Families wanted for Rotary exchange

The Rotary Club of Umina is encouraging Peninsula residents with high school aged children interested in studying abroad to attend the Rotary Youth Exchange information night on February 17, at Phillip House, Kariong.

Each year thousands of young people worldwide are given an opportunity to experience the cultures and accomplishments of people in other countries through the exchange program for up to one year.

Those interested in doing an exchange will need to come to terms with both adapting to new surroundings, way of life and home, as well as extended periods of separation from family members and loved ones.

To live away from home for the 50 weeks during 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.

The exchange provides a unique opportunity for young Australians to experience at 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.

Newsletter, 15 Aug 2016

Rod Radford, Umina Rotary