A GUIDE for ExchAnGE stUDEnts

Contents

Thinking about Participating in an Exchange? 3

Preparing for an Exchange 7

During the Exchange 12

A Note about Culture Shock 15

After the Exchange 17

For Parents or Guardians 18

The purpose of this guide is to provide students with a general overview of the Rotary Youth Exchange program and advice on how to prepare for an exchange. Highlights include what to expect while on an exchange and points to consider before, during, and after. Specific information should be covered in orientation sessions arranged by Rotarians in the sending district before the exchange.

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Thinking about participating in an exchange?

Why participate in an exchange?

Students reap many rewards from an exchange experience, including:

• Servingasanambassadorfortheircountryandcommunity

• Benefitingfromimmersioninanotherculturewhileadaptingtoanewway of life

• Makinglifelongfriends,notonlywithinthehostcountrybutalsowithother students from around the world

• Learningaboutthepracticesandaccomplishmentsofpeopleinothercountries

• Returninghomewithagreatersenseoftheworldandadeeperunderstandingofthemselvesandtheirculture

• Assumingleadershiprolesshapedbylessonsfromtheexperience

• Buildingmemoriesthatwillbewiththemforever

What is Rotary?

Rotaryclubsareserviceorganizationsthatstrivetoimprovethe quality of life in their communities, promote high ethical standardsinallvocations,andhelpbuildgoodwillandpeace.Thereareover33,000Rotaryclubsintheworld.Club

members,calledRotarians,arebusiness,professional,andcommunityleaderswhovolunteertheirtimeandtalentstoserveothers.RotaryYouthExchangeisoneoftheirserviceactivities.

AdistrictisagroupofRotaryclubsthatarelinkedforadministrativepurposes. Districts may sometimes join together to form multidistricts that coordinate exchanges in a larger geographic area.

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RotaryInternational,astheassociationofRotaryclubsthroughouttheworld,encouragesclubsanddistrictstoundertakeYouthExchangeactivitiesandofferssupportthroughpublicationsandadministrationrelevanttoeveryRotarydistrict.DistrictsoperatetheirYouthExchangeprogramsindependentlyofRIbutwithinapolicyframeworktosupportstudentsafetyandwellbeing.

What are the requirements?

IdealYouthExchangecandidatesareyoung,open-mindedindividualswhodemonstrateleadershipqualitiesthatwillenablethemtobecomeexcellentculturalambassadorsfortheircountryandtheRotaryclubordistrictthatsupportsthem.ApplicantsarenotrequiredtobeinvolvedwithRotaryinanywaybeforeapplying.ChildrenofRotariansarewelcometoparticipatebutarenotgivenanypreference.Studentswithdisabilitiesareencouragedto apply.

What types of exchanges are available?

There are three types of exchanges:

• Long-term:Thisexchangeisopentostudentsages15-19andusuallylasts10-12months.Moststudentsare16-18yearsoldduringtheirexchangeyear.Thestudentliveswithmorethanonefamilyinthehostcountryandisrequiredtoattendschool.Long-termexchangesmaybeextendedtoincludepartoralloftheholiday/vacationperiodsimmediatelybeforeoraftertheacademicyear.

• Short-term:Thisexchangeisopentostudentsages15-19andrangesfromseveraldaystoseveralweeks.Itoftentakesplacewhenschoolis not in session, and usually does not include an academic program. Short-termexchangestypicallyinvolveaRotarydistrict-organizedexchangeofasonordaughterbetweentwofamilies,buttheymayalsotaketheformofinternationalyouthcampsortoursthatbringtogetherstudents from many countries.

• New Generations:Thisspecializedshort-termexchangelastsfromthreeweekstothreemonthsandisopentoyoungpeopleages18-25.Thisprogrammayincludeavocationalelement.

Each district chooses the types of exchanges itparticipatesin.BecauseeachdistrictadministersitsownYouthExchangeprogram,age requirements may differ from one district toanother.ContactlocalRotariansfordetails.

To locate the nearest Rotary club, use the Club Locator at www.rotary.org.

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When and how do I apply?

Theapplicationprocessvariesbydistrict,butstudentsareencouragedtoapplyearly.Theprogramishighlyselective,andtheapplicationprocesscanbeginmorethanayearbeforedeparture.InterestedcandidatesshouldcontactlocalRotarianstolearnmore.

Where can I go on an exchange?

