Applications for Exchange Starting January 2019 Initial applications must be submitted to the District 9650 Rotary Youth Exchange Committee. Applications should be lodged with D9650 Youth Exchange Committee before 8th May 2018 Initial application can be lodged by the following method: Email: secyepd9650@gmail.com Phone: 02 6553 5813 or 0438 619 962 Mail to: 145 Bungay Rd Wingham NSW 2429 For information on our program and How Do I Qualify please check the District Youth web site: www.rotaryyouthexchange9650.com.au. Initial interviews by local Rotary Clubs will be conducted during March, April and early May 2018. It is important to check with your school as to how your year overseas will affect your future education when considering to apply. This response will vary from school to school and also your own future needs. WHAT IS ROTARY? Rotary International is a worldwide organisation, founded in 1905 to serve the local community and to promote peace and friendship throughout the world. On a global scale it is involved in medical and developmental programs for developing nations as well as instituting services for local groups and needs. WHAT IS THE YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAM? Rotary Youth Exchange Programs are organised by individual Rotary Clubs and Districts throughout the world. Each year Rotary Youth Exchange provides thousands of young people with the opportunity to experience the cultures and accomplishments of people in other countries. The ambassadorial nature of the exchange promotes world understanding and peace. The Rotary program is recognised as the best exchange program by schools, parents and the students themselves, because of its sound infrastructure and the worldwide support network. WHO IS ELIGIBLE? The preferred age of applicants is between 15 years and 17 years 6 months of age at the time of departure. Departure is always in January of the year following selection. Applicants should be of good character and be able to demonstrate good academic records as well as an understanding of and interest in their community. A good knowledge of Australia and its social and political structures is highly desirable. The ideal Rotary exchange student will be well presented and well spoken, a person who is motivated and who motivates others. Applicants must be of good character and reputation. 1
Sons and daughters of Rotarians are eligible for Youth Exchange, but receive no special preference in selections. All applicants are selected solely on merit. OBLIGATIONS OF STUDENTS: 1. Students must obey the laws of the host country and the rules of the Rotary sponsoring and host Districts at all times. They must also accept discipline of the host school and host parents. Students are expected to adapt to the home environment of the host families - the host families are under no obligation to adapt themselves to the student. 2. The student is an Ambassador for Australia and must at all times behave in a manner that will reflect credit on his or her family, community and country. 3. Students must return to Australia at the completion of the year. Students will not be allowed to stay after the termination of their exchange period. OBLIGATIONS OF PARENTS/GUARDIANS: 1. The Parents/Guardians are required to provide the cost of transporting the student (including all costs for visa passport and air departure taxes) to and from the host country. 2. Students are not permitted to depart Australia without insurance cover acceptable to Rotary International Standards. Any costs associated with this are to be covered by the Parents/Guardians, though these are very small through the Rotary network. 3. Parents/Guardians will provide for day-to-day personal living expenses such as clothing, telephone, postage and travel on organised tours etc. for the student whilst overseas. Parents will also provide and maintain an emergency fund of AUD$500.00, which can be drawn on, with the consent of the student's counsellor or host parents. The students will receive a monthly allowance of approximately AUD$120.00 per month from the host Rotary Club. 4. Parents/Guardians will attend two "Briefing Camps" with the student to prepare for the exchange. These will be held in July and November. The Bonville briefing weekend in September will be students only 5. Parents/Guardians should demonstrate support for the student, the program and its objectives. ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAM TIMETABLE... for outbound students 1. Applications must be lodged either typed or written in BLOCK LETTERS with the D9650 Youth Exchange Committee. 2. Applications should be lodged no later than 8th May 2018, however all interested persons should liaise with the D9650 Youth Exchange Committee in this regard. 3. Local Rotary Club Committees will interview students and their parents and will recommend suitable students for further consideration by the District Selection Committee. The club must complete these interviews by May 10th. 4. The District Selection Committee will interview recommended students on the weekend of the 19 th and 20 th May 2018 in Walcha and if successful students will be required to complete three copies of a more detailed and final application prior to the first briefing weekend in July. 5. Students selected by the District Youth Exchange Committee will depart from Australia in mid January 2019 for twelve months. 2
To: D9650 Youth Exchange Committee To be completed by applicant Applicant s Name: Address: Post code: Date of Birth: Email: Citizen of (Country): Sex (Male / Female): Home Phone: Mobile Phone: Parents or Legal Guardians Father s Name: Mother s Name: Address: Address: Phone: Phone: Occupation: Occupation: Brothers and Sisters Brothers and Sisters Sex: Sex: Occupation: Occupation: Living at Home: Living at Home: Do you have relatives living overseas? If so where: Relation (Grandparents, Aunt, Cousin etc.): Name and address of your school: 3
Applicant s Personal Background How much time do you devote to studies? (Homework etc.): When will you finish high school/college? Year of High School/College in 2018? What languages have you studied and for how long? Are you able to speak and read those languages, and how well? Note: A proficiency in a second language does not ensure priority placement, as the program encourages the challenge of a new culture as opposed to a language-finishing course. 4
What other information can you give to enable a better assessment to be made of your potential as an Ambassador for your country (achievements, awards, talents, etc.) Sporting and cultural activities (describing degree of ability) Do you smoke? Yes / No. Do you drink alcoholic beverages? Yes / No. Have you ever been involved with drugs? Yes/No. Do you have a steady boy/girlfriend? Yes/No. How often do you go out together? Do you have any dietary restrictions or pre-existing medical conditions? Yes/No (if yes please explain) 5
What responsibilities and activities have you had at school and within the community? (clubs, offices, etc.) Why do you think you would make a good exchange student? 6
District 9650 exchanges with the following countries: Austria Belgium Brazil Czech Republic Denmark Finland France Germany Italy Japan Norway Sweden Switzerland Taiwan Please Note: Students will NOT necessarily be offered a placement in their country of choice, as places are often limited. You may nominate your preference but may be offered an alternative if successful. List countries for exchange (in order of preference) 1 2 3 4 5 If you would prefer not to exchange with any particular country / region please list them. If there is a country that you would like to exchange with that is not listed above, please tell us as we are investigating exchanges with new countries. 7
School Endorsement: I would recommend: Enthusiastically, Strongly, Moderately, Fairly. not recommend this student as a future Rotary Exchange Student Name: Signature Telephone Date Office held (Principal, Year Adviser, etc) Please attach a copy of your latest school report Character references I will also produce character references from 1 2 Name Contact Number Please note: Successful applicants MUST attend the following compulsory events: District Interviews (Walcha) 19 th -20 th May, 2018 1 st Briefing weekend (Uralla) 28-29 th July 2018 There will be further briefing weekends held and dates and venues will be advised when these have been confirmed. Costs for these weekends are included in the total program costs. Rebounders Debrief (TBA) February 2020 to be advised Date Signed (Applicant) We, the parents / guardians of the above named applicant understand that we will be responsible to meet the obligations of the Youth Exchange Program as outlined in this initial application and the information accompanying this initial application form. Date Signed (Mother / Guardian) Date Signed (Father / Guardian) 8