment.
Learning the Language: Students who are
sent to countries where a language other than their native tongue is spoken
are
expected to learn the local language as quickly
as possible. You should aim to become proficient in that language
no later than
three months after your arrival in the country.
Some countries require a student to attend a language school on arrival.
Slides: It is recommended that you take a good set of at least 30-40 colour slides for showing to host families, Rotary meetings, and other groups. The slides should include the following: pictures of your family, pets, home (including interior shots), school, town and area, outstanding tourist spots, and flora and fauna.
Notepaper: You should not forget to write
"Thank you" notes to people who host you overnight or weekends, take you
on trips, or in any way assist you during your year abroad. This
is not only good manners automatically expected of all exchange
students, but also helps build goodwill for Canada.
Take a small pad or two of notepaper with distinctive Canadian motifs for
this purpose.
Correspondence: Write to your parents regularly.
Don't forget your monthly reports to your District Representative and
sponsoring club's youth exchange chairman.
INBOUND STUDENTS
Host Families: The host Club has an obligation to arrange suitable Rotarian or non-Rotarian host families of good character. Non-Rotarian families whose children have been outbound students often are pleased to host and benefit greatly from the experience.
The Counselor: The Club shall appoint a counselor for each student who should not be one of the host parents. The counselor must be prepared to take a keen interest in the student and must maintain regular contact with him/her. Personally presenting the monthly allowance cheque to the student is a good way to keep in touch. The counselor should check with the high school from time to time concerning the progress of the student. The counselor should confirm that the student has adequate medical and hospital insurance. District 5040 requires that Inbound students have an acceptable insurance policy. Your District Chairman should provide you with the necessary information.
Monthly Allowance: The Club shall provide the student with a monthly allowance to cover personal expenses. Allowances vary from Club to Club depending upon the particular circumstances. An amount of $75 is generally acknowledged as a minimum.
Contingency Fund: The student is required to bring with him/her $500 as an emergency fund which must be replenished by the parents should it become low. This fund is for emergencies, not clothing or travel etc. It is desirable that a safeguard on this fund be maintained to prevent the student from "living it up". One practical way of handling this is to establish a joint bank account which requires the signature of the counselor before money can be withdrawn.
Timetable: Most students from the Northern
Hemisphere arrive in August and return home in June, July or August.
Some
students from the Southern Hemisphere arrive
in January and return the following January. It is recommended that
students
arriving mid-term be placed in a lower grade
so when they return to school after summer holidays they will be with the
same class as before.
Rotary Functions: Students are required
to attend all Rotary functions to which they are invited. They must
attend the District
Conference and special orientations planned for
all exchange students by the District Youth Exchange Committee.
Club Youth Committee: Responsibilities should include:
2. Liaison with the President and Program Chairman so that the student can be included in the Club programs during the year, and if possible be a guest speaker on at least two occasions. It is a good idea to invite the student to all couples events and special functions.
3. Endeavour to arrange for the student to join youth groups in the community and to be a guest speaker at community groups and neighbouring Rotary Clubs.
4. Endeavour to interest as many members of the club as possible in hosting the student for weekends, short holiday periods, special outings, etc. Some clubs have a roster of members prepared to help in this way during the year.
5. Endeavour to organize some contact with the student's sponsor Club overseas by exchange of letters and reports on the student's activities and progress. This often leads to very useful country-to-country contacts with the International Service Program of Rotary.
Communication: The success or failure of a student exchange often hinges on communication between the student and the host Rotary Club. All too often the student feels the Rotary Club has no interest in him/her and that it is all left to the host families. It is absolutely essential that continual and friendly contact be maintained between the student and the Club Youth Exchange Committee so the student is given the feeling of "belonging" in the community and of being part of an exciting experience in international understanding. Clubs which can achieve this will reap rich rewards from the Youth Exchange Program.
Acting as a host to an overseas student can be
a tremendously rewarding experience for a family, but it does entail obligations.
Here are some of the ground rules:
2. The host family must undertake to supervise the school and leisure hour activities of the student as if he/she were their own son/daughter.
3. They have to maintain the student in their home and are expected to share all family activities with the student.
4. It is desirable that the student have a room of his/her own, or at least share with someone in the student's age group.
Not a Guest: It cannot be stressed too
much that the student should not be treated as a special "honoured guest"
by the host
family. The whole value of this Program
centres on the acceptance by both student and host that the student will
be "one of the family", not receiving any special favours or treatment
and undertaking normal family chores. For this reason it is desirable
that the student address the host parents as
"Mum" or "Dad" (or similar terms), rather than the formal, Mr. and Mrs.