TheYouthExchangeprogramisactiveinover100countriesandgeographical areas. Selected students are placed in communities where a localclubhasagreedtohostaparticipant.Becauseoftheneedforahost,applicantsdonotdeterminetheirexchangelocation,buttheymayidentifypreferences.

How much does it cost?

Costvariesbycountry.Studentsandtheirfamiliesarerequiredtoprovideround-triptransportation,clothing,healthandtravelinsurance,andspendingmoney.Forlong-termexchanges,thehostclubwillpayanyschooltuitionfeesforrequiredacademicprogramsandprovideamodestmonthlyallowance.Freeroomandboardareprovidedbyhostfamiliesselectedbythehostclub.

What are the rules?

Eachdistrictandclubsetsrulesthatstudentsareexpectedtofollowtopreservetheexchangestructureandensuresafety.Tohelpstudentsunderstand the rules and expectations, districts conduct mandatory program orientation sessions.

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Inadditiontoclubanddistrictrules,RotaryInternationalhassetforththefollowing expectations:

• Follow the local laws and customs in the host country.

• Followthehostdistrictandclubrules.

• Follow the host family’s rules, such as curfews and household chores.

• Donotdriveoroperateamotorizedvehicleofanykind.

Ifastudentdisobeysagreed-uponrulesoraninsurmountableproblemarises,thehostdistrictmaydecidethatitisinthestudent’sbestinteresttoreturn home early.

What if I am not sure if I want to go on an exchange?

Itisnormaltobeanxiouswhenconsideringlivingabroadforanextendedperiodoftime.However,studentsmustbesurethattheyarecomfortablewiththeprogrambeforetheyleaveonanexchange.StudentswhohaveseriousreservationsaboutanyaspectoftheexchangeorfeelthattheycannotmeettheirobligationsshouldseekthecounselofalocalRotarianorformerprogramparticipant.YouthExchangeisawonderfulopportunity,andstudentsshouldfeelfullycomfortablebeforetheyembarkontheirexchange.

Do I need to be fluent in my host country’s language?

Thoughmosthostdistrictsdonotrequirestudentstobefluentinthelocallanguageonarrival,studentsarestronglyencouragedtoenrollinclassestodevelopabasiccompetencybeforedeparture.Languageproficiencyissometimesneededtoobtainavisa,andhostdistrictsmayrequireexchangestudentstotakelanguageclassesaftertheyarrive.Anabilitytounderstandthelanguagewillhelpstudentsbecomecomfortablewiththeirnewsurroundingsandeasehomesickness.

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Preparing for an exchange

What should I do once I am accepted into the program?

Thefollowinglistincludesseveralimportantstepsthatstudentsshouldtakewhentheylearnthattheyhavebeenselectedfortheprogram.

• Passport: Students should apply for a passport as soon as they are acceptedintotheprogram,astheprocessmaytakeseveralweeks.

• Student visa and guarantee form: Studentsmayberequiredtocompleteavisaapplicationand,aspartoftheformalYouthExchangeapplication,willberequiredtocompleteaguaranteeform.Rotarianswill facilitate this process.

• Airline tickets: Studentsshouldcheckwiththeirsendingdistricttodeterminehowandwhentomaketravelarrangementsandwhattypeofairlinetickettheyshouldpurchase.

• Health insurance: Allstudentsmusthavetravelhealthinsurancebeforedeparturethatmeetsthelevelandlimitssetforthbythehostdistrict. Students should always carry a copy of their policy during their exchange.

• Immunization documentation:Moststudentsarerequiredtohaveimmunizationdocumentation.Localhealthdepartmentsandconsularofficialscanhelpstudentsdeterminetherequiredorrecommendedimmunizationsforthecountriestheyaretravelingto.StudentsshouldcheckwithRotarianstodeterminewhetheradditionalhealthdocumentationwillbenecessaryinthehostcountry.

• Dental/medical examination: Studentsmayneedtohaveathoroughpre-exchangemedicalanddentalexamination.Theapplicationincludesanexaminationformthatmustbecompletedbyahealthcareprovider.

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What should I know about my own country?

Exchange students are seen as cultural ambassadorsandareoftenaskedquestionsabouttheirhomecountry’scustoms,culture,history,geography,andgovernment.Studentsareencouragedtolearnaboutthesetopicsbeforedeparture.

How many host families will I live with?

Studentswhoparticipateinthelong-termexchangeprogramlivewithatleasttwohostfamiliestohelpachieveamaximumamountofculturalimmersion.Besuretodiscussrulesand expectations with each host family when entering the household.

