SOME 34 international exchange students were welcomed to the Noosa Botanic Gardens earlier this month as part of the Rotary’s Youth Exchange program.
The Rotary Club of Cooroy hosted the group of young students, who are among 8000 program participants who live and study abroad, learning a new language and experiencing a new culture.
Rotary Club of Cooroy president Andrew Aves said the group of students were wonderful, enthusiastic and charming.
“They are a credit to Australia and great ambassadors for their home countries,” he said.
“As part of the Rotary Youth Exchange program, students spend up to 12 months living and studying in another country. During their exchange they will learn a lot about themselves, the culture of their adopted host families and the diversity of their host country. It is an amazing, life-changing experience.”
Mr Aves said the exchange provides a unique opportunity for young Australians to experience first-hand the many cultures of a different country, a new way of life and in some instances another language.
“Often, the friendships they make will be life-long and important in achieving the aims of the exchange – the building of goodwill and understanding between countries,” he said.
Exchange students are between the ages of 15 and 18 and will be attending a secondary school in the area of the host club.
Host families voluntarily open their homes to the students for periods of about three to four months each. This time provides an opportunity for everyone to develop a lifetime of friendships, to learn a different culture and to gain many other rewarding experiences.
Swedish exchange student Morgan Biggar said the exchange to Sweden was one of the “best years of my life so far”.
“It’s been filled with challenges, growth and adventure. I’ve done things I’ve never thought possible – visiting a hotel made solely out of ice, hiking in the Alps, watching the northern lights dance and going to a lunch with the Australian ambassador. All of this was organised by Rotary. I’ve come a long way from my suburban house in Brisbane,” Morgan said.
“To live away from home for the 50 weeks duration of the exchange is a demanding yet rewarding experience. It is not always smooth sailing and requires a great strength of character, tolerance and an understanding of the acceptance of personal responsibility.
“All students have received training which prepares them for their year of exchange. This training is provided in areas of public speaking, understanding cultural differences and getting on with people from different persuasions.”
Cooroy Rotary’s youth director Carol Johnston said the students’ safety was a top priority.
“We believe our structure, system and procedures provide the best framework to protect our students, so that they may grow and develop into the outstanding young men and women that they will become,” she said.
“Rotary International is committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for all participants in Rotary activities. It is the duty of all Rotarians, Rotarians’ spouses, partners, and other volunteers to safeguard to the best of their ability the welfare of and to prevent abuse of children and young people with whom they come into contact.“
