Rotary drive for exchange students

By Kath Gannaway
THE Rotary Club of Healesville is on the lookout for exchange student candidates.
THE Rotary Youth Exchange student recruitment drive for District 9810, which includes Healesville, is in full swing with up to 51 students required to represent their local Rotary Club as ambassadors for their community, district and country on a year of study overseas.
Stuart McDonald, Rotary Youth Exchange Australia, Development and Promotions Officer, said Rotary exchange students can make a world of difference spending up to a year living with host families and attending school in a different country.
“The aim of the program is for students to experience a new way of living, to further goodwill and understanding, develop self confidence, potentially learn a new language, advance their education and hopefully make friends for life in the process,” Mr McDonald said.
“We are calling on all students in our district who have the passion to experience another culture, a willingness to learn new things and a desire to represent their community to contact us.”
Students between 15 years and six months and 17 years old and eight months of age can apply.
Mr McDonald said selection procedure includes submission of a detailed application and an interview.
Students are selected on academic record, linguistic ability, community involvement and potential as a cultural ambassador.
For further information contact Mr McDonald on 5962 4694.