How do I contact my first host family?

Studentswillreceivecontactinformationfortheirfirsthostfamilybeforetheydepartontheirexchange.Theyshouldtakethisopportunitytomakecontact. The host family can help answer questions, and the communication willhelpeveryonefeelmoreconfidentaboutthisexcitingnewadventure.

Many Youth Exchange students are recognized by their unique Youth Exchange blazer, obtained through the sending district. During the exchange, participants cover their blazers with pins and patches they receive from others. Students should plan to wear it when visiting clubs or attending Rotary events.

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Should I bring any gifts?

Manystudentsbringsmallgiftsfortheirhostfamilyandmembersofthehostclub.Giftsneednotbeexpensiveandshouldembodythestudent’sculture.Manystudentsbringlapelpins,buttons,patches,orothercreativeitems that represent their homeland to share with other exchange students.

May I participate in extracurricular activities?

Extracurricularactivitiesareencouraged,astheyhelpstudentsbecomeacquaintedwiththeirhostcommunity.Meetingandtalkingtopeopleatschoolisanothergreatwaytobecomefamiliarwithanewcountryanditscustoms.Studentsmayalsoparticipateinactivitiesthattheyenjoyintheirhomecountry,suchasreligiousservicesorsports,toeasethetransitiontoanew culture.

What clothing and personal items should I pack?

Packingforayearabroadcanseemdaunting.StudentsshouldspeakwithRotariansandformerYouthExchangestudentstodeterminewhatclothingandpersonalitemstobring.

Allstudentsareencouragedtobringthefollowingdocumentsandhealth-related items in addition to clothing and other personal effects:

Documentation

• Passportandseveralphotocopies

• Visaandotherdocumentationforimmigration,andcopiesofthevisa

• Healthinsurancecardorpolicynumber,withcontactinformation

• Planeticketsandflightinformation

• Emergency contact information

• Immunizationrecords(ifneeded)

• Copiesofprescriptionsformedications,eyeglasses,andcontactlenses(ifneeded)

• Rotarians’contactinformationandthenameandaddressofthefirsthost family

Health-related items

• Anextrapairofglassesandextracontactlenssolution(ifneeded)

• Sufficienttoiletriesforatleastonemonth(Itmaybedifficulttolocatesomeitemsinthehostcountry.)

• First-aidkit

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How much currency should I bring?

Studentsshouldbringasmallamountof their host country’s currency with them, at least enough to purchase meals orforgottentoiletriesenroute.Itisrecommended that they wait until they get into the country to exchange additional funds. Students should consult with their hostdistricttodeterminethebestwaystoobtainlocalcurrency.

How should I do my banking abroad?

Somestudentstravelwithacreditordebitcard,butthesemethodsofpaymentarenot widely used in all countries. Exchange studentsshouldasktheirhostdistrictandhost parents what is recommended for their country.

Ifstudentsdogetacreditordebitcard,theyneedtodiscusswiththeirparentshowtheywillusethesecardswhileabroadandwhowillpaythecreditcardbill.Also,theyshouldreviewproceduresforreportingandreplacing a damaged, lost, or stolen card.

Automatedtellermachines(ATMs)permitstudentstowithdrawcashdirectlyfromtheirbankaccounts.StudentsshouldconfirmwiththeirbankthattheirdebitcardswillbeacceptedintheirhostcountryandaskaboutfeesincurredwhenusingATMsoutsidetheirnetwork.

Itmaybeagoodideatocarrytraveler’schecksinsomecountries.Studentsshouldknowhowtoreplacelostorstolentraveler’schecks.

Can I bring electric items?

Students may bring items such as electric razors, hair dryers, MP3 players, and laptop computers. Often, the shapes of plugs and outlets and the voltage vary from one country to another. To overcome these differences, students can purchase plug and voltage adapters before leaving for their exchange. They may also wish to purchase inexpensive electronics in their host country to avoid this potential problem altogether.

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What should I know about my host country?

Studentsshouldbeabletoanswerthefollowingquestionsabouttheirhostcountrybeforestartingtheirexchange:

• Howdoyousayhelloandgoodbye?

• Howdomenandwomengenerallydress?Whichtypesofclothingareconsideredappropriateandwhicharenot?

• Whatisatypicaldaylikeinthehostcountry?Whendopeopleeatmeals?Whatmealsdotheyeat?

• Whatisconsideredtaboo?

• Whenarenationalholidays,andhowaretheycelebrated?

