So, my mom told me about this program, The Rotary Youth Exchange, and said that I could go to school in another country for a year. This was a compromise as a few weeks earlier I had said I wasn't ready to go to university and said I'll do another year of High school or go backpacking through Europe. Needless to say she was not happy with these choices. I was happy however, when she came home with this idea.
The application process was a long one. First a preliminary application form with basic information. Then came a small interview with some Rotarians from my city. After that another application, although this one was about sixteen pages long and very comprehensive. Then another larger interview with Rotarians and previous exchange students. The interviews were nerve racking and the process was long but the results were worth it. There were over forty countries to choose from and there was always a chance you might not get your first, second or even eleventh choice. Everyone in our district (6330) was accepted and placed. I was placed in Thailand (which I am thoroughly excited about).
After being accepted to the program, there were a number of conferences to attend all in preparation for the next year. All the information for any mundane or unexpected eventuality was covered, I don't think anyone feels they are going in blind.
I just heard from my host club, The Rotary Club of Chantaboon, in Chanthaburi, Thailand, and cannot wait to get there. Having just finished my exams and graduated from high school, I can't wait to start my next adventure!
If you are reading this and you think an exchange might be something you would like to do visit these sites to read up on it.
http://www.rotaryyouthexchange.net/
http://www.rotary.org
If you're interested, I encourage you to try it.
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