Household Chores: The student should most
certainly make the bed, keep his/her room tidy and assist with general
household
chores such as lawn mowing and similar tasks-
However, the student should not be used as a constant built-in babysitter.
Discipline: The student is expected to
adapt to the discipline of the host family. The host family is under no
obligation whatsoever to adapt to the student. All the adapting must
be done on the part of the student and if the student shows some
unwillingness to accept this point of view, the
host family should approach the counselor appointed by the host Rotary
Club so the counselor can make this point clear to the student. It
would be better that such a ruling came from an outside person such as
the counselor rather than from the host parent. Problems can arise
unless the student clearly understands the fact that he/she is expected
to conform to host country conditions. At the same time, host families
should be aware of the problems of adapting.
Religion: Somewhat surprisingly this poses
very few problems. Most students are very flexible on attitudes and usually
will
accompany the host family to their church, even
where religions differ. Host families, however, should not force
an issue and if
the student wishes to follow his/her own religion
every effort should be made to assist him/her in this respect.
Alcohol with meals: A student who has been
used to consuming alcohol at home in his/her own country may be hosted
by a non-drinking family. The student must respect the wishes of
that family. Alternatively, the family hosting a student from a non-
drinking home should respect the beliefs of the
student and should make no attempt to persuade him/her to participate in
the
consumption of alcohol.
Drugs: There is a total prohibition on
students indulging in illegal drug-taking in any form while participating
in the
Youth Exchange program. Any student breaching
this rule will automatically be expelled from the Program and returned
at once to his/her home. If the host parents have reason to suspect
that a student in their care is taking drugs, they should report their
suspicions immediately to the counselor.
Driving: The student is specifically forbidden to drive a motor vehicle while in the program. This rule must be enforced because legal problems could arise should a student be involved in an accident. Motor vehicles include cars, motorcycles, ATV'S, snowmobiles, motorboats, etc.
Romance: The Youth Exchange program rules
state that students should not become "romantically involved" with
members of the opposite sex. If host parents
note that a relationship is becoming serious, they should report the
matter to the counselor. This is a difficult
area, but the rule is basically sound because a student who becomes
romantically involved centers all of his/her
interests on one person to the exclusion of the broad aspect of the program.
Finance: The host family is not under any
obligation to provide the student with pocket money (this is provided
by the host club) or to finance clothing, travel
or other expenses. Summer trips for the students are the financial
responsibility of the student's own parents.
Travel: The host family is under no obligation
to provide the student with travel experiences. Host families or
other Rotarians
wishing to include the student in their travel
plans may do so provided the district travel rules are observed.
Change of Hosts: Host families should keep in touch with the host Club through the counselor concerning hosting arrangements so that both the student and the host families know exactly when each change of hosting is to take place.
Money Problems: Some young people
need guidance in handling money if they are to live within the monthly
allowance
supplied by the club. The student's $500
contingency fund should not be expended on day-to-day items. It is
to be used for
emergencies only. Supervision of these
contingency funds is desirable and the best method is the establishment
of a special
bank account which requires permission of the
counselor before a withdrawal can be made. This is an issue which
should be
discussed with the counselor at the beginning
of the exchange.
Homesickness: Every student
experiences homesickness to some degree. Host parents should appreciate
this and should
expect the student to have some adjustment problems.
The student who is actively involved in community youth groups will
be less likely to suffer from adjustment problems
and homesickness than the non-participant. Do all you can to, encourage
your student to accept the opportunities to participate in community affairs.
Shared Knowledge: One of the main purposes
of the Program is the exchange of knowledge on an international level.
Your
student as an ambassador for his/her country
should show an interest in that country and host parents should learn as
much as possible about the student's home environment. In turn, you
are also an ambassador for Canada by imparting as much knowledge as possible
about the Canadian way of life to your student so that he/she will be able
to take back home a picture of Canada that
is as accurate as possible. This two-way exchange of ideas and information
can be a very stimulating and rewarding adventure in international goodwill
and understanding.
Rules and Guidelines for Inbound Students
School: During your stay, you will be enrolled
at a high school and you are required to attend regularly and take part
in all
school activities as if you were a Canadian student.
Travel: It is important for you to understand
that this is a cultural exchange and NOT a travel exchange. Traveling
is
limited to the following:
The District Committee will arrange throughout
your stay occasions where you will travel to meet the other exchange students
of the district. You may accompany Rotarian families on trips they
are undertaking should you be invited to do so but the host club is under
no obligation to provide travel experiences. You are not to arrange travel
plans for yourself or seek special
concessions. Any travel outside the
district must be approved by the District Youth Exchange Chairman. The
club may, at its discretion, provide up to ten (10) days of optional travel
based on the conditions above.