• Isthereapredominantreligion?Ifso,whatimportantreligiouseventsareobserved,andhowarepeoplewithdifferentbeliefsreceived?

• Whatarecommonleisureactivities?Whichsportsarepopular,ifany?

• Whatisthegovernmentstructure?Whoarethecurrentleaders?

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During the exchange

How can I best get along with my host family?

Studentsareacceptedintotheprogrambasedontheirabilitytobeopen-mindedandflexible.Thesetraitsareimportantasthestudententersthehousehold and adapts to a new culture. Though students may initially findsomecustomsoftheirnewfamilyunnatural,theyshouldrememberthattheyareoftenpartofthelearningandoverallexchangeexperience.Studentsmaysharehowthingsaredifferentathome,buttheyshouldremembertokeepanopenmind,immersethemselves,andexperienceanentirelynewlifestyle.Hostparentsaregenerallyadvisedtotreatstudentsasmembersofthefamilyandnotashonoredguests.Itistheresponsibilityofthe student to adapt to the family, not the other way around.

Studentsshouldbepreparedtodiscusshouseholdruleswiththeirhostfamily.Thisconversationisoftenbestaccomplishedusingthe“first-nightquestions”offeredbymanydistricts.Examplesoftheseinclude“ShouldIwashmyownclothes?”and“MayIhelpmyselftofoodanddrinkatanytime,orshouldIaskfirst?”Somefamiliesmayexpecteveryonetosharetaskssuchasbedmakingandhousecleaning,whilesomemaynot.Students’acceptanceofwhateverchoresareassignedtothemwillmaketheexchangeexperiencemoreenjoyableforallinvolved.

What are my Rotary obligations?

YouthExchangestudentsareexpectedtoattendRotaryfunctions,suchasclubanddistrictmeetings,conferences,andorientations.StudentsmaybeaskedtogivespeechestoRotariansintheirhostandsendingcountries.Rotaryobligationsshouldtakeprecedenceoverotherextracurricularactivities.

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What will Rotarians do?

Rotarianswill

• Ensurestudentshaveahostfamily

• ProvideatrainedRotariancounselortoactaspartofthestudents’supportnetworkabroad

• Workwithstudentstoobtainavisaandnecessarydocumentationfortravelingabroad

• Conductorientationsessionsforstudentsandtheirguardiansbeforeandatthebeginningoftheexchange

• Dowhatevertheycantomakesuretheexperienceissafeandsuccessful

Do I have to attend school?

Studentsparticipatinginthelong-termprogrammustattendhighschool.Thehostclubmakesthenecessarytuitionarrangementswiththelocalschool.Itisthestudents’responsibilitytoregisterforclasses,attendregularly,andtaketheirstudiesseriously.Whenregisteringforclasses,studentsshouldunderstandthatadaptingtoanewcultureisverydemandingandmayconsidertakingalightercourseloadthantheywouldintheirhomecountry.HostfamiliesandRotariansinthehostdistrictwillhelp with registration.

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How often should I talk to my family and friends at home?

Studentsmaythinkthattheyshoulde-mailorcallfriendsandfamilyintheirhomecountryoften,buttheyshouldlimittheseformsofcontact.Theseservicesmaybeexpensive,anditisimpolitetoabuseahostfamily’sgenerosity.Also,spendingtoomuchtimetalkingwithpeopleathomelimitsstudents’abilitytofullyintegrateintotheirhostcountry’sculture.Manystudentsuseonlinejournalstoupdatepeopleathomeabouttheirexchange experiences.

Students should inform their parents or guardians of any concerns they have,tellthemaboutanytripstheirhostfamilyorhostclubisparticipatingin, and share their exciting exchange experiences.

Who do I talk to if I am having a problem?

Studentswhoarehavingdifficultiesofanykindshouldseekhelpimmediately.TheRotariancounselorcanhelpwithanyquestions,concerns,orproblemsthatariseduringtheexchange.Also,thedistrictwillprovidestudentswithtwonon-Rotariancontactswhoarewillingandabletolistenand help with any worries or questions. Host families are another great resource for exchange students.

Thehostclubwillprovidestudentswithalistoflocalsocialservicesthatmayhelpintheeventofasafetyormedicalproblem.Schoolcounselorscanhelp students with any academic or social issues that may arise at school. Theymayalsobeabletodirectstudentstootherresourcestohelpthemduring the exchange.

