Exchange Student Programs Available Through Rotary

The following is a press release from the Jefferson Township Rotary regarding the club's exchange student program.

Learn a new language, experience a different culture, make new friends, spend a year in a foreign land—there are many benefits of studying abroad.

If you will be a high school student in 2012-13, you can broaden your world view as a Rotary Youth Exchange Student in a foreign country. Many for-profit exchange programs cost tens of thousands of dollars for such exchanges. Rotary has been providing this enriching experience since the 1920s for a minimal cost to students and their families.

Rotary Club volunteers administer the program at the local level, which helps keep costs low for students and their families. These volunteers often offer years of experience with students and host families, ensuring a safe, nurturing and enriching environment.

While students are overseas, they are treated like a member of the family. Their schooling, their room and board and their food are covered by the host family.

Rotary District 7470, comprised of Essex, Morris, Sussex and Warren Counties, has had student exchanges with Spain, Germany, France, Japan, India, Brazil, Argentina and many other countries.

There are two programs for high school students: an academic year exchange, and a short-term exchange of 3-4 weeks during the summer. Applications from interested students will be accepted until Jan. 31. Interviews will be conducted during February and March with final selections made by the end of March.

Is your child interested in becoming a foreign exchange student? Would you enjoy the experience of hosting a student from another country? For more information, visit www.youthexchangenj.org or contact Judy Frank at 973-598-0661 or frankassoc@optonline.net

To learn more about Rotary in your community, visit www.rotarydistrict7470.org