Drugs: The use of illegal drugs is forbidden by law. Any student using illegal drugs is subject to immediate return home.
Driving: The Youth Exchange regulations
specifically prohibit a student from driving a motor vehicle whole on exchange.
This
rule must be strictly enforced because of problems
that could arise should the student be involved in an accident while driving.
Romance: Students are not to form romantic attachments or "go steady". They should be friendly and mingle with all students so that their influence reaches all of the student body.
Climate: British Columbia has four seasons. Winters can range from mild in the south of the province to very cold and snowy in the north. Summers in Vancouver are usually mild and pleasant without too many really hot days. The north of the province can have some very warm spells.
Clothing: You will need warm jackets and boots in our north. In the Vancouver area, you will require rain gear. If such clothing is not available in your country you may be able to borrow some from your host families. If not, you should be prepared to purchase warm clothing.
Host Families: In most cases students coming
to British Columbia stay in three or four different homes. This requires
a
lot of adjustment on your part as you must adapt
to the life of your host family. There is no obligation on the part
of the host
family to adapt to your way of life. All
adaptation must be done by you. Remember your host families owe you
nothing. On the other hand you owe the host families an enormous
debt of gratitude for the considerable personal and financial sacrifices
they are making in hosting you. Without
these sacrifices it would not be possible for you to spend a year abroad
as an
exchange student. The majority of difficulties
in the Program around the world arise from refusal (or inability) of students
to
adapt to their new environment.
Monthly Allowance: Your host Rotary Club
will provide you with a monthly allowance and wdl also provide transportation
and accommodation to attend the District Rotary
Conference and Youth Exchange orientations. These are the only financial
obligations of the host club.
Counselor: Your host club will appoint
as your counselor an experienced Rotarian who wifl be your confidant for
the time
you are with us. If you have any problems,
whether it be on the host family, club, school, or financial level, you
should consult
your counselor who will do his or her best to
iron them out.
Medical and Hospital: Students in District
5040 are required to purchase insurance coverage. This should be
purchased prior to your arrival in Canada.
The medical system and insurance in Canada is different from your home
country. ALL medical,
hospital and dental expenses are the responsibility
of your parents.
Public Speaking: During your stay in Canada,
you will be expected to speak on a number of occasions to Rotarians and
community groups. You should have some
slides (if possible) or photos of yourself, your famdy, your home (inside
and out),
your community, and other areas of interest from
your country.
Contingency Fund: You are required to bring
with you a contingency fund of $500. On arrival this is to be placed
in a
bank account which is co-signed by your counselor.
The contingency fund may only be used for emergencies. It is not
intended to cover day-to-day items.
Behavour: While you are being hosted as
a Rotary Exchange Student, please remember that you are an ambassador for
your
country and for Rotary. We, therefore,
expect at all times that you will maintain high standards of behavour so
the people you
meet will form a good impression of your country;
otherwise, one of the main purposes of the Program (the ambassadorial role)
will not be fulfilled.
Grooming and Hygiene: When you were chosen
by your sponsoring Rotary club, you "passed the test" of good grooming.
It is expected that you will continue to be well-groomed
while you are in Canada. Whatever hair style you choose should be
kept well-trimmed and neat. An occasional
trip to the barber or hair stylist is necessary to accomplish this.
Males who are clean-shaven when they arrive should remain that way.
In Canada, it is an accepted practice to use an underarm deodorant to inhibit
body odour.
Jobs: You are on a STUDENT visa that does not allow you to hold a job.
In Conclusion: The Rotary International
Youth Exchange Program through your host Rotary Club is offering you a
unique
experience to live for an extended period of
time in a new and different environment. You are expected to immerse
yourself
in the culture and customs of Canada; to learn
the language quickly; to accept gracefully the differences you will encounter
and to join wholeheartedly in Rotary, school, and community activities.
Your compliance with these Rules and Guidelines will ensure a successful
and rewarding experience for you. Students who do not want to assume
the responsibilities of the Program will. be subject to return home before
the completion of the exchange period.
After Your Exchange Year - Rotex
When students return from their year as an exchange
student, Rotary has many opportunities for continuing involvement.
All
students will speak to their sponsoring Rotary
club after their return and many wish to continue their association with
the other
students involved in exchange. The ROTEX (Returned Exchange
Students) group provides an opportunity for this continuing interaction and
involvement with exchange. Students wishing to participate may contact
the following:
Tara Yeung
Tel: 604 876-9225
Email: tyeung@anson-realty.com
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