Ultimately,ifstudentscannotresolvetheissuethroughtheirhostcountrysupportsystem,theyshouldcontacttheRotariansintheirsendingdistrict.

Itisimportanttorememberthatstudentshaveabroadsupportsystemtoensurethatanyproblemsordifficultiesareaddressed.

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A note about culture shock

Exchangestudentsoftenexperiencecultureshockduringtheirstayabroad.Thoughcultureshockcanbeuncomfortable,itisnaturalwhenlivinginadifferentcountry.Itisquitecommonforstudentstohaveaverypositiveandrewardingexperiencedespitehavingadjustmentproblemsrelatedtocultureshock.

Cultureshockusuallyinvolvesatleastfourstages,whichsometimes repeatasstudentsbecomemoreandmoreimmersedinthehostculture.The stages are:

1. Excitement and Enthusiasm. This is the feeling of exhilaration that accompaniestraveltoanewplace,seeinganddoingmanynewanddifferent things, and meeting new people.

2. Irritability. This occurs when the initial excitement wears off and real culturaldifferencesbecomeevident.Nomatterhowunderstandingandacceptingthestudentmaytrytobe,therewillbetimeswhenthenegativefeelingsseemliketheywillnotgoaway.

3. Adaptation. This is when students learn to accept that they will need toadaptiftheyaregoingtobesuccessfulintheirhostculture,thenworkatadjustingtolocalcustomsandhabits.

4. Biculturalism. Studentsinthisstagerealizethattheyhavebecomecompetent in another culture and can see the world and function from another,verydifferent,pointofview.

Homesickness

Moststudentswillexperiencehomesickness,especiallyatthebeginningoftheirexchange.Studentsmayfeellonelyandbecomeoverwhelmedwiththeday-to-daychallengesthataccompanythetransitiontoanewculture.Thebestremediesforacutehomesicknessaretokeepoccupiedwithavarietyofenjoyableactivities.Studentsmayalsofindcomfortintalking

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withsomeonelocallywhospeakstheirnativelanguageorunderstandswhatthey are going through.

Itisimportantforstudentstounderstandthatitisnaturalandacceptabletogothroughlowperiodsduringtheirexchange,andthatcultureshockandfeelinghomesickarenormal.Itcanbeextremelyhelpfultostudentstoexpresstheirfeelingstosomeonetheyfeelwillnotjudgethem.TheirRotariancounseloristrainedinthesemattersandcanbeagreatresource.Also,studentsmustrealizethatthesituationwillimproveastheycontinuetoworkatadjustingtotheirnewculture and gain a greater understanding of the host country’s language.

Reverse Culture Shock

Readjustingtothehomecountrycanbeverychallenging,partlybecauseofthefalseexpectationthatnothingwillhavechangedduringthestudent’stimeaway.Belowaresomeofthecommonfeelingsandconcernsstudentshavewhentheyreturn.Theymaybereluctanttoexpresssomeofthem,butnoneareunusualorharmful.

• Myparentsdon’tunderstandme.TheyexpectmetobethesamepersonIwaswhenIleft.

• IfeelclosertomyhostfamilythanIdotomyownparents.I’mafraidmyparentswillbehurtiftheyfindout.

• It’sdifficultformetoreadjusttomyoldlifestyle.

• Imadesomanyfriends,andnowI’llneverseethemagain.

• Idon’tlikeithere.Iwanttogoback.

• Ididn’thaveaneasytimeinmyhostcountry.NoweveryoneisdiscussingwhatawonderfulexperienceIhad.Theydon’tknowwhatitwasreallylike.

• Idon’tfindmyoldfriendsveryinterestinganymore.Wedon’thavemuchin common.

Tryingtofitintolifebeforetheexchangewilltaketime.It’softenhelpfulforstudents to share their experiences with their friends and family in an effort tore-establishrelationships.Itisespeciallyimportantforstudentstotalkwithotherswhohavestudiedabroadandtokeepintouchwithpeopletheymetduring their exchange. Past exchange students in the district are a good resource.

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After the exchange

What are my obligations to Rotary after I return?

Rotarianswhohelpedsendastudentonanexchangeareofteninterestedinhearingabouttheexperience.Presentingatthesendingclubandotherclubsinthedistrictisanexcellentwaytoshare.

How can I stay connected to Rotary?

