Students have the opportunity of a lifetime to engage in new cultures, see the world, and shift their perspective through Rotary Youth Exchange. As administrators, we must prepare them for their upcoming year. Learn from experienced YEOs and share your stories as we consider the best methods to equip our students for their best year yet. Birger Stjernberg D1420, Finland

1. 2016 ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
PREPARING STUDENTS FOR THEIR
EXPERIENCE
TRAINING AND SUPPORTING

2. 2016 ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
I will concentrate on the training of the students
but also include the support as an important part in
the host country.

3. BIRGER STJERNBERG
Multidistrict Chair
D1380-1430 / FINLAND & ESTONIA

4. Selection and Training - the most important of the exchange
year
Time and energy on these functions - give good results
Start already in the early autumn
We recommend 4-6 training sessions
The last trainig in June
1. THE BEGINNING

5. Training starts from the selection
The club makes the first interviews. Inform the student
candidate of the most important issues of the exchange
year.
YE officer and YE team involved.
Rotex-students take part in the discussions.
The training has started.
2. SELECTION PROCESS

6. The district takes over the process
The district has the final word
Duration 1-2 days process
All potential candidates are invited to the test
Rotex students are assisting the Rotarians in the
interviews
Every student is indvidually interviewed
We have to be convinced that every candidate has
understood the rules and principles related to the
Rotary Exchange
3. STUDENT SELECTED

7. Student has passed the test and been accepted
The official application been submitted to the district chair
The students and their parents are invited to a one day
training
The basic structure of the exchange year, practices and
challenges are discussed
This day is at the same time the first introduction to the host
family world as the parents usually will host one IB
student for 3-4 months
Rotex students are taking part in the training
4. TRAINING

8. • The multidistrict is engaged in the preparation of the
students and the parents
• More than 500 persons are attending
• All imortant issues, matters , questions are on the agenda,
• Some repetition from previous discussions
• The host country is known at this stage
• Students are divided into groups depending on
destination, areas and cultures
• Selective training by correspondents and (again) Rotex
Students
• The Rotex students are playing an important role in the
preparation
5. MULTIDISTRICT LEVEL

9. Back to district level
Documents already in order
Departure on the door step
The last preparation of the district students
Important practical matters and questions from
students are on the agenda
Culture chock - Rotex
6. EARLY JUNE

10. The correspondent and the district committee
establish contacts to the students, sponsoring
clubs and host clubs
Keep the student informed of all steps in the
process
Working for confidence and trust between all
parts
Security
7. CORRESPONDENTS ROLE

11. • The very last training takes place in North and South
America, in Mexico and Australia (Singapore)
• The students are escorted in a group to one of above
destination
major town where they have a special program including
the last preparation and support
A local Rotarian is invited to inform about the local rules
and traditions in the country or area
Local Rotarians take part in the training
8. FINAL ”LUBRICATION”

12. • Orientation camp soon after arrival to host district
• Students become acquainted with the culture and rules
• Basic training in the local language
• Informationabout Rotary International
• Students from different countries meet each other
• More important to get local friends
9. IB – STUDENT SUPPORT

13. • Arrange program for the student regularly – club meetings
• Club members invite the student to events like job visits,
• family celebrations, parties, concerts etc. etc.
• Rotary or family trips, when arranged
• Involve student in club projects – to do good in the world
• YEO has to be more active
• YE-team the same
• Clubs are failing in this
10. ACTIVE CLUB

14. • Arranging camps and meetings where students can discuss
possible problems and of course give feedback related to
the daily life and routnes
• Invite students to district meetings and conferences
• Involve students in district projects
• Sport events / - activities
• Secure the well being of the student in all respects
11. ACTIVE DISTRICT

15. • Similar rules in all 3-4 host families. This makes it easier
for the student. Mutual discussion evening
Agree on common practices
Communication with the student and rotarians
• Give the student best possible surrounding in order to get
him / her feeling welcome and safe.
12. HOST FAMILY

16. Are we positive, constructive, defending the student, fair or
strict but fair in all situations?
13. THE ROTARIANS