Programs & Projects
The Peekskill Rotary Club is offering young people in our communities the opportunity to participate in long-term and short-term international Youth Exchange Programs. France, Spain, Italy, Japan, Brazil, Australia and South Africa are among the most common of 70 countries that students might visit through these programs.
Students who participate have the experience of a lifetime in another country, learning or enhancing their language skills and immersing themselves in local culture by living with host families.
Students from Hendrick Hudson, Peekskill, and Walter Panas High Schools who want to study abroad for a full year beginning in August 2007 need to be between the ages of 15½ and 18 on Aug.1, 2007 to be eligible.
Applications are available through the guidance office of the high schools or by contacting Rotarians Dr. Anthony Curinga at 914-739-1300 or Tony Olivieri at 914-682-5024. For a full description of each program, go to www.exchangestudent.com/programs
Rotary has both long-term and short-term exchange programs. The first is for the full academic year while the latter is usually during summer vacation. Students for either exchange are selected by a sponsoring Rotary Club on the basis of a written application and personal interview.
Requirements
• Must be between 15 and 18 1/2 years old at the time of departure
• Above average academic achievement
• Outgoing and adventuresome
• Flexible and open to living in a different culture
Youth Exchange is open to the children of Rotarians as well as those of non-Rotarians. When students return, they will be asked to share their experiences with family, friends, Rotary Clubs, their school and community so that other young people can learn about Youth Exchange and our global neighbors.
Long-Term Exchange
Students spend a full academic year with one to four host families beginning in late summer. Host parents provide room and meals as well as support and guidance. The host Rotary Club provides a limited monthly spending allowance, a counselor, and supervision.
Although parents should be prepared to cover travel, health insurance and a few other costs for the outbound student, Rotary arranges travel and assists with visa arrangements. In some cases scholarships may be available to help defray exchange costs. Talk to your local Rotary Club about your individual situation.
Short-Term Exchange
In a Summer Cultural Exchange, students spend three to eight weeks in their host country visiting with another family and seeing another part of the world. Exchange variations including reciprocal hosting and hosting only are available. Each one provides an excellent opportunity to experience a new culture in a brief period of time. Like the long-term exchange, the short-term exchange requires a sponsoring Rotary Club in each country, and students are selected on the basis of a written application and interview process.
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