ThesendingclubmayalsoparticipateinRotaryYouthLeadershipAwards(RYLA)orsponsoranInteractorRotaractclub.(RYLAisopentoparticipantsages14-30,Interactclubsareforyouthages14-18,andRotaractclubsareopentopeopleages18-30.)Theseadditionalyouthprograms are a great way of maintaining a connection with the sending clubandstayinginvolvedwithRotary.Also,somedistrictshaveareboundprogramspecificallyforformerYouthExchangestudents.

Talkingtootherexchangestudentswhohaveexperiencedtheshockofreturninghomeafterayearabroadmayhelpinthereadjustmentprocess.Eventually,formerYouthExchangestudentsmaybeaskedtohelpprepareothers for an exchange experience.

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For parents or guardians

What can I do to help my child prepare for the exchange experience?

One of the most important ways for parents to help their child prepare to goabroadistobeinvolvedinthepreparationprocess.ReadingallYouthExchangematerials,askingthestudentquestions,andparticipatinginthevisaandpassportprocessareallgreatwaysforparentsorguardianstobeinvolved.

Parentsandguardiansshouldlookatthepackinglistcarefullyandkeepcopiesofalldocuments,suchasprescriptionsandthestudent’svisaandpassport.Theyshouldalsospeakwithlocalschooladministratorsbeforethestudent’sdeparturetolearnabouthowtheYouthExchangeprogramtiesinwiththecurriculum,andaskaboutcredittransfersandrequiredcoursework.Thesestepsmaybeimportantifthestudenthasnotyetcompletedsecondaryschool.Itisextremelyrareforstudiestakenabroadtobecreditedtothestudentafterreturning.Rotarydistrictscannotmakeanyguaranteesor assurances.

Parents and guardians should also study the host country to gain perspectiveonthestudent’sexperiencesabroad,buttheyshouldtrytolimitcommunication.Itisimportantthatanexchangestudentbecomeinvolvedandcomfortablewithdailylifeinthehostcountrytomovequicklythroughthehomesicknessstage.Limitingcommunicationhelpsstudentsintegrateinto their host country’s culture.

Themembersofthesendingclubcanhelpanswerquestionsandprovidesupport if necessary. Parents or guardians should stay in touch with the sendingclubwhiletheirchildisontheexchange.

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Can I visit my child during a long-term exchange?

Withtheapprovalofthestudent’shostclub,itmaybepossibletoarrangesuchavisit.However,itisusuallyacceptabletovisitonlyduringthesecondhalfoftheexchangeyear.Travelinganyearliermaybeemotionallydisruptivetothestudent.Parentsandguardiansshouldalsoknowthatsomestudentsseesuchavisitasanintrusionontheirexchangeyear,thoughmanymaybereluctanttovoicethesefeelings.

How does the district’s Youth Exchange program ensure the safety of my child?

RotaryInternationalstrivestocreateandmaintainasafeenvironmentforYouthExchangestudentsthroughasupportstructure.Thisstructureincludes the following elements:

• AllstudentshaveaRotariancounselorwhomaintainsregularcontactwiththemandservesasaliaisonbetweenthemandtheclub,hostfamily, guardians, and the community. The counselor is trained in respondingtoproblemsthatmayariseduringtheexchange.

• ThedistrictprovidesabuseandharassmentpreventiontrainingtoallYouthExchangeprogramparticipantsandensuresthatallparticipantsundergobackgroundchecksandscreeningproceduresinaccordancewith the laws or legal requirements of the host country.

• Eachstudenthasaccesstoafemaleandamalenon-Rotarianwhoarealternativeresourcesintheeventofaproblem.

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• Thedistrictensuresthatstudentscancontactadistrictrepresentative24hoursaday,andithasguidelinesforreportingproblemsandincidents that may arise during the exchange.

• Districtsarerequiredtoimmediatelyreportallcasesofsexualabuseandharassmentfirsttotheappropriatelawenforcementauthorities,thentotheclubanddistrictleadershipforfollow-through.Inallcases,thestudents’legalguardiansaretobecontactedassoonaspossible.

TheYouthExchangeprogramcanbeanextremelyrewardingexperiencethat changes a student’s life through increased international awareness and understanding.Congratulationsontakingthefirststeptowardseeingtheworld in a different way!

Statement of Conduct for Working with Youth

Rotary International strives to create and maintain a safe environment for all youth who participate in Rotary activities. To the best of their ability, Rotarians, Rotarians’ spouses and partners, and other volunteers must safeguard the children and young people they come into contact with and protect them from physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.

752-EN—(709)

One Rotary Center

1560 Sherman Avenue

Evanston, IL 60201-3698 USA

www.rotary.org