District 5370 Youth Exchange Trips and Travel Philosophy

  • As stewards of the Youth Exchange Program for District 5370 we believe the greatest impact for a positive experience is for each student to focus on how to give back to their local community and make a lasting impression on the people of that community - Host parents, school, friends, Rotarians and the broader community who have adopted them.
  • The trips provided by our District have been chosen for their Canadian cultural experiences and overall benefits to the student and our 5370 program.
  1. Tip Toe With The Caribou – Hosted by the Rotary Club of Lloydminster
  2. ElwynGrattidge Rocky Mountain Canoe Adventure–Hosted by the Rotary Club of Camrose
  3. Jasper Ski Weekend - Host by the Rotary Club of Downtown Edmonton
  • Youth Exchange is not a travel experience to other countries – students choose Canada because they want to experience Canada.
  • Travel with host families over spring break or at Christmas or to attend a Rotary Convention is one thing.
  • Multipleout of Canada trips is inconsiderate to ask for and too much for clubs to even consider providing our students.
  • Exchange students who are spending time in their communities giving back are jealous because of the opportunities some clubs afford one or two of their Inbound exchange friends.
  • Counsellors from other communities are placed in the unenviable position of not being able to provide their students with similar opportunities and having to say NO.
  • Exchange students need to have a TEENAGE experience connecting with local friends in their host community and hanging out on weekends going to movies and sports events.
  • Too much time spent travelling and Rotarians will not remember who their student was and why they agreed to host a student in the first place.
  • Host parents will be reluctant to take students in the future if they think student expectations are too high and unreasonable.

Apply the Rotary Four Way Test:

  • Is it the truth
  • Is it fair to all concerned
  • Will it build goodwill and better friendships
  • Will it be beneficial to all concerned

Not if the objective is to satisfy every wish an exchange student might have or every opportunity we as Rotarians believe they deserve:

Let’sBeReasonable

  1. Youth exchange is not about indulging our student’s every wish – It is NOT Make a Wish Program.
  2. It is about service above self – Being Truthful about your commitment to the objectives of Rotary.
  3. It is about teaching our youth to think of others and not to be self centered just because they were selected as a youth exchange student.
  4. What has your student done for the club?
  5. How are they Building Goodwill in the community?
  6. Will your club and host families burn out trying to keep up – Fair to All Concerned?
  7. Can your club live up to the precedent and expectations in future years – Not Beneficial to All Concerned.
  8. What message are the other exchange students in 5370 receiving – Building Better Friendships.
  9. Be First as an exchange student - Be on purpose in your community – Be grateful – Be of Service – connect – leave a legacy – Be Curious about Canada – Be Here Now.

Youth Exchange Tree: This is what being an Exchange Student is about

Phase I: Living Within – the foundation (the roots) of your exchange.

Goals:

  • Learn language basics
  • Establish rapport with counsellor & host family
  • Respect, understand and observe local customs & laws

Phase II: Ambassador – growing, sharing and developing – branching out.

Goals:

  • Regular speaking roles (Rotary, school, and/or community)
  • Extensive contact network (Rotarians, adults, & school friends)
  • High level of functioning in local language
  • Deepening understanding of Canadian culture
  • Sharing homeland culture

Phase III: Leaving a Legacy – “Fruits” of your exchange year are born – giving back.

Goals:

  • Freely sharing your passion, gifts and talents for a greater purpose
  • Initiating an endeavour, action, or project that contributes to others

Wayne S. McCutcheon
RYE Chair

District 5370 Alberta, Canada

The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands

14-Oct-18Page 1